Experimental investigation of the hydrogen peroxide – solid hydrocarbon hypergolic ignition

Abstract The hypergolic ignition of a solid hydrocarbon fuel with hydrogen peroxide has been achieved by embedding catalyst particles into the fuel. Sodium borohydride can enhance ignition of the solid fuel upon contact with 90 % hydrogen peroxide. Ignition delay times were measured in drop-on-solid tests at atmospheric and elevated pressure conditions and qualitative descriptions of the hypergolic behavior are given. The results demonstrate that the ignition of the hydrocarbon matrix used (polyethylene) is feasible, especially at high pressures. Ignition delay times of less than 10 ms were observed at atmospheric conditions and less than 5 ms at pressures above 0.5  MPa . Additional tests were performed employing radial oxidizer injection over a hollow cylindrical surface, proving the viability of the concept.