Formation of copper oxide through NaNO3-KNO3 eutectic melt and its catalytic activity in the decomposition of ammonium perchlorate

The decomposition of basic copper carbonate in the presence and absence of NaNO3-KNO3 eutectic melt has been studied by employing isothermal TG and dynamic TG/DSC techniques. The rate constants for the decomposition in the presence of eutectic melt were found to be higher than when carbonate was heated alone. In both the cases copper oxide was found to be the end product. Catalytic activity of copper oxide obtained by the two methods were tested for the decomposition of ammonium perchlorate. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.