Effects of Different Nano-Sized Metal Oxide Catalysts on the Properties of Composite Solid Propellants

Several industrial- and research-type composite solid propellants containing different nano metric metal oxide catalysts (Fe2O3, Co3O4, CuO, and PbO) with similar nominal composition, were prepared and experimentally analyzed. The effects of different nano-sized metal oxide catalysts on the rheological properties and hazardous properties were investigated. The strand burning rate and the associated combustion flame structure of composite propellants were determined. The results show that the nano-sized metal oxide powders can be sufficiently dispersed in hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene binder. The propellant formulations containing nano metal oxide particles are sensitive to impact and friction except for the base propellant without nano-sized powders, which is less sensitive to friction as compared to the other compositions. The nano-sized metal oxide additives can affect the combustion behavior and increase the burning rate of propellants compared with the reference propellant composition.