Lead-Free Ballistic Modifier for Rocket Motor Propellants
WP-200727
Objective
Regulations governing lead compounds continually become more severe, particularly outside the continental United States (OCONUS). In support of sustaining the Department of Defense's (DoD) ability to test, train, and operationally use 2.75-inch rockets, this project will demonstrate and validate a lead-free ballistic modifier for rocket motor propellants. In addition to being lead-free, the ballistic modifier will have a Hazard Class of 1.3, be processed by extrusion, and will meet all performance and shelf-life requirements.
Technology Description
The Naval Ordnance Station at Indian Head, Maryland developed the current propellant formulation that is used in 2.75-inch rocket applications (HYDRA-70, APKWS, etc.). This rocket propellant uses a ballistic modifier salt combination that contains both lead beta recorcylate and copper oxide. The 2.75-inch rocket motor propellant chemistry has undergone few changes since its inception. During a previous study under Strategic Environmental Research Development Program (SERDP) project WP-1058, research was initiated to evaluate bismuth compounds to replace lead as ballistic modifiers. More recently, under the efforts of the Army Environmental Quality Technology (EQT) program, work has been performed to refine this technology to meet the requirements of future weapon system technologies. Additionally, the Army EQT program funded a separate program to evaluate this technology specifically for the 2.75-inch rocket. The non-lead catalyst to be demonstrated in this project contains a combination of aluminum, bismuth, and carbon black compounds. Some ingredients are nanometer-particle sized.
Benefits
The integration of a lead-free modifier will have a positive economical impact for DoD because of the reduction in reporting cost, waste stream, and occupational exposure liabilities. Replacement of lead compounds with bismuth compounds will minimize exposure issues during manufacturing and use. Lead-free alternative propellants will reduce risks to the environment when training and testing near environmentally sensitive areas. Additionally, DoD's burden from disposal of excess propellant and out-of-shelf-life motors will be reduced. The U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine previously has concluded that bismuth compounds are much less toxic than lead compounds.
Points of Contact
Principal Investigator
Mr. Darren Thompson
U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Research Development and Engineering Center (AMRDEC)
Phone: 256-955-8556
Fax: 256-955-7748
Document Types
- Fact Sheet - Brief project summary with links to related documents and points of contact.
- Final Report - Comprehensive report for every completed SERDP and ESTCP project that contains all technical results.
- Cost & Performance Report - Overview of ESTCP demonstration activities, results, and conclusions, standardized to facilitate implementation decisions.
- Technical Report - Additional interim reports, laboratory reports, demonstration reports, and technology survey reports.
- Guidance - Instructional information on technical topics such as protocols and user’s guides.
- Workshop Report - Summary of workshop discussion and findings.
- Multimedia - On demand videos, animations, and webcasts highlighting featured initiatives or technologies.
- Model/Software - Computer programs and applications available for download.
- Database - Digitally organized collection of data available to search and access.