Synthesis and application of bonding agents used in rocket propellants

Abstract

In this research work, utilisation of new bonding agents, synthesised from cheap and easily available starting materials, have been investigated in composite rocket propellants and liners in place of widely used aziridine and amine based bonding agents (MAPO, HX-752, TEPANOL). The performance properties of propellants and liners prepared with these compounds have been examined. Some simple alkyl hydantoins (AH1, AH2, AH3) and their N-alkyl and N,N-dialkyl derivatives (HT1, HT2, HT3, HT4, HT5) have been synthesised in laboratory scale and structurally identified in the first step. Later, some of the selected hydantoin derivates have been used as bonding agents in the preparation of propellants and liners. Twelve propellant samples and eight liner samples have been subjected to some physical and mechanical tests which are generally used for the examination of rocket propellants and liners. Most of the propellants and liners have shown good physical and mechanical performance properties, except ones which were prepared with hydantoins containing morpholino groups. In addition physical and mechanical tests, some of the propellants have been used in Ballistic Research Motor (BRM) tests and shown perfect results.