Novel ammonium perchlorate/RDX co-crystal: bespoke energetic materials with tailored decomposition kinetics

Ammonium perchlorate/cyclo-trimethylene-trinitramine (AP/RDX) co-crystal was accomplished via solvent sublimation. Proper dispersion of AP within RDX matrix was verified using EDAX detector. AP/RDX co-crystal experienced the evolution of novel crystalline structure with superior thermal behavior. AP/RDX co-crystal experienced an increase in RDX decomposition enthalpy by 70.6%. Furthermore, it revealed decrease in RDX activation energy by −60.0% and −59.5% using Kissinger and Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose models, respectively. AP could bind effectively with RDX via hydrogen bonding and strong dipole–dipole interaction. This electrostatic bonding could be weakened at low temperature with the release of reactive species (ammonia and percholoric acid) that would catalyze RDX decomposition.