Preparation of B/Nitrocellulose/Fe particles and their effect on the performance of an ammonium perchlorate propellant

Abstract The application of boron in fuel-rich solid propellant is limited by its long combustion time, ignition delay and low combustion efficiency. To overcome these problems, B/Nitrocellulose (NC)/Fe particles were fabricated by electrospraying. The reactivity and combustion behavior of B/NC/Fe particles were characterized by TG/DSC, oxygen bomb calorimeter and laser ignition. Compared with pure boron, lower oxidation temperature was observed in the thermal analysis of prepared particles. Meanwhile, the prepared particles released more heat and ignite more readily during the combustion. Furthermore, B/NC/Fe particles were added into Hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB)/Ammonium perchlorate (AP) propellants as additives to test their combustion performance. The burning rate of propellants in air and closed bomb were both improved by 8.20% and 117%, respectively. Overall, B/NC/Fe particles not only show the superior reaction performance, but also contribute to the tunable burning rate of propellants.