Studies on thermal stability, autoignition and stabilizer depletion for shelf life of CMDB propellants

Abstract

This paper reports the results of thermal stability of composite modified double base propellants (CMDB) by using tests applicable for double base propellants (DBP) and shelf life estimation of CMDB propellants by application of the autoignition test and monitoring stabilizer depletion by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The Abel heat test results suggest the stability of CMDB propellants with or without additional stabilizer, whereas the Methyl Violet test indicated that CMDB propellants without resorcinol do not have stability comparable with DBP. Results of the Vacuum stability and B and J tests showed stability of CMDB propellants with resorcinol within acceptable limits. Aging did not change the DTA pattern to any appreciable extent. Autoignition test results gave a shelf life of 27.1 and 157.8 years for CMDB propellants at 40 and 30°C respectively. 2-NDPA depletion studies indicated a half life of 6–7 years and 26–30 years respectively for CMDB propellants at 40 and 30°C whereas carbamite depletion yielded a half life of 8–9 and 40–42 years. The activation energy ( E) for aging of CMDB propellants was found to be 33 ± 1 kcal/mol.