Polypyrrole material for the electrostatic discharge sensitivity mitigation of Al/SnO2 energetic composites

Nanothermites are composite energetic materials made of fuel and oxidizer nanoparticles characterized by impressive exothermic reactions (highly flame temperatures and impressive heat combustion releases). However, nanothermites suffer from their high electrostatic discharge (ESD) sensitivity that may be at the origin of accidental ignitions during handling. The present study deals with the use of doped-polypyrrole conducting polymer in aluminum/tin (IV) oxide energetic formulation (Al/SnO2). X-ray diffraction, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, conductivity measurements, sensitivities and combustion tests were implemented to characterize the polypyrrole-doped Al/SnO2 energetic composite. The results revealed a significant gradual ESD desensitization of the nanothermite (<0.14 mJ to 246.40 mJ) as a function of the doped-polypyrrole amount (0 to 15 wt%). The reactive properties of the polypyrrole-enriched Al/SnO2 nanothermite were verified and an acceptable reactive behavior was claimed. The successful adding of doped-polypyrrole conducting polymer within energetic nanocomposites is reported for the first time.

Automated summary

This study investigated the use of doped-polypyrrole conducting polymer in Al/SnO2 nanothermite to reduce its electrostatic discharge sensitivity, showing a gradual desensitization of ESD with increasing polypyrrole content. The reactive properties of polypyrrole-enriched nanothermite were verified, indicating an acceptable reactive behavior. This is the first report of successful addition of doped-polypyrrole conducting polymer in energetic nanocomposites.