Design and fabrication of high-energy SASN/g-C3N4 composites for enhanced electrostatic safety and thermal stability

Abstract

Silver acetylide-silver nitrate (SASN) is a promising light-initiated explosive for the synchronized short-pulse loading which can simulate the blow-off impulse loading of intense pulsed X-ray, but high electrostatic discharge (ESD) and mechanical sensitivities limit its broad application. To address this issue, novel SASN/g-C₃N₄ composites were synthesized using a facile self-assembly method, in which graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) nanosheets were uniformly adsorbed on the surface of SASN by strong electrostatic interaction, and the content of g-C₃N₄ was precisely controlled form 0.5 wt% to 1.5 wt%. The thermal decomposition peak temperature (223.1 °C), impact sensitivity (1.86 J) and friction sensitivity (108 N) of SASN/(1 %)g-C₃N₄ composite were all improved greatly, compared to that of pure SASN, and the ESD threshold energy of SASN/g-C₃N₄ composite increased from 0.36 to 0.56 mJ. Importantly, the small addition of g-C₃N₄ does not affect the photosensitivity and detonation performances of SASN. This work offers a viable approach to improve the safety of SASN explosives while maintaining its inherent performances.