Abstract: (2745 Views)
Hematite iron oxide (α-Fe2O3) is used in military industries as a main component of thermite mixtures, burning rate catalyst of composite propellants and pyrotechnic igniter systems. Catalytic and oxidation activity of this mineral combination increases strongly with reduction of particle size. In this research, nanoparticles of hematite iron oxide was synthesized by a new co-precipitation method by using iron (III) nitrate nonahydrate in alkaline environment (pH=11). In order of completion of oxidation, hydrogen peroxide 35% was added in final step. Product was analyzed by SEM, TEM, FT-IR and XRD techniques after separation and drying at 60 ᵒC. SEM and TEM images indicated that the product is rod-shape by mean diameter of 40 nm and length of 150 nm. Afterward the applying this product was investigated in incendiary thermite formulation. Results showed that the thermite formulation containing nano has more intense ignition effects in relation to same composition containing micronized . Burning time of these formulations were 3 sec and 4 sec respectively. Furthermore, the hole diameter created in steel target increased about 23% by using n-iron oxide.