Phase and thermal stabilization of ammonium nitrate in the form of PVP–AN glass

In order to accomplish both phase and thermal stabilization of ammonium nitrate (AN), a new material has been developed, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)–AN glass. PVP is capable of separating AN into its ions through an ion–dipole interaction with PVP. The ions remain separated below the glass transition temperature (Tg) of PVP (∼ 160 °C) which is confirmed by the disappearance of the solid–solid phase transitions associated with AN. Above the Tg, AN ions recombine, giving rise to a fast exothermic reaction. The material has been characterized by DSC, TGA, FTIR and quantum mechanical methods.