Thermal analysis of the extremely nitrogen-rich solids BTT and DAAT

3,6-Bis(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine BTT and 3,3'-azobis(6-amino-1,2,4,5-tetrazine) (DAAT) are nitrogen-rich substances considered as new components for energetic applications like gas generators. Therefore, the thermal decomposition behaviour of BTT and DAAT was thermoanalytically characterized. Both substances decompose at surprisingly high temperatures of >200degreesC. The decomposition heats released belong to the highest ever measured for energetic materials under similar experimental conditions and are spread over a relatively narrow temperature range. The online monitoring of the decomposition gases reveals the decomposition pathway which is initiated by ring opening reactions of the tetrazole and tetrazine subunits. Subsequent reaction steps could be identified leading to a residue-free degradation of the C-N-backbone of BTT and DAAT.