The catalytic effects of nano-Fe2O3 and rGO–Fe2O3 on the thermal decomposition properties of CL-20/HMX cocrystals

The DSC-TG-MS-FTIR coupling technique and in situ FTIR technique were used to study the catalytic effects of nano-Fe2O3 and rGO–Fe2O3 on the thermal decomposition behaviors of CL-20/HMX cocrystals. The results showed nano-Fe2O3 having a good catalytic effect on the thermal decomposition of the CL-20/HMX cocrystal. Nano-Fe2O3 was found to enhance CO2 production and prevent the production of NH2+, HCN, and CHO or N2H+ during the decomposition of cocrystalline CL-20/HMX. Meanwhile, both the CL-20/HMX thermal decomposition peak temperature and Ea were reduced by including nano-Fe2O3. The inclusion of rGO–Fe2O3 did not enhance the catalytic effect of nano-Fe2O3, but did reduce residue formation during the CL-20/HMX decomposition process. Breaking of N–N bonds and the release of NO2 were concluded to constitute the initial steps of the decomposition of the CL-20/HMX cocrystal. This investigation has contributed to our understanding of the thermal decomposition of the CL-20/HMX cocrystal and provides guidance for the catalytic decomposition of energetic material cocrystals.