Novel NSTEX System Based on Ti/CuO/NC Nanothermite Doped with NTO

Modern energetic materials (EMs), e.g., nanothermite and NSTEX (Nanostructured Thermites and Explosive) compositions are attracting increasing research interest. In this work, we present the results of our investigation on the properties of a novel Ti/CuO nanothermite system doped with cellulose nitrate (NC) and 5-Nitro-1,2-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazin-3-one (NTO). In terms of safety parameters, the friction (40–>360 N), impact (40–>50 J) and laser irradiation sensitivity were determined for tested systems, which indicated tunable properties. The combustion velocity (up to 735 m/s), pressure parameters for combustion in closed vessel, thrust parameters and open-air combustion behaviour were measured. Moreover, in order to deeply study the impact of NTO on the combustion mechanism, SEM, DSC/TG and XRD analyses were conducted. The obtained results indicate that the Ti/CuO/NC/NTO system is extremely promising for future applications.