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Binders for apcp propellants


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Posted

I have been experimenting with different binders for apcp propellants. Right now the two that I have found that work the best are silicone, and surprisingly hot glue. I am looking for more efficiently burning binders, if anyone has any that they know that work well, or if anyone has any suggestions on what to try I would love it.

The composition that I commonly use is 69% AP, 16% Al, .5-1# Fe203, then a binder.

Posted

So is this in the context of 'fireworks' rocket motors, vs 'real' rocket motors? In the latter class, the standard binder is HTPB (Hydroxyl Terminated Polybutadine), aka R45. Used for casting grains that are fired in phenolic, aluminum or fiberglass motor cases at chamber pressures ranging from 500psi on up. There's lots of good books and resources for that stuff.

 

If you dont have it already, the best book on the subject for the amateur is by Terry McReary "Experimental Composite Propellant" although it can be hard to find. These guys appear to have it.

 

Good info here:

http://chemroc.com/

 

A few suppliers:

http://www.rocketmotorparts.com/

https://www.csrocketry.com/

 

If you're doing this in cardboard tubes, someone else will have to help you out there, i've got no experience with APCP in cardboard.

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Posted
Thank you gdeputy!! I have been looking for somewhere to get these binders and you just solved it for me! I haven't used anything other than steel and aluminum, I have been wanting to try cardboard, but I don't know how easy it will be. If I find it out I will be sure to post it on the forum! Also I have been needing to get books, I don't think I can go on without them for much longer.
Posted

Thank you gdeputy!! I have been looking for somewhere to get these binders and you just solved it for me! I haven't used anything other than steel and aluminum, I have been wanting to try cardboard, but I don't know how easy it will be. If I find it out I will be sure to post it on the forum! Also I have been needing to get books, I don't think I can go on without them for much longer.

 

I can't recommend this book (any edition) enough: https://smile.amazon.com/Rocket-Propulsion-Elements-George-Sutton/dp/1118753658/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1473265611&sr=8-3&keywords=rocket+propellant

Posted

Thank you gdeputy!! I have been looking for somewhere to get these binders and you just solved it for me! I haven't used anything other than steel and aluminum, I have been wanting to try cardboard, but I don't know how easy it will be. If I find it out I will be sure to post it on the forum! Also I have been needing to get books, I don't think I can go on without them for much longer.

 

Glad to help. There's a very active rocketry community, some of us building motors with >50lbs of propellant, hitting 100k+ Altitude, etc... I'd recommend finding a club local to you, you'll save a lot of time learning if there are any motor builders near you and you can hang out for a mix/casting session. WWW.Tripoli.org is the national org, there's lots of local prefects out there.

 

Also, shameless plug, there's software available (Full disclosure, i'm the author) for design/simulation of solid propulsion motors. www.BurnSim.com

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Posted

All you have to do is go out and ask a question and people are willing to give you more than enough info!! I'll look into that software and see how it works! And thanks for the book suggestions when I get the money I'll be sure to invest in them.

luckly I live in the desert and have all the space in the world to test things out!

Posted

 

Glad to help. There's a very active rocketry community, some of us building motors with >50lbs of propellant, hitting 100k+ Altitude, etc... I'd recommend finding a club local to you, you'll save a lot of time learning if there are any motor builders near you and you can hang out for a mix/casting session. WWW.Tripoli.org is the national org, there's lots of local prefects out there.

 

Also, shameless plug, there's software available (Full disclosure, i'm the author) for design/simulation of solid propulsion motors. www.BurnSim.com

 

That's impressive software. Does it include an option for recording? ie. data capture from a load cell.

Posted

Most load cell/pressure transducer setups you use have their own data recording software, but it does allow for you to import test data so you can compare that to the simulation data, etc.

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