Thermal properties of 1,2,4-triazole-3-one and copper nitrate mixtures

1,2,4-Triazole-3-one (TO) is anticipated to have applications as a high performance alternative gas generating agent, while basic copper nitrate (BCN) is typically used as the oxidizing agent in air bag systems. In order to obtain a better understanding of the thermal properties of TO/BCN mixtures, thermal behavior was investigated using the differential scanning calorimetry. Mixtures of TO with copper, copper oxide, and trihydrated copper nitrate (Cu(NO3)2·3H2O) were also examined for comparison purposes. Samples were prepared at TO/BCN ratios (on a per mass basis) of 10/0, 7/3, 5/5, 3/7, 2/8, 1.6/8.4, 1/9, and 0/10. The endothermic onset temperatures for TO/BCN mixtures were lower than those for either pure TO or pure BCN. TO/BCN mixtures exhibited an initial exothermic peak immediately after an endothermic peak, in the range of 219–234 °C. TO/BCN mixtures with ratios of 3/7, 2/8, 1.6/8.4, and 1/9 displayed a second series of exothermic peaks in the range of 260–300 °C, which appear to result from the oxidation–reduction reaction of previously formed intermediate species with NO2 and NO generated by unreacted BCN. The TO/CuO mixtures are believed to undergo reaction between molten TO and CuO at approximately 230 °C. In general, the presence of copper was shown to be effective at promoting the decomposition of TO. The reaction between TO and Cu(NO3)2·3H2O seems to be initiated by the melting of Cu(NO3)2·3H2O, following which TO reacts with nitric acid resulting from the dissociation of Cu(NO3)2·3H2O. Overall, the triggering event for the reaction between TO and each of the copper nitrate species is a phase change of one of the two mixture components.