Role of point defects in the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate

Abstract

The thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate has usually been described in terms of chemical reactions with the point defect structure of the solid ignored. Both the isothermal and adiabatic decompositions have been reinvestigated over the temperature range 200 to 450°C. There is a good correlation between the isothermal d. c. electrical conductance of single crystals, and of conductance as a function of temperature with the extent of decomposition, indicating that charge carriers play a significant role in the thermal decomposition. The study of the electrical conductivity as a function of temperature has resulted in the assignment of a probable defect structure to ammonium perchlorate: cationic Frenkel type below 250°C and Schottky disorder at higher temperatures. This suggests an explanation for the phenomenon of only 30% decomposition below 250°C and 100% above this temperature.