Energy and Combustion Characteristics of Propellants Based on BAMO-GAP Copolymer

The energy characteristics of propellants based on BAMO-GAP copolymers (the copolymer of 3,3-bis(azidomethyl) oxetane (BAMO) and glycidyl azide polymer (GAP), p(BAMO-GAP)) were theoretically calculated by "Energy Calculation Star (ECS)" software based on the principle of minimum free energy. The effects of plasticizers, oxidants, and high energy fuels on the energetic properties of propellants were discussed, and some useful suggestions were provided for high energetic propellant based on p(BAMO-GAP). The formulations of low signature propellants without AP (ammonium perchlorate) were designed, and the samples were prepared, respectively. The burning rates, combustion flame structures, and combustion wave structures of these samples were tested. The effects of oxidants and catalysts on the combustion characteristics of propellants based on p(BAMOGAP) were investigated. The results show that there is an optimumratio between AP and RDX (HMX or CL-20). However, the ideal energetic properties of propellants can be improved linearly when AP is replaced by ADN. When AlH3 is added to the formulations instead of Al, the energetic properties of propellants are improved much. With themass fraction of RDX increasing in the propellants, the burning rates at low pressure remain almost the same, but decrease observably at high pressure. With the tri-component catalysts added to the formulation, the burning rates at low pressure are improved significantly, and the burning rate pressure exponents decrease. There is no obvious dark zone in the flame of uncatalyzed propellant, and the combustion flame consists of soft orange flame and bright lines. With the catalysts added to the propellant formulation, the burning rates can be improved, and the combustion surface temperature increases.