Synthesis of Nano-Rod α-Iron Oxide by a New Coprecipitation Method: Application in Thermite Incendiary

Hematite iron oxide (α-Fe2O3) is used in military industries as a main component of thermite mixtures, burning rate catalyst of composite propellants and pyrotechnic igniter systems. Catalytic and oxidation activity of this mineral combination increases strongly with reduction of particle size. In this research, nanoparticles of hematite iron oxide was synthesized by a new co-precipitation method by using iron (III) nitrate monohydrate in alkaline environment (pH=11). In order of completion of oxidation, hydrogen peroxide 35% was added in the final step. Product was analyzed by SEM, TEM, FT-IR and XRD techniques after separation and drying at 60 °C. SEM and TEM images indicated that the product is rodshape by mean diameter of 40 nm and length of 150 nm. Afterward, this product was applied in incendiary thermite formulation. Results showed that the thermite formulation containing nano 𝐹𝑒2𝑂3 has more intense ignition effects compared to the same composition containing micronized 𝐹𝑒2𝑂3. Burning time of these formulations were 3 and 4 sec respectively. Furthermore, the hole diameter created in steel target increased about 23% by using nano-iron oxide.