DEVELOPMENT OF PROPELLANTS CONTAINING AN ENERGETIC OXIDIZER
Abstract
United Technology Center (UTC) is conducting a 24-month program to produce the first practical propellants exploiting the high energy and favorable density of nitronium perchlorate (NP). In a previous program a curable binder system was developed and demonstrated using both uncoated and coated particulate NP. Propellants containing uncoated NP had a useful life of only a few days at room temperature, and those using Reta-coated NP were stable for a few months. Original plans for scaled-up motor firings and incorporation of energetic fuel appeared less desirable than emphasis on improvement of stability. During the period of contract redirection only limited effort was undertaken. Because of the unavailability of Reta-coated NP, emphasis has been placed on increasing the useful life of propellants containing uncoated or UTECOATED NP. Means to this end include development of more compatible ingredients and use of reduced temperatures for processing and storage. The latter approach requires methods of decreasing binder viscosity and increasing cure reactivity. Potentially useful hydrocarbon and nitroparaffin plasticizers have been found, and cure catalysis has been effected. Stability studies show that Reta-coated NP has a useful life of less than 1 year under mild storage conditions. Propellants containing UTECOATED NP exhibit unacceptable thermal stability and explosive combustion characteristics after about 1 week at ambient temperature.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0374702
Entities
People
- Thomas P. Rudy