Mechanism study of stabilization of double-base propellants by using zeolite stabilizers (nano- and micro-clinoptilolite)

Abstract

The mechanism of stabilization of double-base rocket propellants (DBPs) using inorganic stabilizer (nano- and micro-clinoptilolite) was investigated. The surface structures of the stabilizers, the double-base propellants containing the new stabilizers and the effect of the stabilizers on the surface behavior of propellants and vice versa were checked using XRD and Electron Microscope (AFM and TEM techniques). The results obtained from XRD suggested that the crystalline structure of the new inorganic stabilizers was completely changed when it was introduced into the propellants which may be attributed to the pressing processes of DBPs with stabilizers under very high pressure during their mixture preparation. The results obtained from Atomic Force Electron Microscope (AFM) and TEM indicated that nano-clinoptilolite particles become more regularly arranged on the propellant surface than micro-clinoptilolite which gives the stabilizer a higher ability to absorb more nitrogen oxide. The work aimed chiefly to use zeolite stabilizers for DBPs instead of classically used organic compounds; in order to avoid the harmful and carcinogenic organic products coming from the reaction of NOx gases with these organic stabilizers. This is achieved by studying the thermal behavior of these zeolites via investigation of their surface interaction with NOx gases obtained during stabilization process and suggesting possible interaction mechanism.