Comparison of Physical, Thermal, and Thermomechanical Properties of Cotton/Epoxy Composite and Cotton/Vinyl Ester Composite Inhibitors

Abstract

AbstractThe inhibition of a double‐base solid propellant is used to control and prevent the burning degree of the exposed area, which is due to longer burning time. In recent years, inhibition with cellulose derivatives has become popular, but these monolithic systems usually suffer from the drawback of a high erosion rate and demand high thickness and low burning time. In this research two composite inhibitors based on natural fibers were manufactured by filament winding technique and their physical, thermal, and thermomechanical properties were compared. In addition, a chlorinated flame retardant (CFR) as well as antimony trioxide were added in inhibitor compositions to control their burning processes. It was found that the cotton/epoxy composite inhibitor displays a compatible thermal expansion coefficient with the propellant and a high amount of residual char compared to cotton/vinyl ester composite. Also, it was understood that the moisture absorption resistance and thermal stability, i.e., initial decomposition temperature of cotton/vinyl ester specimen were better than cotton/epoxy specimen. Furthermore, density and the flame retardant performance of both composite inhibitors were similar. Additionally, the tan(δ) value obtained for cotton/epoxy composite was higher than that of cotton/vinyl ester composite indicating its good dissipation of vibrational energy.