Orthogonal array design method for optimization experiments of composite oxides (CuCr ₂ O ₄ /CuO) synthesis and investigation of their catalytic activity on thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate particles

The composite solid propellants (CSPs) are extensively used as an energy source in solid rocket motors. In this work, a new precursor of copper was utilized for synthesis of composite oxides (CuCr2O4/CuO) via co-precipitation route in order to improve the properties of CSP formulations. The synthesized catalyst was characterized using SEM/EDAX, ICP/AES, XRD, and XPS techniques. The catalytic activities toward the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate particles were investigated using DSC and TG techniques. Taguchi L-9 orthogonal array design method was exploited for the assessment of the effectiveness of synthesis parameters on the catalytic activities of synthesized composite oxide samples.