Nanoferrites: Preparation, characterization and catalytic activity

Quaternary ferrite nanoparticles (QFN) such as CuCoNiFe2O4, NiCuZnFe2O4 and CuCoZnFe2O4, have been prepared using sol–gel autocombustion method. These QFN were characterized by FE-SEM, TEM and XRD. Their catalytic activity was investigated on the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP), polymer (HTPB) and composite solid propellants (CSPs) using TG and TG–DTA. Burning rate of CSPs was considerably enhanced in each case. Rapid thermolyses of the propellants and AP have also been studied using ignition delay.