Novel aspects for thermal stability studies and shelf life assessment of modified double-base propellants

Abstract

Modified DB propellants, based on energetic nitramine (RDX) were manufactured by solventless extrusion process. Thermal stability and shelf life assessment of modified DB propellant were investigated. Shelf life assessment was evaluated using Van't Hoff's formula and artificial aging at 70 °C up to 120 days. Quantification of total heat released and heat flow with aging time was conducted using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermal activity monitoring (TAMIII) respectively. Modified DB formulation based on 20 wt % RDX demonstrated enhanced thermal stability in terms of controlled heat flow, and slow decomposition reactions at elevated temperature. This formulation demonstrated extended service life up to 56 years compared with reference formulation. These novel finding was ascribed to the high thermal stability of RDX and its compatibility with DB constituents. This manuscript shaded the light on novel and effective approach for thermal stability via monitoring thermal activity with aging. Keywords: Double-base propellant, Thermal stability, Artificial aging, Shelf-life assessment