
Application of Hybrid Densification Consolidation of Energetic Powders for the Formation of High Solids Loading Energetic Composites, and Other Purposes
In this thesis a method for shaping rocket propellants is investigated. This method is a powder-based method, and as such uses all solid phase components in its synthesis process. A review of a method compressing plastic bonded explosives is included. The parameters used in the investigation are discussed for their importance and application to a rocket propellant system. A discussion of the powder characteristics and how they are measured and impact the powder-based product’s final properties are discussed. Powder size distribution and its importance to the final characteristics are discussed, along with ideal powder size distributions based on bimodal, trimodal, and quad-modal powder distributions is included. Common industry methods of measuring the angle of repose and its importance to the processing of powders is included. Apparent density of powders is discussed, as well as methods to measure them such as the Hall, Gustavsson, and the Arnold meter. Various binders, fuels, and oxidizers are tabulated for potential use in this method. Material characteristics of the binders, and their chemistries are investigated. Three classes of polymeric binder materials are identified for future work: Elastomeric materials for their excellent combination of toughness and hardness as a binder, fluoropolymers for the advantages they provide to aluminum combustion, and energetic polymers for the increased energetic performance they provide. A number of possible oxidizers are tabulated as well. Several of these are in widespread use, such as ammonium perchlorate, however others are still struggling to find widespread adoption for various reasons. A comparatively brief section on metal fuels is also compiled. Metal fuels for use with this method include aluminum, as well as other somewhat more exotic metals such as silicon. ii The process is established via testing on a cellulose acetate butyrate/ammonium perchlorate/aluminum composite system. It is found that the pressure cycling from the Olinger study is a valid method to increase the density of the powder composites. Investigated also are the potential uses of an acoustic mixer as a ball milling, sieving, and mixing machine. It is found that the acoustic mixer provides an adequate means of performing all of these functions, provided the correct equipment is used. A parallel investigation using the same experimental setup is also performed. The possibility of forming ferroelectric β-poly(vinylidene difluoride) without the requirement of a solvent prompted this investigation. The investigation found that indeed, β-poly(vinylidene difluoride) can be formed from the melt without the use of solvents. This method can be applied to thicker geometries than the thin films currently made. This takes advantage of the phase diagram of poly(vinylidene difluoride) to cause crystallization at a higher temperature due to non-ambient pressure being applied.
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Work Title | Application of Hybrid Densification Consolidation of Energetic Powders for the Formation of High Solids Loading Energetic Composites, and Other Purposes |
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License | CC BY 4.0 (Attribution) |
Work Type | Research Paper |
Publication Date | 2021 |
DOI | doi:10.26207/em54-bh83 |
Deposited | February 29, 2024 |
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