THE EFFECTS OF X-RAY AND GAMMA RAY IRRADIATION ON THE THERMAL DECOMPOSITION OF AMMONIUM PERCHLORATE IN THE SOLID STATE
The effect of exposure of ammonium perchlorate to x and radiation on its chemical reactivity with respect to thermal decomposition was investigated. The course of the reaction was followed by differential thermal analysis and by thermogravimetric experiments conducted under ambient and reduced pressures. Decomposition was also studied by microscopic observations. The data show that several stages of reaction are involved in the decomposition of ammonium perchlorate and that the low temperature stages are appreciably enhanced as a result of preirradiation. The relative importance of the various stages of reaction were found to be a function of the exposure dose. Although direct evidence is lacking, it is suggested that the increased reactivity of the irradiated substance may be due to the presence of positive holes which would favor an electron transfer mechanism of decomposition. The effect of impurities such as Ag/sup +/, Cu/sup ++/, and I- ions on decomposition seem to support the suggested mechanism. The decomposition pattern of samples exposed to rays is similar to that of the x-ray irradiated ammonium perchlorate. (auth)
- Research Organization:
- Picatinny Arsenal, Dover, N.J.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- NSA Number:
- NSA-15-004037
- OSTI ID:
- 4113817
- Journal Information:
- Journal of Physical Chemistry (U.S.), Vol. Vol: 64; Other Information: Orig. Receipt Date: 31-DEC-61
- Country of Publication:
- Country unknown/Code not available
- Language:
- English
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