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Phase Relationships Involving RDX and Common Solid Propellant Binders

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 February 2011

E. Boyer,
P. W. Brown and
K. K. Kuo
E. Boyer
Affiliation:
Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802
P. W. Brown
Affiliation:
Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802
K. K. Kuo
Affiliation:
Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802
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Abstract

The solubilities of the common propellant ingredients acetyl triethyl citrate (ATEC) and cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) and their effects on RDX (cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine) unit cell dimensions were investigated. If there is appreciable solid solubility, solutions will form and will have enthalpies of fusion, melting temperatures, and other characteristics different from those of pure RDX. It is desirable to establish the properties of such mixtures when designing new propellant formulations. Samples were aged at an elevated temperature to speed the formation of solid solutions. A least-squares analysis of X-ray diffraction data was used to obtain the lattice parameters from which unit cell volume and solubility was deduced. Both ATEC and CAB caused an expansion of the unit cell, indicating the formation of a solid solution. The limit of solubility in the ATEC/RDX mixture appeared to be approximately 13 wt% ATEC, while the CAB/RDX limit is above 16 wt% CAB. In both mixes, the cell volume expanded linearly with increasing proportion of binder.

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