SYNTHESIS OF NITROSTARCH: CORRELATION BETWEEN NITRATION METHODOLOGY, STRUCTURAL CHARACTERISTICS, AND FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES IN THE CONTEXT OF DEVELOPING HIGH-ENERGETIC MATERIALS

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the synthesis of nitrostarch, focusing on the correlation between
nitration methodology, the resulting structural characteristics, and the functional properties critical for its application in highenergy
materials. A comparative analysis of classical nitration methods using mixed acid (HNO₃/H₂SO₄) and a modern approach
employing nitrating oleum (with a free NO₂ content of 3-20%) in combination with sulfuric acid was conducted. The research
highlights the significant influence of the nitrating agent's composition on the degree of esterification, molecular degradation,
and ultimately, the thermal stability of the final product. Experimental work involved the nitration of corn and potato starch
under controlled conditions. The oleum-based method was found to be superior, enabling the production of nitrostarch with a
high nitrogen content (12.6-12.9%), indicative of a high degree of substitution, while minimizing destructive side reactions and
preserving the integrity of the polymer chain. Furthermore, the impact of various post-synthesis stabilization techniques,
including acid boil, alkaline boil, and washing procedures, was systematically evaluated. The results demonstrate the strong
structure-property relationships in nitrostarch and confirm its significant potential as a sustainable and effective component for
modifying the burning rate and mechanical properties of advanced high-energetic compositions, thereby contributing to the
diversification of raw material sources for the defense and aerospace industries.