Research on aging behavior and safe storage life prediction of modified double base propellant

Abstract

In order to study the long-time safe storage performance of GaTo modified double base propellant, the accelerated aging tests at 65, 70, 75, and 85°C were conducted. The chemical stabilities, mechanical properties, and microstructure of the propellant samples were characterized by differential scanning calorimeter, bromize-titration, impact resistance testing, and field emission scanning electron microscopy in the aging duration. The results showed that the chemical stability of propellant became worse due to nitrate esters decomposition. The impact resistance degradation is the result of binder network collapse, phase separation between binder and plasticizer, and interfacial dewetting during aging. Hence, the storage life of the propellant at ambient temperature has been evaluated based on stabilizer depletion and impact resistance deterioration via Arrhenius approach

Keywords

• propellant
• safe storage performance
• thermal aging
• life prediction