Characterization of New Lead-free Ballistic Modifiers and Phthalate-free Plasticizers in Propellants

This paper describes the synthesis and characterization of a copper-based ballistic modifier, copper subsalicylate (monobasic copper salicylate), and its performance in green-type propellants. New lead-free ballistic modifiers and phthalatefree plasticizers with reduced toxicity, less harmful to the environment, have been employed to replace their traditional additives in green-type double-base propellant preparations. The characterization of the chemical compound was performed by FTIR, TGA-DSC, and WAXS, indicating that copper subsalicylate was obtained. The results of the characterization of propellant compositions showed that copper subsalicylate, in combination with a bismuth salt, could be a substitute for the traditional lead-based ballistic modifier producing green-type propellants without reducing ballistic performance.

Towards understanding the catalytic properties of lead-based ballistic modifiers in double base propellants

A computational modelling study revealing important metrics that cast light on why lead-based compounds have improved ballistic modifier properties compared to tin and bismuth.