Catalytic effects of p-phenylene-bridged methylated binuclear ferrocenes on thermal decomposition of the main component of composite solid propellants

•Complexes show catalytic activity on thermal decomposition of AP.•These compounds show a shift on the peak temperature of AP to left.•These compounds increase released heats during thermal decomposition of AP.•Catalytic activities are examined by TG and DSC techniques.•Theoretical calculations are carried out to gain further understanding.