Surface Modified Oxidizers for Next Generation Solid Propellants

Abstract

(Approved for Public Release)Solid composite propellants are used in a many propulsion applications including launch vehicles and national defense. These propellants are subject to meeting requirements related to manufacturability, combustion, and mechanical properties. The challenge is that these aspects are closely linked due to the physics and chemistry involved in manufacturing and currently cannot be independently changes (i.e., changing one aspect changes another). The proposed effort seeks to develop the fundamental science related to the interfaces within the propellant that control each of these aspects. The surface chemistry and interfacial physics of solid oxidizers (e.g., ammonium perchlorate) will be altered through novel coatings on the oxidizer (e.g., metal oxides) and functionalized metal oxide surfaces. The coatings will be designed to alter burning rate whereas the surface functionalization will control the mechanical properties and wettability needed for manufacturing. Manufactured samples will be characterized using a suite of analytical tools to understand the surface chemistry and material science of these materials. Subsequent analysis will identify how these surface changes and coatings influence mechanical properties of composite propellants and the decomposition/combustionof the oxidizers.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Nov 08, 2024
Source ID
N000142412353

Entities

People

  • Joseph Kalman

Organizations

  • California State University, Long Beach
  • Office of Naval Research
  • United States Navy

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Nanocomposite Materials Science
  • Rocket Propulsion.