Abstract
The search for a smokeless propellant has encouraged scientists and engineers to look for a chlorine-free oxidizer as a substitute for AP (ammonium perchlorate). Endeavors seemed to come to an end when ADN (ammonium dinitramide) appeared in the West in the early 1990s. Although some drawbacks soon became apparent by that time, the foremost obstacle for its use in rocket-motors came from the patent originally applied for in the United States in 1990. Furthermore, environmental concerns have also increased during these two decades. Ammonium perchlorate is believed to cause thyroid cancer by contaminating soil and water. In addition, AP produces hydrogen chloride during burning which can cause acid rain and ozone layer depletion. Unlike AP, ADN stands for both smokeless and green propellant. Since then, much progress has been made in its development in synthesis, re-shaping, microencapsulation and solid propellant. The high solubility of ADN in water has also allowed its application as liquid monopropellant. Tests have revealed Isp (specific impulse) superior to that normally observed with hydrazine, one of the most harmful and hazardous liquid propellants. With constraints of use, along with the patent near to expiry, scientists and engineers are rushing to complete developments and patents until then.
Highlights
This text is intended to provide an overview of ADN and a comprehensive description of the recent achievements in its development to-date
Much progress has been made in its development in synthesis, re-shaping, microencapsulation and solid propellant
A brief history is given from its origin in the former USSR, as a key component in the production of smokeless propellants, up until the aftermath of the end of the Cold War, when it proved to be a strategic component for smokeless and green propellants
Summary
This text is intended to provide an overview of ADN and a comprehensive description of the recent achievements in its development to-date. The shape of ADN crystals as synthesized is far from being round. The ADN/HTPB-based propellants used to exhibit poorer mechanical properties when compared to the ADN/GAP-based one These properties are affected by microencapsulation, which has led to the development of techniques which depend on the material from which this coating is made. Some achievements have been made in developing liquid monopropellants based on ADN. This new propellant is meant to replace hydrazine in liquid thruster. ADN is formed by one dinitramide anion and one ammonium cation. This salt is highly soluble in water at ambient temperature and slightly soluble at temperatures as low as -40o C.
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