Investigation of Selected Ingredients of Composite Propellants Using DTA, SEM and Calorimetric Techniques

The results of instrumental analysis of some ingredients of composite propellants are presented. Scanning electron microscopy, water calorimetry, elemental analysis and differential thermal analysis were used for characterization of ammonium chlorate(VII), aluminum-magnesium alloy and polybutadienes. The results showed that the oxidizer is in the form of spheroidal particles with a diameter 100-200 μm. Morphological analysis of the aluminum-magnesium alloy showed that the powder contains several fractions differing in size and shape. The predominant fractions are polygons with edges joined at acute angles. The grain size of the main fraction does not exceed 100-150 μm. The commercial polymers tested have similar elemental compositions and heats of combustion in oxygen. The standard enthalpies of formation calculated for the tested polymers have positive values and are in good agreement with literature data for non-cured HTPB.