Combustion of Ti and Zr Particles with KNO3

This paper describes the thermochemical properties and combustion characteristics of pyrolants consisting of Ti/KNO3 and Zr/KNO3 mixtures. Differential thermal analysis (DTA) and thermogravimetry (TG) were conducted in order to elucidate the reaction processes of these pyrolants. The results of the experiments suggest that Ti particles react exothermically at 970 K with the decomposed gases of KNO3, and Zr particles react also exothermically at 700 K with liquified product of KNO3. Burning rates of the pyrolants were measured with a chimney type strand burner which was pressurized with argon gas. The burning rate of Ti/KNO3 is more sensitive to pressure than that of Zr/KNO3. The results indicate that a major exothermic reaction on the combustion wave of Zr/KNO3 pyrolants is in the condensed phase. The burning rates of both pyrolants are dependent on the oxidizer/fuel ratio and initial temperature of the pyrolants.