Effect of aziridino[60]fullerenes on thermal stability of nitrocellulose

A series of aziridino[60]fullerenes was synthesized by the reaction of octabromo[60]fullerene with various anilines. Their ability to absorb free radicals and acid gases was studied, and their potential applications as stabilizers in nitrocellulose-containing propellants were discussed. The results of differential thermal analysis showed that aziridino[60]fullerene can increase the exothermic peak temperatures of nitrocellulose by 0.55–2.37 °C. The methyl violet test found that aziridino[60]fullerenes can extend the complete decomposition period by 31–71 min. The results of vacuum stability test and thermogravimetric test indicated that aziridino[60]fullerene can delay the decomposition of nitrocellulose. Furthermore, their stabilization mechanism was studied by electron spin resonance spectroscopy, and the free-radical scavenging rate of 3c reached 86.09%. The findings demonstrate that aziridino[60]fullerenes could effectively eliminate the nitrogen oxides released by nitrocellulose autocatalysis and might be used as a new stabilizer for nitrocellulose-containing propellants. Graphical abstract