Obtention and characterization of composite solid propellants based on HTPB, aluminum and ammonium perchlorate with modified binders with short chain diols

ABSTRACT

The present study evaluated different formulations of solid propellants based on HTPB / AP / Al modified by the short chain diols, 1,4-butanediol and 1,2-propanediol at different mass concentrations. In this context, this was done in order to obtain differentiated mechanical properties without neglecting the other imposed requirements, such as processability and ballistic properties. In this sense, a methodology for calculating the formulations was developed and their processing was carried out in a small reactor. Moreover, with a view to evaluating the influence of the mass content of plasticizer used, the formulation containing a higher content of 1,4-butanediol was also processed employing a greater amount of plasticizer. The post-processing dynamic viscosity profile and the evolution of the hardness during curing were evaluated, and a mechanical characterization was performed. In addition, a specific mass determination test, X-rays of samples and a calorimetric bomb test were carried out. Hence, it became evident that the formulations modified with 1,4-butanediol are promising. Nevertheless, it was not possible to achieve, in this study, all the requirements expected in a final product for immediate use.

Keywords
solid propulsion; composite propellant; chain extenders