Inhibition Reaction of SrCO3 on the burning rate of ammonium perchlorate propellants

The buring rate of ammonium perchlorate (AP) composite propellants is decreased significantly by the addition of SrCO3 without increasing the pressure exponent of burning rate. Results of microthermocouple measurements indicate that the burning surface temperature is increased from 700 K to 970 K by the addition of SrCO3, although the heat release rate in the gas phase is remained unchanged. DTA (differential thermal analysis) and TG (thermogravimetry) experiments were also carried out in order to determine the role of SrCO3 in the decomposition process of AP. The AP decomposition temperature is increased from 590 K to 620 K by the addition of SrCO3. The results of analysis show that the reduction of the burning rate is caused by the increased AP decomposition temperature.