Thermochimica Acta, Vol.659, 55-58, 2018
Thermal behavior of Al/Zr/KClO4 pyrotechnic compositions at high temperature
A pyrotechnic composition of aluminum, zirconium, and potassium perchlorate was prepared to obtain suitable safety and sensitivity. The thermal behavior, microstructure, and composition of the pyrotechnic compositions heated from 300 degrees C to 600 degrees C were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry (TG), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) to evaluate the properties of the pyrotechnics after the high-temperature process, such as the 1 A/1 W no-fire test. When the heating temperature increased, the sharp exothermic peak near 530 degrees C decreased, corresponding to the reaction of metal powders with potassium perchlorate. Gradual oxidizing reaction between Zr and KClO4 can occur in solid stage when the temperature exceeds 400 degrees C. With the increase of the heating temperature from 400 degrees C to 600 degrees C, the mass losses in TG curves decreased, and melted particles of KClO4 appeared gradually. The Al/Zr/KClO4 pyrotechnic composition was safe in the of 1 A/1 W no-fire test. Hence, Al/Zr/KClO4 can be used in flash pyrotechnics, fireworks, and fuel-rich propellants.