Ammonium perchlorate ("AP") is an inorganic compound of formula NH 4 ClO 4 . It is a colored or white solid that is soluble in water. Perchlorate is a strong oxidizing agent and ammonium is a good fuel. This combination explains the usefulness of this material as a rocket propellant. Its instability has involved him in a number of accidents, such as the PEPCON disaster.
Video Ammonium perchlorate
Production
Ammonium perchlorate (AP) is produced by the reaction between ammonia and perchloric acid. This process is the main channel for the industrial production of perchloric acid. Salt can also be produced by the reaction of salt ammonium salt metathesis with sodium perchlorate. This process exploits a relatively low NH solubility 4 ClO 4 , which is about 10% of it for sodium perchlorate.
AP crystallizes as a colorless rhombohedra.
Maps Ammonium perchlorate
Decomposition
Like most ammonium salts, ammonium perchlorate decomposes before it melts. Mild heating produces hydrogen chloride, nitrogen, oxygen, and water production.
- 4 NH 4 ClO 4 -> 4 HCl 2 N 2 5 O 2 6 H 2 O
AP burning is quite complex and widely studied. AP crystals decompose before melting, although a thin liquid layer has been observed on the surface of the crystal during high pressure combustion processes. Strong heating can cause an explosion. The complete reaction leaves no residue. Pure crystals can not sustain fire under 2 MPa pressure.
AP is a Class 4 oxidizer (may experience explosive reactions) for particle sizes over 15 micrometers and classified as explosives for particle sizes less than 15 micrometers.
Apps
The main use of ammonium perchlorate is in making solid propellant fuels. When AP is mixed with fuels (such as aluminum powder and/or with elastomeric binders), AP can produce self-burning far below atmospheric pressure. It is an important oxidizer with a decades-old history of use in solid rocket propellants - space launches (including the Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Booster), high-power military, amateur, and hobby rockets, as well as in some fireworks.
Some epoxy adhesives that can be "breakable" contain an AP suspension. After heating up to 300 ° C, AP decreases the organic adhesive, damaging cemented joints.
Toxicity
The perchlorate itself provides little acute toxicity. For example, sodium perchlorate has LD 50 2-4 g/kg and is removed rapidly after consumption. However, chronic exposure to perchlorate, even in low concentrations, has been shown to cause various thyroid problems, since it is taken at the site of iodine.
References
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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