Certain Ballistic Performance and Thermal Properties Evaluation for Extruded Modified Double-base Propellants

The main advantages of modified double-base (MDB) propellants are wide range of burning rates, high energy output, as well as enhanced thrust. This study reports on the effect of potential oxidizers − potassium perchlorate (KP) or ammonium perchlorate (AP), stoichiometric binary mixture of the oxidizer (KP or AP) with metal fuel (Al), and energetic nitramine (HMX) on combustion characteristics of MDB propellants. MDB propellant formulations based on these additives, constituting 10 wt.% of total mass of the MDB formulation, were manufactured by solventless extrusion process. The impact of these additives on ballistic performance particularly the burning rate as well as on the characteristic exhaust velocity of gaseous product (C*), was evaluated using small-scale ballistic evaluation test motor. KP and AP exhibit different effects; KP positively impacts the burning rate, AP positively impacts C*. Stoichiometric binary mixture of AP/Al positively impacts both the burning rate and C*; HMX substantially enhances C*. These energetic additives could alter the combustion mechanism, by thinning the induction zone, allowing the luminous flame zone to be more adjacent to the burning surface. Therefore, the combustion reaction could proceed faster. The developed MDB propellant formulations were found to be more energetic with an increase in calorific value in comparison to reference formulation (using bomb calorimeter); they exhibited similar ignition temperature by means of cook off test. DSC measurements demonstrated similar onset and maximum decomposition temperature of developed MDB propellant formulations to reference DB propellant formulation but with an increase in total heat released (J/g).