Traditional vs. Energetic and Perchlorate vs. “Green”: A Comparative Study of the Choice of Binders and Oxidising Agents

Abstract

The aim of this article is to compare rocket propellants containing a traditional binder (hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene) and an energetic binder (glycidyl azide polymer), as well as a perchlorate oxidising agent and a “green” one, i.e., ammonium perchlorate and phase-stabilised ammonium nitrate. We have outlined the effects of individual substances on the sensitivity parameters and decomposition temperature of the produced solid propellants. The linear combustion velocity was determined using electrical methods. Heats of combustion for the propellant samples and the thermal decomposition features of the utilised binders were investigated via differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Activation energy values for the energetic decomposition of the propellants were determined via the Kissinger method, based on DSC measurements at varied heating rates.

Keywords

• solid propellant
• perchlorate
• hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene
• glycidyl azide polymer green
• oxidising agent
• phase-stabilised ammonium nitrate