Polymethylhydrosiloxane-Coated Ammonium Dinitramide: A Simple Strategy to Moisture-Resistant and Insensitive Energetic Microspheres
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Ammonium dinitramide (ADN) is a promising, environmentally friendly oxidizer for next-generation solid propellants. However, its high hygroscopicity and sensitivity to mechanical stimuli significantly hinder its practical applications. Here, ADN-polymethylhydrosiloxane (ADN-PMHS) composite microspheres were prepared via solvent-antisolvent crystallization, followed by a simple surface coating step. The morphology, chemical structure, thermal behavior, hygroscopicity, and mechanical sensitivity of the coated microspheres were systematically characterized. Results revealed that PMHS formed a uniform, continuous hydrophobic layer on the ADN crystal surfaces, yielding well-dispersed spherical particles. At an optimal PMHS content of 0.5 wt % (ADN-0.5%PMHS), the composite exhibited 54.8% lower moisture uptake after 25 h at 60% relative humidity and a 1.6 times reduction in impact sensitivity compared with raw ADN. Moreover, the activation energy increased from 164.44 to 184.96 kJ/mol, indicating improved thermal stability, while the decomposition temperature remained nearly unchanged. These findings demonstrate that ADN-0.5%PMHS microspheres possess enhanced moisture resistance, mechanical insensitivity, and thermal stability, making them highly attractive for advanced, environmentally sustainable solid-propellant formulations.
Source: ACS Omega
Authors: Anh Thuc Bui, Quang Hieu Pham, Van Toai Pham, Minh Thanh Vu, Hai Thuong Cao
Institution: Le Quy Don Technical University
Language: English
Subfield: Mechanics of Materials
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,935
OpenAlex ID: W7118312379