Phase-Stabilized Ammonium Nitrate-Based Propellants Using Binders with N-N Bonds

Abstract

Phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate- (PSAN-) based solid propellants have been cast using new epoxy resins having N–N bonds in their structures, as binders. The burning rate studies carried out in a strand burner show that significant enhancement in the burning rate, compared with that observed with conventional polybutadiene binders, could be achieved by the use of the N–N-bonded binders. The PSAN-based propellants have a higher burning rate than those based on ammonium nitrate. The enhancement in burning rate cannot be explained in terms of the calorific value of the resin or the ignition temperature of the propellant. The computed performance parameters of the compositions having N–N-bondedresins as binders are superior to thosebased on polybutadienes. Signi. cantly higher specific impulse and chamber temperature obtained at practical solid loadings appear to be an advantageous feature of the compositions having N–N-bonded resins as binders.