Specific features of thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate subjected to $\gamma$ radiation

Results of studying thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP) samples in the original form and after irradiation by $\gamma$-quanta of $^{60}$Co by methods of differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic thermogravimetry with heating rates $b$ = 0.1–0.3 K/sec are described. Irradiation is performed in air at a temperature of 298 $\pm$ 2 K and a dose rate of $\approx$0.2 Gy/sec in the range of absorbed doses $D$ = 0–150 kGy. Preliminary irradiation is demonstrated to lead to substantial transformations of the pattern of thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate in the dynamic regime of heating: the single-stage process of decomposition of non-irradiated samples proceeding at $b$ = 0.107 K/sec in the temperature range of 625 to 743 K is replaced by a multistage process. At $D$ = 150 kGy, exothermal transformations accompanied by noticeable losses of sample mass are observed starting from 473 K. Within experimental errors, the total thermal effect of AP decomposition is found to be independent of the absorbed dose and amounts to -1150 kJ/kg on the average.