VAPORIZATION, COMBUSTION, AND MICROEXPLOSION OF DROPLETS OF ORGANIC AZIDES.

In this investigation, we have studied the droplet combustion, vaporization and microexplosion of the homologous series of n-alkyl monoazides (R prime -N//3) and diazides (N//3-R double prime -N//3) and have explored some effects of R group modifications. The potential of the azides is that they decompose upon heating, releasing heat and nitrogen which could significantly enhanced the overall droplet gasification rate. O. K. Rice and H. C. Campbell estimated a heat of decomposition of 55 kcal/mole from the oxidation of the decomposed products. Results show that azide addition can intensify the gasification rate and promote droplet disruption through liquid phase decomposition occurring either within the droplet interior or at the droplet surface. The results emphasize the sensitivity of droplet gasification to the molecular structure of the azides, which is contrary to the gasification of conventional hydrocarbon fuels.