Regression rates of solid fuels containing High Nitrogen (HiN) materials

The combustion behavior of novel energetic formulations in solid fuels to replace conventional, low-energy, binders such as hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) were examined. The proposed solid fuels will provide higher enthalpy, higher density, and improved rocket engine performance. The regression rates of these High Nitrogen (HiN) ingredients indicate significant improvement compared to the classical HTPB solid fuels. Upon decomposition, the formation of N₂ yields a high heat of formation, which in turn suggests higher combustion enthalpies and improved specific impulse. Friction sensitivity, and opposed-flow burning rate experiments of candidate materials were performed. TAGzT formulations show great promise with a 25% increase in regression rate for a 25 wt% addition of Triaminoguanidium azotetrazolate (TAGzT). At the same time, although TAGzT is classified as a 1.1 high explosive, formulations containing 50% TAGzT by mass passed classical DoD / DoE safety tests including friction, impact, and static discharge test.