Nitrous Oxide Material Compatibility

Nitrous oxide is one of the most common oxidizers used in amateur rocketry because it is self-pressurizing and can be used at room temperatures. Furthermore, it is non-toxic. Even so, considerations must still be made when selecting materials that will come into contact with nitrous oxide because it can react with the material, or cause the nitrous oxide to decompose.

Nitrous oxide is an organic solvent and organic materials such as residue on the inside of a tank can dissolve into it, forming a potentially explosive solution.

Nitrous oxide can decompose when exposed to hot materials, especially materials that could act as a catalyst. The presence of dissolved organic materials also lowers the activation energy of nitrous oxide decomposition.

[sources coming soon tm]

Nitrous oxide material compatibility resources:

Note: No material is unconditionally safe. Safe usage will always depend on the specific case (oxygen purity, pressure, temperature, cleanliness and elimination of ignition mechanisms, etc)