Oxidizer eutectics

MIX 1:

So, KNO3 and KClO3 is one possible mix, 70-30 alloy should have melting temperature of 556K - 283°C. Even 1% AgNO3 would lower it much more. Not sure if it is KClO3 compatible. Two methods of preparation are possible: crystallize from solution and then finely ground to powder. What would be faster is to finely ground both, add little water, heat up, mix, dry. Grind finely, add little water, mix, heat, dry, grind to powder. Should give similar results. *CAUTION* dry KClO3 *CAN* self-decompose under certain circumstances, always process with care and precaution.

What we would appreciate is micrometric Fe2O3 at 2% concentration in this mix. I am not sure whether it is compatible with KClO3 in solution. If it woul be possible to include it in the mix and during controlled crystallization (stirring) it would be nice. We want long crystals as this is the primary oxidizer.

MIX 2:

This is not a good idea, but it is complementary to the one above. KNO3 and KMnO4. The point behind this is that KMnO4 decomposes to MnO2 which is a strong catalyst to anything, including the decomposition of KClO3. Only little of KMnO4 would be needed. We also want this mix with Fe2O3 puder. KNO3 can react with it during decomposition when in areas with abundance of energy, forming KFeO4 or K2Fe2O4 or something, which is one extremely strong oxidizer. This mix2 should be finer powder than mix1 and should be indirectly mixed into the final propellant (accelerates decomposition of mix1) for maximum safety.


Let's look at possible implementation, under a 65/35 rule, in absolute weights

mix1: KN:KC:FO - 32:13:1
mix2: KN:KMn:FO - 16:4:1 (15:5:3 etc)

(sum = 67 grams)

Fuel:
The glue to be mixed in 2.5:1 (Polyols:UBase)

glue:DX:urea:cellulose
(sum = 35 grams)
20:9:2:4 (or 20:8:2:5 is the same)

In proper oxidiser particle size this would be also doable:
12:16:5:2

The dextrose and urea may be prepared from a recrystallized mix.
The microcellulose is added to the whole propelland after proper stirring to prevent setting of the powder particles in the glue. This is important to maintain homogenity. It will also absorb any redundant glue.

Second test of a raw fertilizer mix - polyurethane binder..

AN fertilizer as before: 69g or 68g
1.2g KMnO4
~0.7g CeO2
14.8g polyols
8g urethane base - DFMDIC as before (4,4'-diphenylmethanediisocyanate)

a little of fine cellulose powder (~0.3-0.8g ?)

total = 92.7g (+ cellulose)
organic = 24.6% (+ cellulose)
AN approx. 52g -> 56.1%

The AN fertilizer in this case was kept in rather crude powder, particles up to 0.5mm in size. Hard to ignite, very inert. Burns surprisingly well for the ill composition that it is. What can be observed are the gases that are formed from the AN decomposition driving out vapours from the plastic and burning outside. The dolomite from the fertilizer seriously harms the performance.

Next time, time to try KN: mix FINELY ground KMnO4 into the glue with some urea too. Add a little ferric oxide too. Much more ferric oxide goes into the KN and some KMnO4 too. Also, add microcellulose into the KN. - - Possibly add a low-temp melting sugar too, no.. better would be mixing such sugar into a complete mix, it should have the longest crystals possible. This will cause cavities which will increase the surface area and help gas flow and surface layer separation too. Well, instead of sugar powder, using recrystallized KN/Sugar/Sulphur mix would be more adequate. But you would need to grind this with carbon dioxide (solid) at very low temperatures to get long, thin fragments of powder. Too much complication probably.