Higher performance burn rate catalysts for composite solid propellants based on graphene and ferrocene modified dendrimers
Abstract
Composite solid propellants, commonly composed of aluminum as fuel, ammonium perchlorate (AP) as an oxidizer and a binder, are the major source of chemical energy in modern space vehicles and missiles. Evidence has shown that the final decomposition temperature of AP and thus, the burn rate of composite solid propellants, can be easily tuned by adding a burn rate catalyst. To date, some of the existing catalysts accelerate the burn rate of composite solid propellants. However, most of them are not able to increase the decomposition rate and energy release significantly and require difficult and expensive synthesis paths. Compounds derived from ferrocene have been widely applied. Nevertheless, ferrocene derivatives migrate easily to the surface of the solid propellant, resulting in deterioration and high risk of unexpected explosion. Consequently, this project aims to develop new burn rate catalysts derived from ferrocene with lower migration problems, able to enhance burn rate and increase the energy release in composite solid propellants. Ferrocene modified dendrimers will be used as support and stabilizing agent for the synthesis of metallic nanoparticles. The resulting nanocomposite will promote the AP decomposition through two different metallic centers resulting in a synergic effect, and also, will control the diffusion and migration phenomena of ferrocene because of the high molecular weight of the catalyst, and by the interaction of AP with the dendrimer structure. The presence of reduced graphene oxide into the catalyst will decrease the high-temperature decomposition of AP due to the acceleration of the electronic flow by the conductive surface, and therefore, will increase the burn rate of the propellant. Moreover, the presence of electronegative atoms at the dendrimer and reduced graphene oxide structures will serve as the stabilizing agent of the metal nanoparticles and fuel in the combustion reaction, increasing the energy release. The new catalysts can be applied into missile and rocket devices, improving the propulsion due to their positive effect on the decomposition temperature of AP and energy release. The migration of the catalyst will be considerably diminished, generating more stable and secure systems with a lesser risk of spontaneous explosion and longer shelf life.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Feb 19, 2019
- Source ID
- W911NF1810398
Entities
People
- María Belén Camarada
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- United States Army
- Universidad Mayor