Characterization of Aluminum Powders: IV. Effect of Nanometals on the Combustion of Aluminized Ammonium Nitrate‐Based Solid Propellants

Abstract

This study is devoted to the investigation of the energetic properties of two types of aluminized solid propellants with inert and active binders modified by additives of six different metal nanopowders. The substitution of an inert binder for the active one resulted in significant improvement of energetic properties. However, burning rate regulation become more complicated because the pressure exponent in burning rate law was increased as well. The DSC analysis revealed that the most significant catalytic effects were observed while using Zn, Cu, and Mo powders. Combustion of compositions based on an inert combustible binder and ammonium nitrate was studied in the pressure range 0.1–10.0 MPa. Due to the low combustion rate, no dispersion of burning aluminum particles was observed. During combustion, a single agglomerate of aluminum particles was formed, the mass of which was about 96 % of the initial aluminum mass in the formulation. A comparative analysis of nanosized metal additive effect on the propellant's combustion process was performed. It had been found that the activity of the metal nanopowders depends on the propellant formulation. It had been shown that Al and Zn did not affect the combustion rate of propellant with inert binder but they were effective in compositions with an active binder. Cu and Ni were found to be a good catalyst for the ammonium nitrate and active binder decomposition.

Burning characteristics of ammonium nitrate propellant containing fine ammonium perchlorate – influence of porosity of ammonium perchlorate**

“…This is because AN‐based propellants are chlorine‐free, with low hazard and low observable emissions (minimal smoke). Numerous approaches have been adopted to improve the burning characteristics of AN‐based propellants, including the use of catalysts [3, 5–15], addition of metals [3, 16–20], and use of azide polymers [21–23] and polytetrahydrofuran [10, 24].…”

“…been adopted to improve the burning characteristics of AN-based propellants, including the use of catalysts [3,[5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15], addition of metals [3,[16][17][18][19][20], and use of azide polymers [21][22][23] and polytetrahydrofuran [10,24].…”

Synchronized Two-Camera Laser Monitor for Studying Combusting Powder Systems

“…The combustion of thermite mixtures is an important technological process in the welding industry, for the production of high-energy materials, and is being introduced into the electronics industry [1][2][3]. Thermites are used as components of gas-generating mixtures and pyrotechnics.…”

Performance and Sensitivity Properties of Solid Heterogeneous Rocket Propellant Based on a Binary System of Oxidizers (PSAN and AP)

“…Examples of the substances that cause the phase stabilization of AN are: inorganic and organic potassium salts [10,11], copper, zinc and nickel complexes [12,13], some organic compounds (e.g., melamine cyanurate, isatin, guanine) [14][15][16], etc. The phase stabilization of AN is carried out as a result of the co-crystallization of AN with an additive in an aqueous medium [12,17,18] or the addition of an additive in the melting process [8][9][10][11].…”

“…For example, the addition of manganese(IV) oxide, iron(III) oxide or their mixture to a propellant containing AN causes an increase in the burning rate up to 40% (at 7 MPa) in comparison to a propellant without these additives [6,17,19]. The introduction of metal nanoparticles increases the burning rate from 5% to 67% depending on the type of metal that is used [18]. With the appropriate modification of the composition of the solid heterogeneous rocket propellants, we have the ability to limit the unfavorable parameters and improve the ballistic properties.…”