Chemistry of combustion of double-base propellants through sliver analysis

An attempt is made to show evidence for the occurrence and nature of condensed-phase reactions during combustion in double-base propellants, by means of sliver analysis. The sliver sample is the self-extinguished propellant sample obtained from actual motor firing. The decomposition process in the surface layer of burning propellants may be clarified through examination of surface material from the quenched samples. It is concluded that the large amount of heat required for double base propellant regression may be caused by exothermic heat released during nitrocellulose decomposition in the condensed phase.