Pyrolysis GC-FTIR Studies of a LOVA Propellant Formulation Series
Abstract
The primary objective of this investigation was to identify correlations between ignition times and pyrolysis product distributions. Such correlations have been found for go/no-go ignition times, but not for first light ignition times. Several trends in pyrolysis product distribution as a function of propellant composition have been observed. Most of these trends are believed to be related to the ability of BTTN (1,2,4 Butane trinitrate) and TMETN (Trimethylolethane trinitrate) to catalyze decomposition. Pyrolysis-gas chromatography-Fourier transform infrared (P-GC-FTIR) spectroscopy was used to examine the pyrolysis product distribution for a LOVA propellant formulation series. The series was provided by the Naval Weapons Center (NWC), China Lake, and contained the oxidizers HMX and RDX, the polymers GAP, HTPB, BAMA/AMMO, and BAMO/THF, and the plasticizers BTTN and TMETN. Trends in product distribution as a function of formulation, as well as correlations between pyrolysis products and NWC performance data, were identified. The most noteworthy correlation observed was between the amount of permanent gas produced and go/no-go ignition times. In general, pyrolysis product distributions were found to be most strongly affected by the presence and type of plasticizer. The results of this investigation may serve as a basis for formulation design and bench-scale propellant screening.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA242844
Entities
People
- Frederick J. Shaw
- Robert A. Fifer
- Rose A. Pesce-rodriguez
Organizations
- Ballistic Research Laboratory