The catalytic effect of NiO on thermal decomposition of nitrocellulose

The catalytic effect of NiO on thermal decomposition of nitrocellulose (NC) has been investigated via thermogravimetry-mass spectrometry (TG-MS) coupling technique, and the residue of NC with 20% NiO reacted in tubular furnace was analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). TG-MS analysis showed that adding 2% NiO to NC accelerated the thermal decomposition process and promoted the generation of gaseous products. The catalytic mechanism was based on the accelerated generation of NO2, which further reacted with the radical to produce other gaseous products. XRD analysis of catalyst residue showed that Ni was formed during the catalytic reaction.