Polypyrrole material for the electrostatic discharge sensitivity mitigation of Al/SnO2 energetic composites

Nanothermites are composite energetic materials made of fuel and oxidizer nanoparticles characterized by impressive exothermic reactions (highly flame temperatures and impressive heat combustion releases). However, nanothermites suffer from their high electrostatic discharge (ESD) sensitivity that may be at the origin of accidental ignitions during handling. The present study deals with the use of doped-polypyrrole conducting polymer in aluminum/tin (IV) oxide energetic formulation (Al/SnO₂). X-ray diffraction, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, conductivity measurements, sensitivities and combustion tests were implemented to characterize the polypyrrole-doped Al/SnO₂ energetic composite. The results revealed a significant gradual ESD desensitization of the nanothermite (<0.14 mJ to 246.40 mJ) as a function of the doped-polypyrrole amount (0 to 15 wt%). The reactive properties of the polypyrrole-enriched Al/SnO₂ nanothermite were verified and an acceptable reactive behavior was claimed. The successful adding of doped-polypyrrole conducting polymer within energetic nanocomposites is reported for the first time.