Catalytic thermal decomposition and combustion of composite BAMO-THF propellants

In formulations of the composite BAMO-THF/AP/RDX/Al propellants, the influence of the catalysts OME, Fe2O3, and their composition on the propellants was discussed. The burning rates of the composite propellants were measured at pressures of 2 to 10 MPa. A thermal analysis of the BAMO-THF binders and the composite propellants containing the catalysts mentioned was carried out. Scanning electron microscopy and reflection FTIR spectroscopy were used to characterize the quenched burning surfaces of the propellants. The results showed that all of the catalysts could accelerate the thermal decomposition of the composite BAMO-THF propellants and increase their burning rates: However, OME accelerates the thermal decomposition of both the binder and AP, while Fe2O3 only affects the decomposition of AP. (C) 2008 The Combustion Institute. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.