Combustion characteristics and stability of energetic cellulose based gel propellant system

Multi-component gel propellant systems were obtained using carboxymethyl cellulose nitrate glycerol ether (CMNGEC) as gelling agent. The combustion flame characteristics, combustion residues and system stability of the gel propellant systems were analyzed by flat flame test, thermogravimetry-derivative thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry techniques and high speed centrifugal stability test. Results show that the combustion behavior of CMNGEC system contains processes of periodic swelling, cracking, jet and burning of gelling agent, and the combustion residues are less than that of SiO₂ gel propellant system. The thermal decomposition of CMNGEC gel propellant system can be divided into three stages: the volatilization of liquid component, thermal decomposition of CMNGEC gelling agent and thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate. When the content of gelling agent is up to 3%, the gel propellant system is stable at 670 g, 2000 g and 7000 g centrifugation conditions for 30 min and the liquid precipitation rate is less than 1%.