Effect of Triethanolamine and Benzaldehyde on the Storage Stability of Polystyrene- Ammonium Perchlorate Propellant

Abstract

The effect of triethanolamine and benzaldehyde on the stability of polystyrene has been studied by dynamic thermogravimetry (TG). Slower decomposition of polymer in the presence of these compounds indicates their inhibiting ability on the oxidation of the polymer. The burning rate measurements of polystyrene (PS)/ammonium perchlorate (AP) propellants at ambient temperature and pressure shows an increase with the storage time. The percentage change in the burning rate of the propellants containing aldehyde and amine is less during the ageing which indicates the increased stability of the propellants. The safe-life time of the propellants for the ballistic stability has been calculated from the activation energy for the ageing process using an Arrhenius type equation. The safe-life of the propellants containing triethanolamine and benzaldehyde is more than the neat propellant.