The migration of plasticizer in solid propellant grains

Abstract

Abstract The migration of the plasticizer, dioctyl adipate (DOA) in the accelerated ageing of composite propellant has been studied. The method is based on the extraction of DOA with carbon tetrachloride and its estimation by gas chromatography. The concentration of DOA in the propellant at different distances from the insulation was determined after a definite ageing period and compared with the initial DOA concentration. The effect of (a) the ageing period, and (b) the ageing temperature on the degree of migration was examined. The present studies confirm the existence of plasticizer migration in the propellant adjacent to the insulation, during ageing.