Stability of Rocket Propellants. Effect of Metals on Double-Base Propellants.

摘要

Tests have been made to determine the degree of reactivity between the M2, M7, M13 and T7 Propellants and aluminum, magnesium, stainless steel, tin-plated steel, zinc-plated steel and phenol formaldehyde varnish-coated sheet steel. Two sets of test conditions were employed. First, ground mixtures of propellant and metal or phenol formaldehyde varnish were stored for six months at 50 C and ambient humidity. Second, grains of each propellant were stored in contact with each of the surfaces mentioned for six months at 32 C and 90% relative humidity. Both 120 C Heat Test and 90 C Vacuum Stability Test results indicate that no decomposition occurred during storage of the ground mixtures. Microscopic examination of the propellant grains indicates the following: (1) the propellants, in order of decreasing compatibility, are: M7, M13, M2 and T7, and (2) the contact surfaces in order of decreasing compatibility are: stainless steel, phenol formaldehyde varnish, aluminum, tin, zinc and magnesium.