Scanning Electron Microscope Study of Nitroguanidine, M31A1, and M30 Propellants.
Abstract
Canadian nitroquanidine (NQ) used in triple base propellant ceased to be manufactured in 1978. In order to provide a replacement for this critical material, manufacture was initiated at the Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant (SFAAP). A critical part of the process is control of particle size. A difficult problem in this regard is the on-stream measurement of the particle size. Nor is it a trivial matter to measure the particle size of the end product. Comprehensive studies have been made of the best means for making both types of particle size measurements. The Fisher Sub Sieve Sizer (FSSS) is the current specification method used to measure the dry product. Many other methods have been investigated, too. Scanning electron photomicrographs were made of a reference sample of nitroguanidine (NQ). Similar photos of nitroguanidine made at the Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant (SFAAP) and at the U.S. Army Armament Research and Development Center (ARDC) were compared to the Canadian reference material. From these photomicrographs the range of crystal sizes in the different samples was estimated. These NQ samples were incorporated into M31A1 and M30 propellants. Scanninng electron microscope (SEM) photomicrographs of the resultant propellants revealed the long NQ needles break up during processing and that particle size differences in the original NQ are also seen in the same order in finished products.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA166669
Entities
People
- Scott Morrow
Organizations
- United States Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center