Burn Rate Studies of a Titanium-Based Ptrotechnic Smoke Composition

  • A. G. Rajendran Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram
  • C. B. Kartha Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram
  • V. V. Babu Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram
DOI: https://doi.org/10.14429/dsj.50.3427
Keywords: Pyrotechnic smoke compositions, Burn rate

Abstract

A pyrotechnic smoke composition producing titanium tetrachloride (TiCl4) as one of the major reaciion products hasj been studied. The composition consists of titanium metal powder, hexachloroethae (C2CI6), potassium perchlorate (KCIO4) and titanium dioxide (TiO2)/zinc oxide (ZnO). PyrotFcHnic aluminium was added. in small percentages to tailor the burn rate. The effect of percentage variation of KClO4. TiO21 ZnO. titanium and aluminium on the burn rate has been
investigated. While, the burn rate decreases as the percentage of TiO2/ZnO increases, it reaches a maximum as the percentage of KCIO4 is successively increased, but falls off on further increase. This
maximum has been first fixbd by studying the tricomponent system containing no oxide. It corresponds td 25 per cent KClO4. Successive additions of C2Cl6 and ZnO in 1 :3 mol ratio or C2Cl6
and TiO2 in 2:3 mol ratio lead to cooler compositions that burn smoothly without much flame and at lower temperatures. (Compositions containing less than 5 per cent titanium is difficult to ignite. Similarly, addition of excess titanium or small quantities of alljminium to the composition is found to increase the burn rate.

Author Biographies

A. G. Rajendran, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram
Dr AG Rajendran obtained his MPhil (Chemistry) from the University of Kerala. He got his PhD from Carl Schorlemmer Technical University, Ge!many, in 1987. He joined Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Thiruvananthapuram, in 1978. Presently, he is working as Scientist SF. His area of
reseaoch includes high energy materials, especially   pyrotechnic formulations. He has participated in  national/international seminars and published several technical papers. He is a life member of High Energy Materials Society of India, National Institution for Quality and Reliability, Indian Associatlon of Solid State Chemists & Allied Scientists, etc.

C. B. Kartha, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram
Mr CB Kartha obtained his MSc (Chemistry) from the University of Kerala in 1968. He joined VSSC, Thiruvananth;puram, in 1969. His area of research includes: explosives. He has participated in almost all the sounding rockets, launch vehicles ana satellite programmes of Indian Space Research Organisation. He has published his papers in national/international journals. He is a
member of many professional bodies like High Energy Materials Society of India, Aeronautical Society of India and Indian Society for Advancement of Materials and Process Engineering.
V. V. Babu, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram
Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram

References

Ellem, H. HC-smokes. In Military and civilian pyrotechnics. Chemical Publishing Co. Inc., New York ,1968. pp.149-51.

White, M.L. & Kuntz, R.R. Pyrolysis of hexachloroethane. lnt. .J: Chem. Kinet., 1973, 5, 187-95.

Rajendran, A.G.; Ramachandran, C. & Babu, v. v. A study of molybdenum/barium chromate/ potassium perchlorate delay system. Prop. Expl. Pyr., 1989,14,113-17

Published
2013-01-01
How to Cite
Rajendran, A., Kartha, C., & Babu, V. (2013). Burn Rate Studies of a Titanium-Based Ptrotechnic Smoke Composition. Defence Science Journal, 50(2), 199-205. https://doi.org/10.14429/dsj.50.3427
Issue
Vol 50 No 2
Section
Chemical Science & Technology
Copyright (c) 2016 Defence Science Journal

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