US20190210938A1 - Propellant stabilizer - Google Patents
Propellant stabilizer Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20190210938A1 US20190210938A1 US16/192,977 US201816192977A US2019210938A1 US 20190210938 A1 US20190210938 A1 US 20190210938A1 US 201816192977 A US201816192977 A US 201816192977A US 2019210938 A1 US2019210938 A1 US 2019210938A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- alkyl
- propellant
- energetic material
- compound
- formula
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
- 239000003380 propellant Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 139
- 239000003381 stabilizer Substances 0.000 title description 46
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 79
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 claims abstract description 78
- 239000008187 granular material Substances 0.000 claims description 57
- NJGBTKGETPDVIK-UHFFFAOYSA-N raspberry ketone Chemical compound CC(=O)CCC1=CC=C(O)C=C1 NJGBTKGETPDVIK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 40
- VWMVAQHMFFZQGD-UHFFFAOYSA-N p-Hydroxybenzyl acetone Natural products CC(=O)CC1=CC=C(O)C=C1 VWMVAQHMFFZQGD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 39
- 239000000020 Nitrocellulose Substances 0.000 claims description 23
- 229920001220 nitrocellulos Polymers 0.000 claims description 23
- 125000004178 (C1-C4) alkyl group Chemical group 0.000 claims description 17
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 15
- 229910052739 hydrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 10
- 239000002002 slurry Substances 0.000 claims description 10
- -1 N-methylnitramine Chemical compound 0.000 claims description 7
- LYCAIKOWRPUZTN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethylene glycol Chemical compound OCCO LYCAIKOWRPUZTN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 6
- SNIOPGDIGTZGOP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Nitroglycerin Chemical compound [O-][N+](=O)OCC(O[N+]([O-])=O)CO[N+]([O-])=O SNIOPGDIGTZGOP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 229960003711 glyceryl trinitrate Drugs 0.000 claims description 6
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 4
- ZRALSGWEFCBTJO-UHFFFAOYSA-N Guanidine Chemical compound NC(N)=N ZRALSGWEFCBTJO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 4
- IDCPFAYURAQKDZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 1-nitroguanidine Chemical compound NC(=N)N[N+]([O-])=O IDCPFAYURAQKDZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 3
- FJWGYAHXMCUOOM-QHOUIDNNSA-N [(2s,3r,4s,5r,6r)-2-[(2r,3r,4s,5r,6s)-4,5-dinitrooxy-2-(nitrooxymethyl)-6-[(2r,3r,4s,5r,6s)-4,5,6-trinitrooxy-2-(nitrooxymethyl)oxan-3-yl]oxyoxan-3-yl]oxy-3,5-dinitrooxy-6-(nitrooxymethyl)oxan-4-yl] nitrate Chemical compound O([C@@H]1O[C@@H]([C@H]([C@H](O[N+]([O-])=O)[C@H]1O[N+]([O-])=O)O[C@H]1[C@@H]([C@@H](O[N+]([O-])=O)[C@H](O[N+]([O-])=O)[C@@H](CO[N+]([O-])=O)O1)O[N+]([O-])=O)CO[N+](=O)[O-])[C@@H]1[C@@H](CO[N+]([O-])=O)O[C@@H](O[N+]([O-])=O)[C@H](O[N+]([O-])=O)[C@H]1O[N+]([O-])=O FJWGYAHXMCUOOM-QHOUIDNNSA-N 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000010439 graphite Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 229910002804 graphite Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 3
- QUAMCNNWODGSJA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 1,1-dinitrooxybutyl nitrate Chemical compound CCCC(O[N+]([O-])=O)(O[N+]([O-])=O)O[N+]([O-])=O QUAMCNNWODGSJA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- XTFIVUDBNACUBN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazinane Chemical compound [O-][N+](=O)N1CN([N+]([O-])=O)CN([N+]([O-])=O)C1 XTFIVUDBNACUBN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- WCHSUHMPMUTNKY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 1-nitrooxypropyl nitrate Chemical compound [O-][N+](=O)OC(CC)O[N+]([O-])=O WCHSUHMPMUTNKY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- SPSSULHKWOKEEL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene Chemical compound CC1=C([N+]([O-])=O)C=C([N+]([O-])=O)C=C1[N+]([O-])=O SPSSULHKWOKEEL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- PAWQVTBBRAZDMG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2-(3-bromo-2-fluorophenyl)acetic acid Chemical compound OC(=O)CC1=CC=CC(Br)=C1F PAWQVTBBRAZDMG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- ULRPISSMEBPJLN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2h-tetrazol-5-amine Chemical compound NC1=NN=NN1 ULRPISSMEBPJLN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- GDDNTTHUKVNJRA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 3-bromo-3,3-difluoroprop-1-ene Chemical compound FC(F)(Br)C=C GDDNTTHUKVNJRA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- XZGLNCKSNVGDNX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 5-methyl-2h-tetrazole Chemical compound CC=1N=NNN=1 XZGLNCKSNVGDNX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- QJTIRVUEVSKJTK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 5-nitro-1,2-dihydro-1,2,4-triazol-3-one Chemical compound [O-][N+](=O)C1=NC(=O)NN1 QJTIRVUEVSKJTK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- MARUHZGHZWCEQU-UHFFFAOYSA-N 5-phenyl-2h-tetrazole Chemical compound C1=CC=CC=C1C1=NNN=N1 MARUHZGHZWCEQU-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920000858 Cyclodextrin Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000000028 HMX Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- CHJJGSNFBQVOTG-UHFFFAOYSA-N N-methyl-guanidine Natural products CNC(N)=N CHJJGSNFBQVOTG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- TZRXHJWUDPFEEY-UHFFFAOYSA-N Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate Chemical compound [O-][N+](=O)OCC(CO[N+]([O-])=O)(CO[N+]([O-])=O)CO[N+]([O-])=O TZRXHJWUDPFEEY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000000026 Pentaerythritol tetranitrate Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- LYAGTVMJGHTIDH-UHFFFAOYSA-N diethylene glycol dinitrate Chemical compound [O-][N+](=O)OCCOCCO[N+]([O-])=O LYAGTVMJGHTIDH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- SWSQBOPZIKWTGO-UHFFFAOYSA-N dimethylaminoamidine Natural products CN(C)C(N)=N SWSQBOPZIKWTGO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 229940093476 ethylene glycol Drugs 0.000 claims description 2
- 235000010299 hexamethylene tetramine Nutrition 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000004312 hexamethylene tetramine Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- VKYKSIONXSXAKP-UHFFFAOYSA-N hexamethylenetetramine Chemical compound C1N(C2)CN3CN1CN2C3 VKYKSIONXSXAKP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- DGMJZELBSFOPHH-KVTDHHQDSA-N mannite hexanitrate Chemical compound [O-][N+](=O)OC[C@@H](O[N+]([O-])=O)[C@@H](O[N+]([O-])=O)[C@H](O[N+]([O-])=O)[C@H](O[N+]([O-])=O)CO[N+]([O-])=O DGMJZELBSFOPHH-KVTDHHQDSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 229960001765 mannitol hexanitrate Drugs 0.000 claims description 2
- 229940079938 nitrocellulose Drugs 0.000 claims description 2
- UZGLIIJVICEWHF-UHFFFAOYSA-N octogen Chemical compound [O-][N+](=O)N1CN([N+]([O-])=O)CN([N+]([O-])=O)CN([N+]([O-])=O)C1 UZGLIIJVICEWHF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- ADZAAKGRMMGJKM-UHFFFAOYSA-N oxiran-2-ylmethyl nitrate Chemical compound [O-][N+](=O)OCC1CO1 ADZAAKGRMMGJKM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 229960004321 pentaerithrityl tetranitrate Drugs 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- HFHDHCJBZVLPGP-UHFFFAOYSA-N schardinger α-dextrin Chemical compound O1C(C(C2O)O)C(CO)OC2OC(C(C2O)O)C(CO)OC2OC(C(C2O)O)C(CO)OC2OC(C(O)C2O)C(CO)OC2OC(C(C2O)O)C(CO)OC2OC2C(O)C(O)C1OC2CO HFHDHCJBZVLPGP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- AGCQZYRSTIRJFM-UHFFFAOYSA-N triethylene glycol dinitrate Chemical compound [O-][N+](=O)OCCOCCOCCO[N+]([O-])=O AGCQZYRSTIRJFM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- IPPYBNCEPZCLNI-UHFFFAOYSA-N trimethylolethane trinitrate Chemical compound [O-][N+](=O)OCC(C)(CO[N+]([O-])=O)CO[N+]([O-])=O IPPYBNCEPZCLNI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000000015 trinitrotoluene Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- DMBHHRLKUKUOEG-UHFFFAOYSA-N diphenylamine Chemical group C=1C=CC=CC=1NC1=CC=CC=C1 DMBHHRLKUKUOEG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 62
- GOCZYAJFHQKHQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 4-(4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl)butan-2-one Chemical compound CC(=O)CCC1=CC=C(O)C([N+]([O-])=O)=C1 GOCZYAJFHQKHQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 13
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 13
- 239000003607 modifier Substances 0.000 description 13
- 230000000087 stabilizing effect Effects 0.000 description 12
- 239000004429 Calibre Substances 0.000 description 10
- 238000009472 formulation Methods 0.000 description 9
- 0 [1*]C.[2*]C([3*])(CC(C)=O)C1=CC=CC=C1.[4*]C Chemical compound [1*]C.[2*]C([3*])(CC(C)=O)C1=CC=CC=C1.[4*]C 0.000 description 7
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 description 7
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 description 6
- 238000004587 chromatography analysis Methods 0.000 description 6
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 6
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 6
- 238000000354 decomposition reaction Methods 0.000 description 6
- DOIRQSBPFJWKBE-UHFFFAOYSA-N dibutyl phthalate Chemical compound CCCCOC(=O)C1=CC=CC=C1C(=O)OCCCC DOIRQSBPFJWKBE-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 6
- MWUXSHHQAYIFBG-UHFFFAOYSA-N nitrogen oxide Inorganic materials O=[N] MWUXSHHQAYIFBG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 6
- 230000000996 additive effect Effects 0.000 description 5
- 230000002378 acidificating effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- FLKPEMZONWLCSK-UHFFFAOYSA-N diethyl phthalate Chemical compound CCOC(=O)C1=CC=CC=C1C(=O)OCC FLKPEMZONWLCSK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- ALOUNLDAKADEEB-UHFFFAOYSA-N dimethyl sebacate Chemical compound COC(=O)CCCCCCCCC(=O)OC ALOUNLDAKADEEB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 238000002844 melting Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000008018 melting Effects 0.000 description 4
- 150000002823 nitrates Chemical class 0.000 description 4
- 229910002651 NO3 Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 239000000006 Nitroglycerin Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000007707 calorimetry Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000001125 extrusion Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000010348 incorporation Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000007774 longterm Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000008188 pellet Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000004014 plasticizer Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000037452 priming Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000000425 proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum Methods 0.000 description 3
- 150000003839 salts Chemical class 0.000 description 3
- 230000002000 scavenging effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 231100000331 toxic Toxicity 0.000 description 3
- 230000002588 toxic effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- DSSYKIVIOFKYAU-XCBNKYQSSA-N (R)-camphor Chemical compound C1C[C@@]2(C)C(=O)C[C@@H]1C2(C)C DSSYKIVIOFKYAU-XCBNKYQSSA-N 0.000 description 2
- QMMJWQMCMRUYTG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 1,2,4,5-tetrachloro-3-(trifluoromethyl)benzene Chemical compound FC(F)(F)C1=C(Cl)C(Cl)=CC(Cl)=C1Cl QMMJWQMCMRUYTG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- ACBFJMAXNZVRRX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 1-o-nonyl 2-o-undecyl benzene-1,2-dicarboxylate Chemical compound CCCCCCCCCCCOC(=O)C1=CC=CC=C1C(=O)OCCCCCCCCC ACBFJMAXNZVRRX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- NXQMCAOPTPLPRL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2-(2-benzoyloxyethoxy)ethyl benzoate Chemical compound C=1C=CC=CC=1C(=O)OCCOCCOC(=O)C1=CC=CC=C1 NXQMCAOPTPLPRL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- ZWEHNKRNPOVVGH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2-Butanone Chemical compound CCC(C)=O ZWEHNKRNPOVVGH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- RSWGJHLUYNHPMX-UHFFFAOYSA-N Abietic-Saeure Natural products C12CCC(C(C)C)=CC2=CCC2C1(C)CCCC2(C)C(O)=O RSWGJHLUYNHPMX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- QZCLKYGREBVARF-UHFFFAOYSA-N Acetyl tributyl citrate Chemical compound CCCCOC(=O)CC(C(=O)OCCCC)(OC(C)=O)CC(=O)OCCCC QZCLKYGREBVARF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- ATRRKUHOCOJYRX-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ammonium bicarbonate Chemical class [NH4+].OC([O-])=O ATRRKUHOCOJYRX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N Atomic nitrogen Chemical compound N#N IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- VTYYLEPIZMXCLO-UHFFFAOYSA-L Calcium carbonate Chemical compound [Ca+2].[O-]C([O-])=O VTYYLEPIZMXCLO-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 2
- 241000723346 Cinnamomum camphora Species 0.000 description 2
- KCXZNSGUUQJJTR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Di-n-hexyl phthalate Chemical compound CCCCCCOC(=O)C1=CC=CC=C1C(=O)OCCCCCC KCXZNSGUUQJJTR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- PYGXAGIECVVIOZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Dibutyl decanedioate Chemical compound CCCCOC(=O)CCCCCCCCC(=O)OCCCC PYGXAGIECVVIOZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- NKOUWLLFHNBUDW-UHFFFAOYSA-N Dipropyl hexanedioate Chemical compound CCCOC(=O)CCCCC(=O)OCCC NKOUWLLFHNBUDW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- NHNBFGGVMKEFGY-UHFFFAOYSA-N Nitrate Chemical compound [O-][N+]([O-])=O NHNBFGGVMKEFGY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- KHPCPRHQVVSZAH-HUOMCSJISA-N Rosin Natural products O(C/C=C/c1ccccc1)[C@H]1[C@H](O)[C@@H](O)[C@@H](O)[C@@H](CO)O1 KHPCPRHQVVSZAH-HUOMCSJISA-N 0.000 description 2
- UIIMBOGNXHQVGW-UHFFFAOYSA-M Sodium bicarbonate Chemical compound [Na+].OC([O-])=O UIIMBOGNXHQVGW-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 2
- ZFOZVQLOBQUTQQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Tributyl citrate Chemical compound CCCCOC(=O)CC(O)(C(=O)OCCCC)CC(=O)OCCCC ZFOZVQLOBQUTQQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000002253 acid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 150000007513 acids Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 125000000217 alkyl group Chemical group 0.000 description 2
- 239000001099 ammonium carbonate Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 125000003118 aryl group Chemical group 0.000 description 2
- 150000001540 azides Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 229910052797 bismuth Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- JCXGWMGPZLAOME-UHFFFAOYSA-N bismuth atom Chemical compound [Bi] JCXGWMGPZLAOME-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229960000846 camphor Drugs 0.000 description 2
- 229930008380 camphor Natural products 0.000 description 2
- 229960002380 dibutyl phthalate Drugs 0.000 description 2
- 229940014772 dimethyl sebacate Drugs 0.000 description 2
- IPKKHRVROFYTEK-UHFFFAOYSA-N dipentyl phthalate Chemical compound CCCCCOC(=O)C1=CC=CC=C1C(=O)OCCCCC IPKKHRVROFYTEK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 2
- WETZJIOEDGMBMA-UHFFFAOYSA-L lead styphnate Chemical compound [Pb+2].[O-]C1=C([N+]([O-])=O)C=C([N+]([O-])=O)C([O-])=C1[N+]([O-])=O WETZJIOEDGMBMA-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 2
- 238000001819 mass spectrum Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 2
- IAGUPODHENSJEZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N methyl n-phenylcarbamate Chemical compound COC(=O)NC1=CC=CC=C1 IAGUPODHENSJEZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000000704 physical effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- KYKNRZGSIGMXFH-ZVGUSBNCSA-M potassium bitartrate Chemical class [K+].OC(=O)[C@H](O)[C@@H](O)C([O-])=O KYKNRZGSIGMXFH-ZVGUSBNCSA-M 0.000 description 2
- BWHMMNNQKKPAPP-UHFFFAOYSA-L potassium carbonate Chemical class [K+].[K+].[O-]C([O-])=O BWHMMNNQKKPAPP-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 2
- FGIUAXJPYTZDNR-UHFFFAOYSA-N potassium nitrate Chemical class [K+].[O-][N+]([O-])=O FGIUAXJPYTZDNR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000006641 stabilisation Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000011105 stabilization Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 2
- 231100000419 toxicity Toxicity 0.000 description 2
- 230000001988 toxicity Effects 0.000 description 2
- KHPCPRHQVVSZAH-UHFFFAOYSA-N trans-cinnamyl beta-D-glucopyranoside Natural products OC1C(O)C(O)C(CO)OC1OCC=CC1=CC=CC=C1 KHPCPRHQVVSZAH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- MFEVGQHCNVXMER-UHFFFAOYSA-L 1,3,2$l^{2}-dioxaplumbetan-4-one Chemical compound [Pb+2].[O-]C([O-])=O MFEVGQHCNVXMER-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 1
- ADCBKYIHQQCFHE-UHFFFAOYSA-N 1,3-dimethyl-1,3-diphenylurea Chemical compound C=1C=CC=CC=1N(C)C(=O)N(C)C1=CC=CC=C1 ADCBKYIHQQCFHE-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- TXLIPZBXVUCIHE-UHFFFAOYSA-N 1-o-nonyl 6-o-undecyl hexanedioate Chemical compound CCCCCCCCCCCOC(=O)CCCCC(=O)OCCCCCCCCC TXLIPZBXVUCIHE-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- DYSXLQBUUOPLBB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2,3-dinitrotoluene Chemical compound CC1=CC=CC([N+]([O-])=O)=C1[N+]([O-])=O DYSXLQBUUOPLBB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- YEVQZPWSVWZAOB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2-(bromomethyl)-1-iodo-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzene Chemical compound FC(F)(F)C1=CC=C(I)C(CBr)=C1 YEVQZPWSVWZAOB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- KKMOSYLWYLMHAL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2-bromo-6-nitroaniline Chemical compound NC1=C(Br)C=CC=C1[N+]([O-])=O KKMOSYLWYLMHAL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- GNGCALKASVBYMT-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2-nitroso-n-phenylaniline Chemical compound O=NC1=CC=CC=C1NC1=CC=CC=C1 GNGCALKASVBYMT-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- HBTAOSGHCXUEKI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 4-chloro-n,n-dimethyl-3-nitrobenzenesulfonamide Chemical compound CN(C)S(=O)(=O)C1=CC=C(Cl)C([N+]([O-])=O)=C1 HBTAOSGHCXUEKI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- YMCIVAPEOZDEGH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 5-chloro-2,3-dihydro-1h-indole Chemical compound ClC1=CC=C2NCCC2=C1 YMCIVAPEOZDEGH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- GPZYYYGYCRFPBU-UHFFFAOYSA-N 6-Hydroxyflavone Chemical compound C=1C(=O)C2=CC(O)=CC=C2OC=1C1=CC=CC=C1 GPZYYYGYCRFPBU-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- NWSGBTCJMJADLE-UHFFFAOYSA-N 6-o-decyl 1-o-octyl hexanedioate Chemical compound CCCCCCCCCCOC(=O)CCCCC(=O)OCCCCCCCC NWSGBTCJMJADLE-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910000013 Ammonium bicarbonate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- GDJOUZYAIHWDCA-UHFFFAOYSA-N Bis(3,5,5-trimethylhexyl) phthalate Chemical compound CC(C)(C)CC(C)CCOC(=O)C1=CC=CC=C1C(=O)OCCC(C)CC(C)(C)C GDJOUZYAIHWDCA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910000014 Bismuth subcarbonate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- XTJFFFGAUHQWII-UHFFFAOYSA-N Dibutyl adipate Chemical compound CCCCOC(=O)CCCCC(=O)OCCCC XTJFFFGAUHQWII-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- RDOFJDLLWVCMRU-UHFFFAOYSA-N Diisobutyl adipate Chemical compound CC(C)COC(=O)CCCCC(=O)OCC(C)C RDOFJDLLWVCMRU-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- UDSFAEKRVUSQDD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Dimethyl adipate Chemical compound COC(=O)CCCCC(=O)OC UDSFAEKRVUSQDD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 241000237858 Gastropoda Species 0.000 description 1
- 108010010803 Gelatin Proteins 0.000 description 1
- HIZCTWCPHWUPFU-UHFFFAOYSA-N Glycerol tribenzoate Chemical compound C=1C=CC=CC=1C(=O)OCC(OC(=O)C=1C=CC=CC=1)COC(=O)C1=CC=CC=C1 HIZCTWCPHWUPFU-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229920000084 Gum arabic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 235000015842 Hesperis Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000012633 Iberis amara Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229910000003 Lead carbonate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- CIUQEXNLIMCQFX-UHFFFAOYSA-N OC1=C(C=C(C=C1[N+](=O)[O-])CCC(C)=O)[N+](=O)[O-] Chemical compound OC1=C(C=C(C=C1[N+](=O)[O-])CCC(C)=O)[N+](=O)[O-] CIUQEXNLIMCQFX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- ZLMJMSJWJFRBEC-UHFFFAOYSA-N Potassium Chemical compound [K] ZLMJMSJWJFRBEC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 241000978776 Senegalia senegal Species 0.000 description 1
- DOOTYTYQINUNNV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Triethyl citrate Chemical compound CCOC(=O)CC(O)(C(=O)OCC)CC(=O)OCC DOOTYTYQINUNNV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000000205 acacia gum Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000010489 acacia gum Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 150000001298 alcohols Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000004411 aluminium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 235000012538 ammonium bicarbonate Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000012501 ammonium carbonate Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 150000003863 ammonium salts Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N atomic oxygen Chemical compound [O] QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- SAOKZLXYCUGLFA-UHFFFAOYSA-N bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate Chemical compound CCCCC(CC)COC(=O)CCCCC(=O)OCC(CC)CCCC SAOKZLXYCUGLFA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- ZWYAVGUHWPLBGT-UHFFFAOYSA-N bis(6-methylheptyl) decanedioate Chemical compound CC(C)CCCCCOC(=O)CCCCCCCCC(=O)OCCCCCC(C)C ZWYAVGUHWPLBGT-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- SCABKEBYDRTODC-UHFFFAOYSA-N bis[2-(2-butoxyethoxy)ethyl] hexanedioate Chemical compound CCCCOCCOCCOC(=O)CCCCC(=O)OCCOCCOCCCC SCABKEBYDRTODC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910000416 bismuth oxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- MGLUJXPJRXTKJM-UHFFFAOYSA-L bismuth subcarbonate Chemical compound O=[Bi]OC(=O)O[Bi]=O MGLUJXPJRXTKJM-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 1
- 229940036358 bismuth subcarbonate Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 229910000019 calcium carbonate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- CJZGTCYPCWQAJB-UHFFFAOYSA-L calcium stearate Chemical compound [Ca+2].CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC([O-])=O.CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC([O-])=O CJZGTCYPCWQAJB-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 1
- 235000013539 calcium stearate Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000008116 calcium stearate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052799 carbon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 125000004432 carbon atom Chemical group C* 0.000 description 1
- 230000015556 catabolic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- PZIMIYVOZBTARW-UHFFFAOYSA-N centralite Chemical compound C=1C=CC=CC=1N(CC)C(=O)N(CC)C1=CC=CC=C1 PZIMIYVOZBTARW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000002485 combustion reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008602 contraction Effects 0.000 description 1
- ZXJXZNDDNMQXFV-UHFFFAOYSA-M crystal violet Chemical compound [Cl-].C1=CC(N(C)C)=CC=C1[C+](C=1C=CC(=CC=1)N(C)C)C1=CC=C(N(C)C)C=C1 ZXJXZNDDNMQXFV-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
- 238000004200 deflagration Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000006731 degradation reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- TYIXMATWDRGMPF-UHFFFAOYSA-N dibismuth;oxygen(2-) Chemical compound [O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[Bi+3].[Bi+3] TYIXMATWDRGMPF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- JBSLOWBPDRZSMB-BQYQJAHWSA-N dibutyl (e)-but-2-enedioate Chemical compound CCCCOC(=O)\C=C\C(=O)OCCCC JBSLOWBPDRZSMB-BQYQJAHWSA-N 0.000 description 1
- JBSLOWBPDRZSMB-FPLPWBNLSA-N dibutyl (z)-but-2-enedioate Chemical compound CCCCOC(=O)\C=C/C(=O)OCCCC JBSLOWBPDRZSMB-FPLPWBNLSA-N 0.000 description 1
- RISLXYINQFKFRL-UHFFFAOYSA-N dibutyl nonanedioate Chemical compound CCCCOC(=O)CCCCCCCC(=O)OCCCC RISLXYINQFKFRL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- ZFTFAPZRGNKQPU-UHFFFAOYSA-N dicarbonic acid Chemical compound OC(=O)OC(O)=O ZFTFAPZRGNKQPU-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229940067572 diethylhexyl adipate Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 229940031769 diisobutyl adipate Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 239000004806 diisononylester Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229940031578 diisopropyl adipate Drugs 0.000 description 1
- PQJYOOFQDXGDDS-ISLYRVAYSA-N dinonyl (e)-but-2-enedioate Chemical compound CCCCCCCCCOC(=O)\C=C\C(=O)OCCCCCCCCC PQJYOOFQDXGDDS-ISLYRVAYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- PQJYOOFQDXGDDS-ZCXUNETKSA-N dinonyl (z)-but-2-enedioate Chemical compound CCCCCCCCCOC(=O)\C=C/C(=O)OCCCCCCCCC PQJYOOFQDXGDDS-ZCXUNETKSA-N 0.000 description 1
- LERGDXJITDVDBZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N dioctyl benzene-1,3-dicarboxylate Chemical compound CCCCCCCCOC(=O)C1=CC=CC(C(=O)OCCCCCCCC)=C1 LERGDXJITDVDBZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- OEIWPNWSDYFMIL-UHFFFAOYSA-N dioctyl benzene-1,4-dicarboxylate Chemical compound CCCCCCCCOC(=O)C1=CC=C(C(=O)OCCCCCCCC)C=C1 OEIWPNWSDYFMIL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- MIMDHDXOBDPUQW-UHFFFAOYSA-N dioctyl decanedioate Chemical compound CCCCCCCCOC(=O)CCCCCCCCC(=O)OCCCCCCCC MIMDHDXOBDPUQW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000001035 drying Methods 0.000 description 1
- 150000002148 esters Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 125000001495 ethyl group Chemical group [H]C([H])([H])C([H])([H])* 0.000 description 1
- HKTSLDUAGCAISP-UHFFFAOYSA-N ethyl n,n-diphenylcarbamate Chemical compound C=1C=CC=CC=1N(C(=O)OCC)C1=CC=CC=C1 HKTSLDUAGCAISP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- QHGZFCAIXRVHID-UHFFFAOYSA-N ethyl n-methyl-n-phenylcarbamate Chemical compound CCOC(=O)N(C)C1=CC=CC=C1 QHGZFCAIXRVHID-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000004880 explosion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002349 favourable effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000008273 gelatin Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000159 gelatin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 235000019322 gelatine Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000011852 gelatine desserts Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000005469 granulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003179 granulation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052736 halogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 150000002367 halogens Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 231100001261 hazardous Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 239000001257 hydrogen Substances 0.000 description 1
- 125000004435 hydrogen atom Chemical class [H]* 0.000 description 1
- 125000004464 hydroxyphenyl group Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 230000000977 initiatory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011835 investigation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 125000000959 isobutyl group Chemical group [H]C([H])([H])C([H])(C([H])([H])[H])C([H])([H])* 0.000 description 1
- 125000001449 isopropyl group Chemical group [H]C([H])([H])C([H])(*)C([H])([H])[H] 0.000 description 1
- 239000000395 magnesium oxide Substances 0.000 description 1
- CPLXHLVBOLITMK-UHFFFAOYSA-N magnesium oxide Inorganic materials [Mg]=O CPLXHLVBOLITMK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- AXZKOIWUVFPNLO-UHFFFAOYSA-N magnesium;oxygen(2-) Chemical compound [O-2].[Mg+2] AXZKOIWUVFPNLO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 1
- MHWLNQBTOIYJJP-UHFFFAOYSA-N mercury difulminate Chemical compound [O-][N+]#C[Hg]C#[N+][O-] MHWLNQBTOIYJJP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 125000002496 methyl group Chemical group [H]C([H])([H])* 0.000 description 1
- 150000007522 mineralic acids Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000016337 monopotassium tartrate Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 125000004108 n-butyl group Chemical group [H]C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])* 0.000 description 1
- XIFJZJPMHNUGRA-UHFFFAOYSA-N n-methyl-4-nitroaniline Chemical compound CNC1=CC=C([N+]([O-])=O)C=C1 XIFJZJPMHNUGRA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 125000004123 n-propyl group Chemical group [H]C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])* 0.000 description 1
- 229910052757 nitrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 150000007524 organic acids Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000728 polyester Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000011591 potassium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052700 potassium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011736 potassium bicarbonate Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 235000015497 potassium bicarbonate Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229910000028 potassium bicarbonate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229940094025 potassium bicarbonate Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 229940081543 potassium bitartrate Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 229910000027 potassium carbonate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229940093956 potassium carbonate Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 235000011181 potassium carbonates Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- TYJJADVDDVDEDZ-UHFFFAOYSA-M potassium hydrogencarbonate Chemical class [K+].OC([O-])=O TYJJADVDDVDEDZ-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
- 239000004323 potassium nitrate Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 235000010333 potassium nitrate Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229940093928 potassium nitrate Drugs 0.000 description 1
- OTYBMLCTZGSZBG-UHFFFAOYSA-L potassium sulfate Chemical class [K+].[K+].[O-]S([O-])(=O)=O OTYBMLCTZGSZBG-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 1
- 229910052939 potassium sulfate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000001120 potassium sulphate Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 235000011151 potassium sulphates Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000001472 potassium tartrate Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 229940111695 potassium tartrate Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 235000011005 potassium tartrates Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000750 progressive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000700 radioactive tracer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 125000002914 sec-butyl group Chemical group [H]C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])(*)C([H])([H])[H] 0.000 description 1
- 238000007493 shaping process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004904 shortening Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910000030 sodium bicarbonate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 235000017557 sodium bicarbonate Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000002904 solvent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000013112 stability test Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 1
- 125000001424 substituent group Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 125000000999 tert-butyl group Chemical group [H]C([H])([H])C(*)(C([H])([H])[H])C([H])([H])[H] 0.000 description 1
- 231100000440 toxicity profile Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- WEAPVABOECTMGR-UHFFFAOYSA-N triethyl 2-acetyloxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylate Chemical compound CCOC(=O)CC(C(=O)OCC)(OC(C)=O)CC(=O)OCC WEAPVABOECTMGR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000001069 triethyl citrate Substances 0.000 description 1
- VMYFZRTXGLUXMZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N triethyl citrate Natural products CCOC(=O)C(O)(C(=O)OCC)C(=O)OCC VMYFZRTXGLUXMZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 235000013769 triethyl citrate Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- TUUQISRYLMFKOG-UHFFFAOYSA-N trihexyl 2-acetyloxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylate Chemical compound CCCCCCOC(=O)CC(C(=O)OCCCCCC)(OC(C)=O)CC(=O)OCCCCCC TUUQISRYLMFKOG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- DCTZJRUXIXPDJP-UHFFFAOYSA-N trihexyl 2-hydroxy-4-oxoheptane-1,2,3-tricarboxylate Chemical compound CCCCCCOC(=O)CC(O)(C(=O)OCCCCCC)C(C(=O)CCC)C(=O)OCCCCCC DCTZJRUXIXPDJP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C06—EXPLOSIVES; MATCHES
- C06B—EXPLOSIVES OR THERMIC COMPOSITIONS; MANUFACTURE THEREOF; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS EXPLOSIVES
- C06B23/00—Compositions characterised by non-explosive or non-thermic constituents
- C06B23/006—Stabilisers (e.g. thermal stabilisers)
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C06—EXPLOSIVES; MATCHES
- C06B—EXPLOSIVES OR THERMIC COMPOSITIONS; MANUFACTURE THEREOF; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS EXPLOSIVES
- C06B25/00—Compositions containing a nitrated organic compound
- C06B25/18—Compositions containing a nitrated organic compound the compound being nitrocellulose present as 10% or more by weight of the total composition
- C06B25/20—Compositions containing a nitrated organic compound the compound being nitrocellulose present as 10% or more by weight of the total composition with a non-explosive or a non-explosive or a non-thermic component
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
- F42B—EXPLOSIVE CHARGES, e.g. FOR BLASTING, FIREWORKS, AMMUNITION
- F42B5/00—Cartridge ammunition, e.g. separately-loaded propellant charges
- F42B5/02—Cartridges, i.e. cases with charge and missile
- F42B5/16—Cartridges, i.e. cases with charge and missile characterised by composition or physical dimensions or form of propellant charge, with or without projectile, or powder
Definitions
- the invention relates generally to propellant stabilizers and propellants comprising propellant stabilizers.
- the invention also relates to methods of producing a propellant comprising a propellant stabilizer as well as an ammunition cartridge comprising the stabilized propellant.
- Propellants comprising energetic material are used in ammunition cartridges and in other applications for generating a propellant gas to propel a projectile.
- Propellants such as nitrocellulose and nitrate ester based propellants gradually decompose with age, producing acidic nitrates and nitrogen oxides. These compounds of degradation may catalyze further decomposition of the propellant, which can then lead to autocatalytic decomposition of the propellant. In the context of ammunition, this autocatalytic decomposition can in turn lead to combustion, deflagration or explosion or failure of the ammunition, resulting in shortening of the service life of the propellant-containing product.
- a propellant stabilizer is typically added to the energetic material of a propellant in order to prevent or reduce the rate of decomposition, thereby prolonging the service life of the propellant.
- Propellant stabilizers act by scavenging the acidic nitrates and nitrogen oxides produced to form nitrosated and nitrated derivatives.
- DPA diphenylamine
- nitrocellulose-based propellants nitrocellulose being the major energetic component of most small arms propellants.
- DPA is toxic, which makes it a chemical of concern.
- DPA is toxic if swallowed, inhaled or in contact with skin.
- the propellant stabilizer has a lower toxicity that DPA, providing a safer alternative to the use of DPA in propellants.
- a propellant stabilizer comprising a compound of formula 1
- R 1 is selected from the group consisting of H, —OH, —O(C 1-4 alkyl), —C 1-4 alkyl, —NHC 1-4 alkyl, —N(C 1-4 alkyl) 2 , —NO 2 , —NHNH 2 , —N(C 1-4 alkyl)NH 2 , and —CN;
- R 2 is selected from the group consisting of —H, —OH, —O—(C 1-4 alkyl), —C 1-4 alkyl, —NHC 1-4 alkyl, —N(C 1-4 alkyl) 2 , —NO 2 , —NHNH 2 , —N(C 1-4 alkyl)NH 2 , and —CN;
- R 3 is selected from the group consisting of —H and —C 1-4 alkyl; and
- R 4 is selected from the group consisting of —H, —OH, —O(C 1-4 alkyl), —C 1-4 al
- 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one can act as a burn deterrent (i.e. a burn rate modifier) when applied to granules of propellant as a coating.
- the applicant has surprisingly found that 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one, and derivatives thereof within formula 1, are capable of acting as propellant stabilizers. This finding was not expected, as preliminary tests used to indicate likely efficacy as a stabilizer did not indicate that the compound had stabilizing properties. However, subsequent work conducted by the inventors did show that the compound does have stabilizing properties.
- the new propellant stabilizer is capable of stabilizing energetic materials such as nitrocellulose to a comparable extent as and to a greater extent than the commonly used propellant stabilizer DPA, making it suitable for use in propellants and ammunition cartridges.
- the new propellant stabilizer also has a more favourable toxicity profile compared to DPA, making the workplace environment safer for those involved in propellant and ammunition manufacture.
- the compound of formula 1 is 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one. Although this compound is preferred, it is appreciated that closely structurally and physical property-related compounds may also provide further alternative propellant stabilizers to DPA. In some embodiments, the compound of formula 1 is 4-(4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl)butan-2-one.
- a propellant comprising an energetic material; and a compound of formula 1
- R 1 is selected from the group consisting of H, —OH, —O(C 1-4 alkyl), —C 1-4 alkyl, —NHC 1-4 alkyl, —N(C 1-4 alkyl) 2 , —NO 2 , —NHNH 2 , —N(C 1-4 alkyl)NH 2 , and —CN;
- R 2 is selected from the group consisting of —H, —OH, —O—(C 1-4 alkyl), —C 1-4 alkyl, —NHC 1-4 alkyl, —N(C 1-4 alkyl) 2 , —NO 2 , —NHNH 2 , —N(C 1-4 alkyl)NH 2 , and —CN;
- R 3 is selected from the group consisting of —H and —C 1-4 alkyl; and
- R 4 is selected from the group consisting of —H, —OH, —O(C 1-4 alkyl), —C 1-4 al
- an ammunition cartridge comprising the propellant described above.
- the ammunition cartridge typically comprises a casing, the propellant described above, a primer and a projectile.
- the ammunition may also contain boosting charges and tracer compounds.
- a method of preparing a propellant comprising dispersing a compound of formula 1
- R 1 is selected from the group consisting of H, —OH, —O(C 1-4 alkyl), —C 1-4 alkyl, —NHC 1-4 alkyl, —N(C 1-4 alkyl) 2 , —NO 2 , —NHNH 2 , —N(C 1-4 alkyl)NH 2 , and —CN;
- R 2 is selected from the group consisting of —H, —OH, —O—(C 1-4 alkyl), —C 1-4 alkyl, —NHC 1-4 alkyl, —N(C 1-4 alkyl) 2 , —NO 2 , —NHNH 2 , —N(C 1-4 alkyl)NH 2 , and —CN;
- R 3 is selected from the group consisting of —H and —C 1-4 alkyl; and
- R 4 is selected from the group consisting of —H, —OH, —O(C 1-4 alkyl), —C 1-4 al
- FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a granule of the propellant composition containing 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one according to one embodiment of the invention.
- FIGS. 2A through 2E present graphs showing normalised heat flow for propellant formulations containing DPA, DPA and 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one, or 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one ( FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C ); and normalised heat flow for propellant formulations containing either DPA or 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one as the stabilizer ( FIGS. 2D and 2E ).
- FIGS. 3A through 3C present chromatography traces of aged propellant formulations incorporating 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one ( FIGS. 3A and 3B ) compared with a propellant formulation containing only DPA as the stabilizer ( FIG. 3C ).
- FIGS. 4A through 4D present chromatography traces of an aged propellant formulation incorporating 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one ( FIG. 4A ), synthetic 4-(4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl)butan-2-one ( FIG. 4B ), the aged propellant formulation spiked with synthetic 4-(4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl)butan-2-one ( FIG. 4C ), and a mass spectrum of the 3.6 min peak ( FIG. 4D ).
- FIGS. 5A and 5B present 1 H NMR spectra of an extract from an aged propellant formulation containing 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one as the stabilizer ( FIG. 5A ) compared with synthetic 4-(4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl)butan-2-one ( FIG. 5B ).
- the invention relates generally to propellant stabilizers and propellants comprising a propellant stabilizer.
- the invention also relates to methods of producing a propellant comprising a propellant stabilizer as well as an ammunition cartridge comprising the stabilized propellant.
- the present invention involves the use of a compound of formula 1
- R 1 is selected from the group consisting of H, —OH, —O(C 1-4 alkyl), —C 1-4 alkyl, —NHC 1-4 alkyl, —N(C 1-4 alkyl) 2 , —NO 2 , —NHNH 2 , —N(C 1-4 alkyl)NH 2 , and —CN;
- R 2 is selected from the group consisting of —H, —OH, —O—(C 1-4 alkyl), —C 1-4 alkyl, —NHC 1-4 alkyl, —N(C 1-4 alkyl) 2 , —NO 2 , —NHNH 2 , —N(C 1-4 alkyl)NH 2 , and —CN;
- R 3 is selected from the group consisting of —H and —C 1-4 alkyl; and
- R 4 is selected from the group consisting of —H, —OH, —O(C 1-4 alkyl), —C 1-4 al
- R 1 is selected from the group consisting of OH, O—(C 1-4 -alkyl) and C 1-4 alkyl. In other embodiments, R 1 is selected from the group consisting of OH and O—(C 1-4 alkyl). In a particularly preferred embodiment, R 1 is OH.
- R 1 may be in any position around the aromatic ring.
- R 1 may be in the ortho, meta or para position.
- R 1 is in the para position.
- R 2 is selected from the group consisting of H, OH, O—(C 1-4 alkyl) and C 1-4 alkyl. In other embodiments, R 2 is selected from the group consisting of H, OH and O—(C 1-4 alkyl). In a particularly preferred embodiment, R 2 is H.
- R 3 is H.
- R 4 is selected from the group consisting of H, —NO 2 , OH, O—(C 1-4 alkyl) and C 1-4 alkyl. In other embodiments, R 4 is selected from the group consisting of H, —NO 2 , OH and O—(C 1-4 alkyl). In a particularly preferred embodiment, R 4 is H. In some embodiments, R 4 is —NO 2 .
- R 4 may be in any position around the aromatic ring.
- R 4 may be in the ortho, meta or para position.
- R 4 is in an ortho or meta position.
- R 1 is OH
- R 2 is H
- R 3 is H
- R 4 is H
- R 1 is OH
- R 2 is H
- R 3 is H
- R 4 is —NO 2 .
- C 1-4 alkyl refers to a branched or unbranched alkyl group having from one to four carbon atoms inclusive.
- Examples of C 1-4 alkyl groups include methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl and tert-butyl. This definition applies to references to C 1-4 alkyl alone or as part of a substituent such as —O(C 1-4 alkyl), —NHC 1-4 alkyl, —N(C 1-4 alkyl) 2 or —N(C 1-4 alkyl)NH 2 .
- the compound of formula 1 functions as a propellant stabilizer.
- stabilizer refers to any compound which can be used to stabilize the energetic material.
- the compound of formula 1 is present in the propellant in an amount which is sufficient to retard the decomposition of the energetic material compared with the decomposition rate without the presence of the compound.
- the compound of formula 1 is present in amounts of from about 0.1 to about 10% by weight of the propellant.
- the compound of formula 1 may be present in an amount of about 0.2 to about 8%, such as about 0.5 to about 6.5%, or about 0.7 to about 6%.
- the compound of formula 1 is present in an amount of about 1 to about 5% by weight of the propellant.
- the compound of formula 1 is present in an amount of about 1 to about 2% by weight of the propellant.
- the compound of formula 1 preferably has a melting point of about 50 to about 90° C.
- the melting point may be about 55 to about 85° C., such as about 60 to about 80° C., or about 65 to about 75° C.
- the compound of formula 1 has a melting point of at least about 50° C.
- the melting point may be at least about 60° C., such as at least about 65° C., or at least about 70° C.
- the compound of formula 1 is 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one.
- the compound of formula 1 is 4-(4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl)butan-2-one.
- the propellant may also comprise a second stabilizer.
- the second stabilizer(s), which is different to the first stabilizer, may be selected from the group consisting of a second compound of formula 1, sodium hydrogen carbonate, calcium carbonate, magnesium oxide, akardites, centralites, 2-nitrosodiphenylamine, diphenylamine, N-methyl-p-nitroaniline and combinations thereof.
- the propellant of the present invention comprises an energetic material.
- energetic material includes any material which can be burned to generate a propellant gas to propel a projectile.
- the energetic material is selected from the group consisting of black powder, ammonium perchlorate, hexogen, butanetrioltrinitrate, ethyleneglycol dintrate, diethyleneglycol dinitrate, erithritol tetranitrate, octogen, hexanitroisowurtzitane, metriol trinitrate, N-methylnitramine, pentaerythritol tetranitrate, tetranitrobenzolamine, trinitrotoluene, nitroglycerine, nitrocellulose, mannitol hexanitrate, triethylene glycol dinitrate, guanidine, nitroguanidine, 3-nitro-1,2,4-triazol-5-one, ammonium nitrate, propanediol dinitrate, hexamine, 5-aminotetrazole, methyltetrazole, phenyltetrazole, polyglycidylnitrate, polyglycidyl
- the energetic material is selected from the group consisting of nitroglycerine, nitrocellulose and combinations thereof.
- the propellant comprises a single energetic material.
- the propellant may only comprise nitrocellulose.
- the energetic material may be referred to as “single base” and the propellant may be referred to as “a single base propellant”.
- the propellant may comprise two energetic materials.
- the propellant may comprise nitrocellulose and nitroglycerin.
- the energetic material may be referred to as “double base” and the propellant may be referred to as “a double base propellant”.
- the propellant may comprise more than two energetic materials.
- the propellant may comprise nitrocellulose, nitroguanidine and nitroglycerin.
- the energetic material may be referred to as “multiple base” and the propellant may be referred to as “a multiple base propellant”.
- the energetic material is nitrocellulose.
- the energetic material may be in any form that is suitable for incorporation into an ammunition cartridge for a firearm.
- the propellant comprises an energetic material and a compound of formula 1.
- the energetic material and compound of formula 1 may be combined in any way, provided that the compound of formula 1 is dispersed throughout the energetic material.
- the compound of formula 1 is dispersed evenly throughout the energetic material.
- the concentration of the propellant stabilizer is approximately the same throughout the energetic material.
- the compound of formula 1 can be used in conjunction with other established stabilizing compounds to suit the formulator.
- the energetic material and the compound of formula 1 are in the form of granules.
- the term “granule” may also be referred to as “kernel” or “pellet”.
- Incorporation of the compound of formula 1 throughout the energetic material can be achieved by forming a slurry or dough of the energetic material and the compound.
- the energetic material and the compound of formula 1 can be blended together in a mixer. The resulting mixture can then be formed into granules.
- the granules of energetic material and the compound of formula 1 may be prepared by any method known in the art. For example, a slurry or dough of energetic material and the compound of formula 1 may be extruded. In another embodiment, the energetic material and the compound of formula 1 in particulate form may be compressed into a granule. In another embodiment, particulates of energetic material and the compound of formula 1 may be coalesced and shaped into agglomerates by pumping a slurry through shaping tubes. In some embodiments, the agglomerates may be substantially spherical in shape. The agglomerates may be referred to as particles.
- the granules are prepared by extruding a slurry or dough of energetic material and the compound of formula 1 to form an extrudate, and granulating the extrudate.
- the term “granulating” refers to the process of dividing, or cutting, an extrudate into granules.
- the slurry or dough of energetic material and the compound of formula 1 is extruded, for example using an extrusion die, to form an extrudate cord, and the extrudate cord is cut to the desired length to form granules.
- the granules may be of any size suitable for use in ammunition.
- the extrudate cord may be cut into the desired granule lengths immediately upon exit from the extrusion die, or at some time after the extrudate cord is formed.
- the extrudate cord may be cut immediately as the cord extrudes or after the collection of a suitable length of cord. The cutting may be performed while the cord is still soft, or when it is dry and hard.
- the granules may also be referred to as agglomerates, grains or particles.
- the granules can be of any shape.
- the granules have an axial dimension with a consistent cross-section.
- the granule may have a substantially circular cross-section or the cross-section may be elliptical or any other similar shape.
- the granules are cylindrical in shape.
- the granules may be of any size suitable for use in ammunition.
- the granules are about 0.1 to about 25 mm in length.
- the granules may be about 0.3 to about 20 mm in length, such as about 0.5 to about 12 mm in length, or about 0.7 to about 5 mm in length, or about 1 to about 2 mm in length.
- the granules have a diameter of about 0.1 to about 20 mm.
- the granules may have a diameter of about 0.2 to about 15 mm, such as about 0.4 to about 12 mm, or about 0.5 to about 10 mm, or about 0.6 to about 5 mm, or about 0.7 to about 1 mm.
- the granules may have a greater length than diameter.
- the granules may be referred to as sticks.
- the length of the sticks may be about 6 to about 14 mm, such as about 8 to about 12 mm.
- the diameter of the sticks may be about 0.6 to about 1.2 mm, such as about 0.7 to about 1 mm.
- the granules are dried during which they may contract slightly. This contraction can be taken into account when granulating the granules or compressing the particulates of energetic material and the compound of formula 1.
- the contracted granules may be of any size suitable to be used in ammunition.
- the granules are about 0.1 to about 25 mm in length.
- the granules may be about 0.3 to about 20 mm in length, such as about 0.5 to about 12 mm in length, or about 0.7 to about 5 mm in length, or about 1 to about 2 mm in length.
- the granules have a diameter of about 0.1 to about 20 mm.
- the granules may have a diameter of about 0.2 to about 15 mm, such as about 0.4 to about 12 mm, or about 0.5 to about 10 mm, or about 0.6 to about 5 mm, or about 0.7 to about 1 mm.
- the length of the sticks may be about 6 to about 14 mm, such as about 8 to about 12 mm.
- the diameter of the sticks may be about 0.6 to about 1.2 mm, such as about 0.7 to about 1 mm.
- the granules comprise a perforation to enhance burning rates later in the burning cycle and to make the granules more progressive in burning.
- the granules comprise one or more perforations.
- perforation refers to an aperture in the granule.
- Alternative terms for “perforation” include channel, bore and cavity.
- the perforation may extend all the way through the granule. In some embodiments, the perforation extends axially through the granule.
- the perforation may be of any diameter suitable for the size of the granule.
- the perforation has a diameter of about 50 to about 1000 ⁇ m.
- the perforation may have a diameter of about 50 to about 700 ⁇ m, such as about 50 to about 500 ⁇ m, or about 100 to about 300 ⁇ m.
- each granule there may be more than one perforation in each granule. In some embodiments, there is a single perforation. In other embodiments, there are multiple perforations.
- the extrudate When the energetic material is made by extrusion, the extrudate may be extruded with one or more perforations.
- the propellant may comprise additional layers. Suitable layers include a layer of a burn rate modifier, a finishing layer, an ignition layer and/or a layer of a second energetic material.
- the burn rate modifier may be in the form of a coating on granules of the energetic material.
- the burn rate modifier layer may also coat the exposed area of the perforation(s).
- the coating of the energetic material may be performed by any method known in the art.
- the burn rate modifier coating material may be any burn rate modifier known in the art.
- burn rate modifiers include, but are not limited to, dinitrotoluene, acetyl triethyl citrate, triethyl citrate, tri-n-butyl citrate, tributyl acetyl citrate, acetyl tri-n-butyl citrate, acetyl tri-n-hexyl citrate, n-butyryl tri-n-hexylcitrate, di-n-butyl adipate, diisopropyl adipate, diisobutyl adipate, diethylhexyl adipate, nonyl undecyl adipate, n-decyl-n-octyl adipate, dibutoxy ethoxy ethyl adipate, dimethyl adipate, hexyl octyl decyl adipate, diisononyl adipate, dibutyl
- the burn rate modifier coating material can be a compound of formula 1.
- granules of propellant would comprise the compound of formula 1 distributed throughout each granule of energetic material with or without other co-stabilizing compounds, and a higher concentration of the compound of formula 1 in an outer region of the granule consistent with the coating of the granules with additional compound of formula 1.
- the energetic material that forms the core of the propellant will be referred to as a first energetic material.
- the layer of second energetic material can be selected from the range of energetic materials described above.
- the layer of second energetic material is suitably different to the first energetic material.
- the ignition layer comprises an ignition component.
- the ignition component may comprise a group I metal salt of nitrate.
- the finishing layer may be in the form of a graphite layer.
- Surface-graphiting is typically the final finishing step, yet graphiting may be completed prior to or after drying the propellant.
- the graphite finishing layer may comprise an ignition component. Examples of suitable ignition components include one or more group I metal salt of nitrate.
- the finishing layer is generally the outermost layer on the propellant.
- the additional layers may be complete layers around the propellant or they may be partial layers.
- the propellant further comprises an additive selected from the group consisting of plasticizers, flash suppressants, barrel-wear ameliorants and combinations thereof.
- the additive is incorporated within the granules of the is energetic material and the compound of formula 1. In other embodiments, the additive is incorporated in the additional layer(s) of the propellant. Incorporation of the additive within the granules of energetic material and the compound of formula 1 can be achieved by adding the additive to the slurry or dough of energetic material and the compound, which is then formed into granules.
- plasticizer refers to any compound which imparts homogeneity and plasticity to the energetic material.
- the plasticizer may be selected from the group consisting of diethylphthalate, camphor, dibutylphthalate, di-n-propyl adipate, methylphenyl urethane, calcium stearate, butyl stearate, nitroglycerin, glyceroltribenzoate and combinations thereof.
- flash suppressant refers to any compound which can be used to suppress the muzzle flash of a firearm.
- the flash suppressant may be selected from the group consisting of potassium and ammonium salts of organic and/or inorganic acids, potassium sulphate, potassium nitrate, potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, potassium tartrate, potassium bitartrate, ammonium bicarbonate, ammonium carbonate and combinations thereof.
- barrel-wear ameliorants refers to any compound which can be used to reduce barrel-wear.
- the barrel-wear ameliorant may be selected from the group consisting of bismuth, bismuth oxide, bismuth citrate, bismuth subcarbonate, lead, lead carbonate, other salts of lead and bismuth and combinations thereof.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of the propellant according to one embodiment of the invention, in which the propellant is in the form of a granule of energetic material with the stabilizer of the invention dispersed throughout (1).
- the granule of energetic material and stabilizer is coated with a layer of a burn rate modifier (2).
- the propellant further comprises an ignition layer (3).
- Such propellant cross-sections may or may not require perforations, depending on the geometry of the designed propellant.
- the propellant granule of FIG. 1 may be prepared by forming a dough or slurry of the energetic material and the stabilizer of the invention, extruding the dough or slurry to form an extrudate cord, and then cutting the extrudate cord to the required length.
- the extruded cord can have any length at the time of cutting, meaning the cord can be extruded to metres, centimetres, millimetres or microns in length prior to cutting.
- the extruded lengths may be cut to any useful length known to be suitable for propellant applications.
- the granule may then be coated in a layer of burn rate modifier, and finally coated with the ignition or is finishing layer.
- an ammunition cartridge comprising the propellant.
- the ammunition cartridge typically comprises a casing, the propellant described above, a primer and a projectile.
- the propellant of the present invention is suitable for use in a wide range of firearms. It is particularly suitable for use in .22-.224 calibre firearms, .243 calibre firearms, .27 calibre firearms, 6 mm calibre firearms, 7 mm calibre firearms .30 calibre firearms, 8 mm calibre firearms, .338 calibre firearms up to .50 calibre firearms and is even suitable for medium to large calibre firearms.
- the casing may be made of any material of sufficient strength and thickness to not rupture during burning of the propellant.
- the casing may be of any size and the size will depend upon the firearm in which the cartridge is to be used. Conventional casing materials and construction is well known in the art and applies to the present application.
- the primer, or priming compound may be comprised of any substance which is capable of igniting the propellant on initiation.
- priming compounds include but are not limited to lead azide (dextrinated), lead styphnate, mercury fulminate and combinations thereof.
- the priming compound is ASA (aluminium, lead styphnate, lead azide).
- the projectile may be any object which can be projected from the muzzle of a firearm system (or gun) upon burning of the propellant.
- projectiles include, but are not limited to, bullets, shot, pellets, slugs, shells, balls, buckshot, bolts, rockets and cannon balls.
- the projectile is selected from the group consisting of a bullet, pellet, slug and ball.
- the compounds of formula 1 contain only carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and in some cases nitrogen and do not contain any potentially toxic or hazardous elements such as halogens.
- the compounds are capable of stabilizing energetic materials such as nitrocellulose over extended periods of time.
- the compounds are capable of stabilizing energetic materials such as nitrocellulose to a comparable extent as or a greater extent than commonly used propellant stabilizer DPA, making them suitable for use in propellants and ammunition cartridges.
- Methyl Violet Paper (MVP) and Abel Heat tests were conducted on samples of small nitrocellulose-based propellants containing 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one to obtain a preliminary indication as to the likely efficacy of 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one as a stabilizer.
- the tests did not give a strong indication that that 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one stabilized the propellant compositions. Nonetheless, work continued on with further tests conducted to determine whether 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one has stabilizing properties.
- STANAG 4582 is a standard NATO stability test procedure for single base, double base and triple base propellants using heat flow calorimetry. Propellants that satisfy STANAG 4582 are considered to remain chemically stable for a minimum of ten years if stored at temperatures equivalent to an isothermal storage at 25° C.
- Samples of nitrocellulose-based propellants without burn rate modifier (approximately 1.5 mm long, 0.8 mm outer diameter and 0.2 mm perforation) stabilized with either 1% DPA or 1% 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one or a combination of the two stabilizers were compared according to the accepted STANAG 4582 method.
- the samples were prepared in small quantities of less than 1 kg propellant granules, with the stabilizer materials mixed evenly throughout the energetic material.
- FIG. 2 shows the heat flow calorimetry traces of the samples stabilized with 1% DPA ( FIG. 2A ) or 1% 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one ( FIG. 2C ), or a combination ( FIG. 2B ).
- Samples of nitrocellulose-based propellants without burn rate modifier (approximately 1.5 mm long, 0.8 mm outer diameter and 0.2 mm perforation) stabilized with either 1% DPA or 1% 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl) butan-2-one were compared according to the accepted STANAG 4582 method.
- the samples were prepared in larger quantities of up to 5 kg propellant granules, with the stabilizer mixed evenly throughout the energetic material.
- FIG. 2 shows the heat flow calorimetry is traces of the samples stabilized with 1% DPA ( FIG. 2D ) or 1% 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl) butan-2-one ( FIG. 2E ).
- FIG. 3 shows chromatography traces of nitrocellulose-based propellants (approximately 1.8 mm long, 0.8 mm diameter, 0.18 micron perforation) including 1% DPA and 6% DNT ( FIG. 3A ), 1% DPA and 2% 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one ( FIG. 3B ), or 1% DPA and 6% 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one ( FIG. 3C ), which had been aged for 40 days at 65.5° C.
- the traces of samples containing 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one show new peaks not present in the sample containing DPA and DNT.
- FIG. 4A shows a chromatography trace of a sample of a nitrocellulose-based propellant (1.39 mm long, 0.7 mm diameter, 50 micron perforation) including 1% 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one, aged for 40 days at 65.5° C.
- a nitrocellulose-based propellant (1.39 mm long, 0.7 mm diameter, 50 micron perforation) including 1% 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one, aged for 40 days at 65.5° C.
- FIG. 4B shows a chromatography trace of a sample of synthetic 4-(4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl)butan-2-one under the same conditions, the synthetic sample eluting at approximately 3.6 minutes.
- FIG. 4A shows a chromatography trace of a sample of a nitrocellulose-based propellant (1.39 mm long,
- FIG. 4C shows a chromatography trace of a sample of the aged propellant formulation spiked with synthetic 4-(4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl)butan-2-one, in which the peak at approximately 3.6 minutes was shown to have grown.
- FIG. 4D shows the mass spectrum of the 3.6 minute peak compound, which corresponds to the mass of 4-(4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl)butan-2-one.
- FIG. 5A shows the 1 H NMR spectrum of the 3.6 minute peak compound, which corresponds to the 1 H NMR spectrum of synthetic 4-(4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl)butan-2-one shown in FIG. 5B .
Abstract
Description
- This patent application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2017904667, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- The invention relates generally to propellant stabilizers and propellants comprising propellant stabilizers. The invention also relates to methods of producing a propellant comprising a propellant stabilizer as well as an ammunition cartridge comprising the stabilized propellant.
- Propellants comprising energetic material are used in ammunition cartridges and in other applications for generating a propellant gas to propel a projectile. Propellants such as nitrocellulose and nitrate ester based propellants gradually decompose with age, producing acidic nitrates and nitrogen oxides. These compounds of degradation may catalyze further decomposition of the propellant, which can then lead to autocatalytic decomposition of the propellant. In the context of ammunition, this autocatalytic decomposition can in turn lead to combustion, deflagration or explosion or failure of the ammunition, resulting in shortening of the service life of the propellant-containing product.
- A propellant stabilizer is typically added to the energetic material of a propellant in order to prevent or reduce the rate of decomposition, thereby prolonging the service life of the propellant. Propellant stabilizers act by scavenging the acidic nitrates and nitrogen oxides produced to form nitrosated and nitrated derivatives.
- An example of a commonly used propellant stabilizer is diphenylamine (DPA). DPA is stable over long periods and is effective in stabilizing nitrocellulose-based propellants, nitrocellulose being the major energetic component of most small arms propellants. However, DPA is toxic, which makes it a chemical of concern. In particular, DPA is toxic if swallowed, inhaled or in contact with skin.
- It is an object of the present application to provide a useful alternative to DPA that is suitable for use as a propellant stabilizer. In preferred embodiments, it is desired that the propellant stabilizer has a lower toxicity that DPA, providing a safer alternative to the use of DPA in propellants.
- Accordingly, in a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a propellant stabilizer comprising a compound of
formula 1 - wherein
R1 is selected from the group consisting of H, —OH, —O(C1-4alkyl), —C1-4alkyl, —NHC1-4alkyl, —N(C1-4alkyl)2, —NO2, —NHNH2, —N(C1-4alkyl)NH2, and —CN; R2 is selected from the group consisting of —H, —OH, —O—(C1-4alkyl), —C1-4alkyl, —NHC1-4alkyl, —N(C1-4alkyl)2, —NO2, —NHNH2, —N(C1-4alkyl)NH2, and —CN;
R3 is selected from the group consisting of —H and —C1-4alkyl; and
R4 is selected from the group consisting of —H, —OH, —O(C1-4alkyl), —C1-4alkyl, —NHC1-4alkyl, —N(C1-4alkyl)2, —NO2, —NHNH2, —N(C1-4alkyl)NH2, and —CN;
wherein at least one of R1, R2 and R4 is OH. - The present applicant previously identified that 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one can act as a burn deterrent (i.e. a burn rate modifier) when applied to granules of propellant as a coating. The applicant has surprisingly found that 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one, and derivatives thereof within
formula 1, are capable of acting as propellant stabilizers. This finding was not expected, as preliminary tests used to indicate likely efficacy as a stabilizer did not indicate that the compound had stabilizing properties. However, subsequent work conducted by the inventors did show that the compound does have stabilizing properties. In fact, the new propellant stabilizer is capable of stabilizing energetic materials such as nitrocellulose to a comparable extent as and to a greater extent than the commonly used propellant stabilizer DPA, making it suitable for use in propellants and ammunition cartridges. The new propellant stabilizer also has a more favourable toxicity profile compared to DPA, making the workplace environment safer for those involved in propellant and ammunition manufacture. - According to a second aspect, there is also provided the use of the compound of
formula 1 as a propellant stabilizer. - In some embodiments, the compound of
formula 1 is 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one. Although this compound is preferred, it is appreciated that closely structurally and physical property-related compounds may also provide further alternative propellant stabilizers to DPA. In some embodiments, the compound offormula 1 is 4-(4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl)butan-2-one. - According to a third aspect, there is provided a propellant comprising an energetic material; and a compound of
formula 1 - wherein
R1 is selected from the group consisting of H, —OH, —O(C1-4alkyl), —C1-4alkyl, —NHC1-4alkyl, —N(C1-4alkyl)2, —NO2, —NHNH2, —N(C1-4alkyl)NH2, and —CN;
R2 is selected from the group consisting of —H, —OH, —O—(C1-4alkyl), —C1-4alkyl, —NHC1-4alkyl, —N(C1-4alkyl)2, —NO2, —NHNH2, —N(C1-4alkyl)NH2, and —CN;
R3 is selected from the group consisting of —H and —C1-4alkyl; and
R4 is selected from the group consisting of —H, —OH, —O(C1-4alkyl), —C1-4alkyl, —NHC1-4alkyl, —N(C1-4alkyl)2, —NO2, —NHNH2, —N(C1-4alkyl)NH2, and —CN;
wherein at least one of R1, R2 and R4 is OH; and
wherein the compound is dispersed evenly throughout the energetic material. - In a fourth aspect, there is provided an ammunition cartridge comprising the propellant described above.
- The ammunition cartridge typically comprises a casing, the propellant described above, a primer and a projectile. The ammunition may also contain boosting charges and tracer compounds.
- According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a method of preparing a propellant, comprising dispersing a compound of
formula 1 - wherein
R1 is selected from the group consisting of H, —OH, —O(C1-4alkyl), —C1-4alkyl, —NHC1-4alkyl, —N(C1-4alkyl)2, —NO2, —NHNH2, —N(C1-4alkyl)NH2, and —CN;
R2 is selected from the group consisting of —H, —OH, —O—(C1-4alkyl), —C1-4alkyl, —NHC1-4alkyl, —N(C1-4alkyl)2, —NO2, —NHNH2, —N(C1-4alkyl)NH2, and —CN;
R3 is selected from the group consisting of —H and —C1-4alkyl; and
R4 is selected from the group consisting of —H, —OH, —O(C1-4alkyl), —C1-4alkyl, —NHC1-4alkyl, —N(C1-4alkyl)2, —NO2, —NHNH2, —N(C1-4alkyl)NH2, and —CN;
and wherein at least one of R1, R2 and R4 is OH
evenly throughout an energetic material and granulating the energetic material. - These aspects are described more fully in the detailed description below.
- The invention will be described in further detail, by way of example only, with reference to the following Figures:
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a granule of the propellant composition containing 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one according to one embodiment of the invention. -
FIGS. 2A through 2E present graphs showing normalised heat flow for propellant formulations containing DPA, DPA and 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one, or 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one (FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C ); and normalised heat flow for propellant formulations containing either DPA or 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one as the stabilizer (FIGS. 2D and 2E ). -
FIGS. 3A through 3C present chromatography traces of aged propellant formulations incorporating 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one (FIGS. 3A and 3B ) compared with a propellant formulation containing only DPA as the stabilizer (FIG. 3C ). -
FIGS. 4A through 4D present chromatography traces of an aged propellant formulation incorporating 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one (FIG. 4A ), synthetic 4-(4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl)butan-2-one (FIG. 4B ), the aged propellant formulation spiked with synthetic 4-(4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl)butan-2-one (FIG. 4C ), and a mass spectrum of the 3.6 min peak (FIG. 4D ). -
FIGS. 5A and 5B present 1H NMR spectra of an extract from an aged propellant formulation containing 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one as the stabilizer (FIG. 5A ) compared with synthetic 4-(4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl)butan-2-one (FIG. 5B ). - The invention relates generally to propellant stabilizers and propellants comprising a propellant stabilizer. The invention also relates to methods of producing a propellant comprising a propellant stabilizer as well as an ammunition cartridge comprising the stabilized propellant.
- In the following, we have described features of the method and the propellant stabilizer and propellant. All features described below apply independently to the methods and the products of the invention.
- The present invention involves the use of a compound of
formula 1 - wherein
R1 is selected from the group consisting of H, —OH, —O(C1-4alkyl), —C1-4alkyl, —NHC1-4alkyl, —N(C1-4alkyl)2, —NO2, —NHNH2, —N(C1-4alkyl)NH2, and —CN;
R2 is selected from the group consisting of —H, —OH, —O—(C1-4alkyl), —C1-4alkyl, —NHC1-4alkyl, —N(C1-4alkyl)2, —NO2, —NHNH2, —N(C1-4alkyl)NH2, and —CN;
R3 is selected from the group consisting of —H and —C1-4alkyl; and
R4 is selected from the group consisting of —H, —OH, —O(C1-4alkyl), —C1-4alkyl, —NHC1-4 alkyl, —N(C1-4alkyl)2, —NO2, —NHNH2, —N(C1-4alkyl)NH2, and —CN;
and wherein at least one of R1, R2 and R4 is OH. - In some embodiments R1 is selected from the group consisting of OH, O—(C1-4-alkyl) and C1-4alkyl. In other embodiments, R1 is selected from the group consisting of OH and O—(C1-4alkyl). In a particularly preferred embodiment, R1 is OH.
- R1 may be in any position around the aromatic ring. For example, R1 may be in the ortho, meta or para position. In some embodiments, R1 is in the para position.
- In some embodiments, R2 is selected from the group consisting of H, OH, O—(C1-4alkyl) and C1-4alkyl. In other embodiments, R2 is selected from the group consisting of H, OH and O—(C1-4alkyl). In a particularly preferred embodiment, R2 is H.
- In some preferred embodiments, R3 is H.
- In some embodiments, R4 is selected from the group consisting of H, —NO2, OH, O—(C1-4alkyl) and C1-4alkyl. In other embodiments, R4 is selected from the group consisting of H, —NO2, OH and O—(C1-4alkyl). In a particularly preferred embodiment, R4 is H. In some embodiments, R4 is —NO2.
- R4 may be in any position around the aromatic ring. For example, R4 may be in the ortho, meta or para position. In some embodiments, R4 is in an ortho or meta position.
- In one embodiment, R1 is OH, R2 is H, R3 is H and R4 is H.
- In one embodiment, R1 is OH, R2 is H, R3 is H and R4 is —NO2.
- The term C1-4alkyl refers to a branched or unbranched alkyl group having from one to four carbon atoms inclusive. Examples of C1-4alkyl groups include methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl and tert-butyl. This definition applies to references to C1-4alkyl alone or as part of a substituent such as —O(C1-4alkyl), —NHC1-4alkyl, —N(C1-4alkyl)2 or —N(C1-4alkyl)NH2.
- The compound of
formula 1 functions as a propellant stabilizer. The term “stabilizer” refers to any compound which can be used to stabilize the energetic material. - The compound of
formula 1 is present in the propellant in an amount which is sufficient to retard the decomposition of the energetic material compared with the decomposition rate without the presence of the compound. In some embodiments, the compound offormula 1 is present in amounts of from about 0.1 to about 10% by weight of the propellant. For example, the compound offormula 1 may be present in an amount of about 0.2 to about 8%, such as about 0.5 to about 6.5%, or about 0.7 to about 6%. Preferably, the compound offormula 1 is present in an amount of about 1 to about 5% by weight of the propellant. Most preferably, the compound offormula 1 is present in an amount of about 1 to about 2% by weight of the propellant. - The compound of
formula 1 preferably has a melting point of about 50 to about 90° C. For example, the melting point may be about 55 to about 85° C., such as about 60 to about 80° C., or about 65 to about 75° C. In some embodiments, the compound offormula 1 has a melting point of at least about 50° C. For example, the melting point may be at least about 60° C., such as at least about 65° C., or at least about 70° C. - In some embodiments, the compound of
formula 1 is 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one. - Although this compound is preferred, it is appreciated that closely structurally and physical property-related compounds may also perform as per 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one.
- In some embodiments, the compound of
formula 1 is 4-(4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl)butan-2-one. - Tests were conducted by the applicant demonstrating the efficacy of 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one as a propellant stabilizer. The long-term tests showed that 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one is capable of stabilizing energetic materials such as nitrocellulose over extended periods of time. In fact, 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one is capable of stabilizing nitrocellulose-based propellants to a comparable extent as or a greater extent than commonly used propellant stabilizer DPA. Advantageously, 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one does not have the drawbacks of toxicity associated with DPA. The compounds of the invention provide useful alternatives to DPA and other stabilizers currently in use to provide new propellant compositions.
- The propellant may also comprise a second stabilizer. The second stabilizer(s), which is different to the first stabilizer, may be selected from the group consisting of a second compound of
formula 1, sodium hydrogen carbonate, calcium carbonate, magnesium oxide, akardites, centralites, 2-nitrosodiphenylamine, diphenylamine, N-methyl-p-nitroaniline and combinations thereof. - The propellant of the present invention comprises an energetic material. The term “energetic material” includes any material which can be burned to generate a propellant gas to propel a projectile.
- In some embodiments, the energetic material is selected from the group consisting of black powder, ammonium perchlorate, hexogen, butanetrioltrinitrate, ethyleneglycol dintrate, diethyleneglycol dinitrate, erithritol tetranitrate, octogen, hexanitroisowurtzitane, metriol trinitrate, N-methylnitramine, pentaerythritol tetranitrate, tetranitrobenzolamine, trinitrotoluene, nitroglycerine, nitrocellulose, mannitol hexanitrate, triethylene glycol dinitrate, guanidine, nitroguanidine, 3-nitro-1,2,4-triazol-5-one, ammonium nitrate, propanediol dinitrate, hexamine, 5-aminotetrazole, methyltetrazole, phenyltetrazole, polyglycidylnitrate, polyglycidylazide, poly[3-nitratomethyl-3-methyloxitane], poly[3-azidomethyl-3-methyloxitane], poly[3,3-bis(azidomethyl)oxitane], nitrated cyclodextrin polymers, poly glycidylnitrate, and combinations thereof.
- In some specific embodiments, the energetic material is selected from the group consisting of nitroglycerine, nitrocellulose and combinations thereof.
- In some embodiments, the propellant comprises a single energetic material. For example, the propellant may only comprise nitrocellulose. In such circumstances, the energetic material may be referred to as “single base” and the propellant may be referred to as “a single base propellant”. In other embodiments, the propellant may comprise two energetic materials. For example, the propellant may comprise nitrocellulose and nitroglycerin. In such cases, the energetic material may be referred to as “double base” and the propellant may be referred to as “a double base propellant”. In still other embodiments, the propellant may comprise more than two energetic materials. For example, the propellant may comprise nitrocellulose, nitroguanidine and nitroglycerin. In such circumstances, the energetic material may be referred to as “multiple base” and the propellant may be referred to as “a multiple base propellant”.
- In one embodiment, the energetic material is nitrocellulose.
- The energetic material may be in any form that is suitable for incorporation into an ammunition cartridge for a firearm.
- The propellant comprises an energetic material and a compound of
formula 1. The energetic material and compound offormula 1 may be combined in any way, provided that the compound offormula 1 is dispersed throughout the energetic material. Preferably, the compound offormula 1 is dispersed evenly throughout the energetic material. In other words, the concentration of the propellant stabilizer is approximately the same throughout the energetic material. The compound offormula 1 can be used in conjunction with other established stabilizing compounds to suit the formulator. - In some embodiments, the energetic material and the compound of
formula 1 are in the form of granules. The term “granule” may also be referred to as “kernel” or “pellet”. Incorporation of the compound offormula 1 throughout the energetic material can be achieved by forming a slurry or dough of the energetic material and the compound. For example, the energetic material and the compound offormula 1 can be blended together in a mixer. The resulting mixture can then be formed into granules. - The granules of energetic material and the compound of
formula 1 may be prepared by any method known in the art. For example, a slurry or dough of energetic material and the compound offormula 1 may be extruded. In another embodiment, the energetic material and the compound offormula 1 in particulate form may be compressed into a granule. In another embodiment, particulates of energetic material and the compound offormula 1 may be coalesced and shaped into agglomerates by pumping a slurry through shaping tubes. In some embodiments, the agglomerates may be substantially spherical in shape. The agglomerates may be referred to as particles. - In one embodiment, the granules are prepared by extruding a slurry or dough of energetic material and the compound of
formula 1 to form an extrudate, and granulating the extrudate. The term “granulating” refers to the process of dividing, or cutting, an extrudate into granules. In some embodiments, the slurry or dough of energetic material and the compound offormula 1 is extruded, for example using an extrusion die, to form an extrudate cord, and the extrudate cord is cut to the desired length to form granules. The granules may be of any size suitable for use in ammunition. The extrudate cord may be cut into the desired granule lengths immediately upon exit from the extrusion die, or at some time after the extrudate cord is formed. For example, the extrudate cord may be cut immediately as the cord extrudes or after the collection of a suitable length of cord. The cutting may be performed while the cord is still soft, or when it is dry and hard. - As a consequence of the processing steps described above, the granules may also be referred to as agglomerates, grains or particles.
- The granules can be of any shape. In some embodiments, the granules have an axial dimension with a consistent cross-section. For example, the granule may have a substantially circular cross-section or the cross-section may be elliptical or any other similar shape. In some embodiments the granules are cylindrical in shape.
- The granules may be of any size suitable for use in ammunition. In some embodiments, the granules are about 0.1 to about 25 mm in length. For example, the granules may be about 0.3 to about 20 mm in length, such as about 0.5 to about 12 mm in length, or about 0.7 to about 5 mm in length, or about 1 to about 2 mm in length.
- In some embodiments, the granules have a diameter of about 0.1 to about 20 mm. For example, the granules may have a diameter of about 0.2 to about 15 mm, such as about 0.4 to about 12 mm, or about 0.5 to about 10 mm, or about 0.6 to about 5 mm, or about 0.7 to about 1 mm.
- The granules may have a greater length than diameter. In these embodiments, the granules may be referred to as sticks. In some embodiments, the length of the sticks may be about 6 to about 14 mm, such as about 8 to about 12 mm. In some embodiments, the diameter of the sticks may be about 0.6 to about 1.2 mm, such as about 0.7 to about 1 mm.
- After granulation, the granules are dried during which they may contract slightly. This contraction can be taken into account when granulating the granules or compressing the particulates of energetic material and the compound of
formula 1. The contracted granules may be of any size suitable to be used in ammunition. In some embodiments, the granules are about 0.1 to about 25 mm in length. For example, the granules may be about 0.3 to about 20 mm in length, such as about 0.5 to about 12 mm in length, or about 0.7 to about 5 mm in length, or about 1 to about 2 mm in length. - In some embodiments, the granules have a diameter of about 0.1 to about 20 mm. For example, the granules may have a diameter of about 0.2 to about 15 mm, such as about 0.4 to about 12 mm, or about 0.5 to about 10 mm, or about 0.6 to about 5 mm, or about 0.7 to about 1 mm.
- When the contracted granules are sticks, the length of the sticks may be about 6 to about 14 mm, such as about 8 to about 12 mm. In some embodiments, the diameter of the sticks may be about 0.6 to about 1.2 mm, such as about 0.7 to about 1 mm.
- In some embodiments, the granules comprise a perforation to enhance burning rates later in the burning cycle and to make the granules more progressive in burning. Expressed another way, in some embodiments, the granules comprise one or more perforations. The term “perforation” refers to an aperture in the granule. Alternative terms for “perforation” include channel, bore and cavity.
- The perforation may extend all the way through the granule. In some embodiments, the perforation extends axially through the granule.
- The perforation may be of any diameter suitable for the size of the granule. In some embodiments, the perforation has a diameter of about 50 to about 1000 μm. For example, the perforation may have a diameter of about 50 to about 700 μm, such as about 50 to about 500 μm, or about 100 to about 300 μm.
- There may be more than one perforation in each granule. In some embodiments, there is a single perforation. In other embodiments, there are multiple perforations. When the energetic material is made by extrusion, the extrudate may be extruded with one or more perforations.
- The propellant may comprise additional layers. Suitable layers include a layer of a burn rate modifier, a finishing layer, an ignition layer and/or a layer of a second energetic material.
- In embodiments where there is a layer of a burn rate modifier, the burn rate modifier may be in the form of a coating on granules of the energetic material. In embodiments where the granules comprise a perforation, the burn rate modifier layer may also coat the exposed area of the perforation(s). The coating of the energetic material may be performed by any method known in the art. The burn rate modifier coating material may be any burn rate modifier known in the art. Examples of suitable burn rate modifiers include, but are not limited to, dinitrotoluene, acetyl triethyl citrate, triethyl citrate, tri-n-butyl citrate, tributyl acetyl citrate, acetyl tri-n-butyl citrate, acetyl tri-n-hexyl citrate, n-butyryl tri-n-hexylcitrate, di-n-butyl adipate, diisopropyl adipate, diisobutyl adipate, diethylhexyl adipate, nonyl undecyl adipate, n-decyl-n-octyl adipate, dibutoxy ethoxy ethyl adipate, dimethyl adipate, hexyl octyl decyl adipate, diisononyl adipate, dibutyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, diamyl phthalate, nonylundecyl phthalate, bis(3,5,5-trimethylhexyl) phthalate, di-n-propyladipate, di-n-butyl sebacate, dioctyl sebacate, dimethyl sebacate, diethyl diphenyl urea, dimethyl diphenyl urea, di-n-butyl phthalate, di-n-hexyl phthalate, dinonyl undecyl phthalate, nonyl undecyl phthalate, dioctyl terephthalate, dioctyl isophthalate, 1,2-cyclohexane dicarbonic acid diisononylester, dibutyl maleate, dinonyl maleate, diisooctyl maleate, dibutyl fumarate, dinonyl fumarate, dimethyl sebacate, dibutyl sebacate, diisooctyl sebacate, dibutyl azelate, diethylene glycol dibenzoate, trioctyl trimelliate, trioctyl phosphate, butyl stearate, methylphenylurethane, N-methyl-N-phenylurethane, ethyl diphenyl carbamate, camphor, gum Arabic, gelatin, rosin, modified rosin esters, resins of dibasic acids and alkyl fatty alcohols, polyesters of molecular weight 1500-30,000 based on dihydric alcohols and dibasic acids, and combinations thereof. Alternatively, the burn rate modifier coating material can be a compound of
formula 1. In this embodiment, granules of propellant would comprise the compound offormula 1 distributed throughout each granule of energetic material with or without other co-stabilizing compounds, and a higher concentration of the compound offormula 1 in an outer region of the granule consistent with the coating of the granules with additional compound offormula 1. - In embodiments where there is a layer of second energetic material, the energetic material that forms the core of the propellant will be referred to as a first energetic material. The layer of second energetic material can be selected from the range of energetic materials described above. The layer of second energetic material is suitably different to the first energetic material.
- In embodiments where the propellant comprises an ignition layer, the ignition layer comprises an ignition component. The ignition component may comprise a group I metal salt of nitrate.
- In embodiments where the propellant comprises a finishing layer, the finishing layer may be in the form of a graphite layer. Surface-graphiting is typically the final finishing step, yet graphiting may be completed prior to or after drying the propellant. In some embodiments, the graphite finishing layer may comprise an ignition component. Examples of suitable ignition components include one or more group I metal salt of nitrate.
- The finishing layer is generally the outermost layer on the propellant. The additional layers may be complete layers around the propellant or they may be partial layers.
- In some embodiments, the propellant further comprises an additive selected from the group consisting of plasticizers, flash suppressants, barrel-wear ameliorants and combinations thereof.
- In some embodiments, the additive is incorporated within the granules of the is energetic material and the compound of
formula 1. In other embodiments, the additive is incorporated in the additional layer(s) of the propellant. Incorporation of the additive within the granules of energetic material and the compound offormula 1 can be achieved by adding the additive to the slurry or dough of energetic material and the compound, which is then formed into granules. - The term “plasticizer” refers to any compound which imparts homogeneity and plasticity to the energetic material. In some embodiments, the plasticizer may be selected from the group consisting of diethylphthalate, camphor, dibutylphthalate, di-n-propyl adipate, methylphenyl urethane, calcium stearate, butyl stearate, nitroglycerin, glyceroltribenzoate and combinations thereof.
- The term “flash suppressant”, refers to any compound which can be used to suppress the muzzle flash of a firearm. In some embodiments, the flash suppressant may be selected from the group consisting of potassium and ammonium salts of organic and/or inorganic acids, potassium sulphate, potassium nitrate, potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, potassium tartrate, potassium bitartrate, ammonium bicarbonate, ammonium carbonate and combinations thereof.
- The term “barrel-wear ameliorants” refers to any compound which can be used to reduce barrel-wear. In some embodiments, the barrel-wear ameliorant may be selected from the group consisting of bismuth, bismuth oxide, bismuth citrate, bismuth subcarbonate, lead, lead carbonate, other salts of lead and bismuth and combinations thereof.
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of the propellant according to one embodiment of the invention, in which the propellant is in the form of a granule of energetic material with the stabilizer of the invention dispersed throughout (1). The granule of energetic material and stabilizer is coated with a layer of a burn rate modifier (2). The propellant further comprises an ignition layer (3). Such propellant cross-sections may or may not require perforations, depending on the geometry of the designed propellant. - Without limiting the techniques used to form a propellant, the propellant granule of
FIG. 1 may be prepared by forming a dough or slurry of the energetic material and the stabilizer of the invention, extruding the dough or slurry to form an extrudate cord, and then cutting the extrudate cord to the required length. The extruded cord can have any length at the time of cutting, meaning the cord can be extruded to metres, centimetres, millimetres or microns in length prior to cutting. The extruded lengths may be cut to any useful length known to be suitable for propellant applications. After further processing to remove unwanted solvents from the formulation, the granule may then be coated in a layer of burn rate modifier, and finally coated with the ignition or is finishing layer. - In one embodiment, there is provided an ammunition cartridge comprising the propellant. The ammunition cartridge typically comprises a casing, the propellant described above, a primer and a projectile.
- The propellant of the present invention is suitable for use in a wide range of firearms. It is particularly suitable for use in .22-.224 calibre firearms, .243 calibre firearms, .27 calibre firearms, 6 mm calibre firearms, 7 mm calibre firearms .30 calibre firearms, 8 mm calibre firearms, .338 calibre firearms up to .50 calibre firearms and is even suitable for medium to large calibre firearms.
- The casing may be made of any material of sufficient strength and thickness to not rupture during burning of the propellant. The casing may be of any size and the size will depend upon the firearm in which the cartridge is to be used. Conventional casing materials and construction is well known in the art and applies to the present application.
- The primer, or priming compound, may be comprised of any substance which is capable of igniting the propellant on initiation. Examples of priming compounds include but are not limited to lead azide (dextrinated), lead styphnate, mercury fulminate and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the priming compound is ASA (aluminium, lead styphnate, lead azide).
- The projectile may be any object which can be projected from the muzzle of a firearm system (or gun) upon burning of the propellant. Examples of projectiles include, but are not limited to, bullets, shot, pellets, slugs, shells, balls, buckshot, bolts, rockets and cannon balls. In some embodiments, the projectile is selected from the group consisting of a bullet, pellet, slug and ball.
- The compounds of
formula 1 contain only carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and in some cases nitrogen and do not contain any potentially toxic or hazardous elements such as halogens. The compounds are capable of stabilizing energetic materials such as nitrocellulose over extended periods of time. In fact, the compounds are capable of stabilizing energetic materials such as nitrocellulose to a comparable extent as or a greater extent than commonly used propellant stabilizer DPA, making them suitable for use in propellants and ammunition cartridges. - The invention will now be described with reference to the following non-limiting Examples.
- Methyl Violet Paper (MVP) and Abel Heat tests were conducted on samples of small nitrocellulose-based propellants containing 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one to obtain a preliminary indication as to the likely efficacy of 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one as a stabilizer. The tests did not give a strong indication that that 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one stabilized the propellant compositions. Nonetheless, work continued on with further tests conducted to determine whether 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one has stabilizing properties.
- STANAG 4582 is a standard NATO stability test procedure for single base, double base and triple base propellants using heat flow calorimetry. Propellants that satisfy STANAG 4582 are considered to remain chemically stable for a minimum of ten years if stored at temperatures equivalent to an isothermal storage at 25° C.
- Samples of nitrocellulose-based propellants without burn rate modifier (approximately 1.5 mm long, 0.8 mm outer diameter and 0.2 mm perforation) stabilized with either 1% DPA or 1% 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one or a combination of the two stabilizers were compared according to the accepted STANAG 4582 method. The samples were prepared in small quantities of less than 1 kg propellant granules, with the stabilizer materials mixed evenly throughout the energetic material.
- The results are set out in Table 1.
FIG. 2 shows the heat flow calorimetry traces of the samples stabilized with 1% DPA (FIG. 2A ) or 1% 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one (FIG. 2C ), or a combination (FIG. 2B ). -
TABLE 1 Normalised Heat Flow Sample Stabilizer Output (μW/g) Propellant I 1 % DPA 8 Propellant II 0.5% DPA + 0.5% 4-(4- 18 hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one Propellant III 1% 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one 33 - The results show that all three propellants fulfilled the requirements of STANAG 4582, with the 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl) butan-2-one-stabilized sample having a normalised heat flow output of 33 μW/g, compared with a normalized heat flow output of 8 μW/g for the DPA-stabilized sample. This data demonstrates that 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one is capable of long term stabilization of nitrocellulose-based propellants.
- Samples of nitrocellulose-based propellants without burn rate modifier (approximately 1.5 mm long, 0.8 mm outer diameter and 0.2 mm perforation) stabilized with either 1% DPA or 1% 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl) butan-2-one were compared according to the accepted STANAG 4582 method. The samples were prepared in larger quantities of up to 5 kg propellant granules, with the stabilizer mixed evenly throughout the energetic material.
- The results are set out in Table 2.
FIG. 2 shows the heat flow calorimetry is traces of the samples stabilized with 1% DPA (FIG. 2D ) or 1% 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl) butan-2-one (FIG. 2E ). -
TABLE 2 Normalised Heat Flow Sample Stabilizer Output (μW/g) Propellant A ~1% DPA 44 Propellant B ~1% 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl) butan-2- one 120 - The results show that both propellants fulfilled the requirements of STANAG 4582, with the 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl) butan-2-one-stabilized sample having a normalised heat flow output of 44 μW/g, compared with a normalized heat flow output of 120 μW/g for the DPA-stabilized sample. This data demonstrates that 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one is capable of long term stabilization of nitrocellulose-based propellants.
-
FIG. 3 shows chromatography traces of nitrocellulose-based propellants (approximately 1.8 mm long, 0.8 mm diameter, 0.18 micron perforation) including 1% DPA and 6% DNT (FIG. 3A ), 1% DPA and 2% 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one (FIG. 3B ), or 1% DPA and 6% 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one (FIG. 3C ), which had been aged for 40 days at 65.5° C. The traces of samples containing 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one show new peaks not present in the sample containing DPA and DNT. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the inventors hypothesise that 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one acts as a propellant stabilizer by scavenging acidic nitrates and nitric oxides, and that these new peaks correspond to daughter compounds derived from 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one. Daughter compounds may include 4-(4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl)butan-2-one and 4-(4-hydroxy-3,5-dinitrophenyl)butan-2-one. -
FIG. 4A shows a chromatography trace of a sample of a nitrocellulose-based propellant (1.39 mm long, 0.7 mm diameter, 50 micron perforation) including 1% 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one, aged for 40 days at 65.5° C. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the inventors hypothesis that the peak at approximately 3.6 minutes corresponds to 4-(4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl)butan-2-one. Subsequent investigations supported this hypothesis.FIG. 4B shows a chromatography trace of a sample of synthetic 4-(4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl)butan-2-one under the same conditions, the synthetic sample eluting at approximately 3.6 minutes.FIG. 4C shows a chromatography trace of a sample of the aged propellant formulation spiked with synthetic 4-(4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl)butan-2-one, in which the peak at approximately 3.6 minutes was shown to have grown.FIG. 4D shows the mass spectrum of the 3.6 minute peak compound, which corresponds to the mass of 4-(4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl)butan-2-one.FIG. 5A shows the 1H NMR spectrum of the 3.6 minute peak compound, which corresponds to the 1H NMR spectrum of synthetic 4-(4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl)butan-2-one shown inFIG. 5B . These data indicate that 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one acts as a propellant stabilizer by scavenging acidic nitrates and nitric oxides to generate daughter compound 4-(4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl)butan-2-one. - It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.
- The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context.
- In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.
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US4336085A (en) * | 1975-09-04 | 1982-06-22 | Walker Franklin E | Explosive composition with group VIII metal nitroso halide getter |
US5125684A (en) * | 1991-10-15 | 1992-06-30 | Hercules Incorporated | Extrudable gas generating propellants, method and apparatus |
US20160177698A1 (en) * | 2013-08-27 | 2016-06-23 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Energetic cocrystals for treatment of a subterranean formation |
-
2018
- 2018-11-16 US US16/192,977 patent/US20190210938A1/en active Pending
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US4336085A (en) * | 1975-09-04 | 1982-06-22 | Walker Franklin E | Explosive composition with group VIII metal nitroso halide getter |
US5125684A (en) * | 1991-10-15 | 1992-06-30 | Hercules Incorporated | Extrudable gas generating propellants, method and apparatus |
US20160177698A1 (en) * | 2013-08-27 | 2016-06-23 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Energetic cocrystals for treatment of a subterranean formation |
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