Development and Characterization of Solid Propellants Based on Environmentally Friendly Sugar and Oxidants for Aerospace Applications

Caballero Morales G.R.; Ambrosio Huanay I.P. · Materials Research Proceedings (2026) · DOI: 10.21741/9781644904251-131

Resumen

The current commercial solid propellants for experimental rocketry are based on barium nitrate, ammonium perchlorate and black powder among others, all of which present potential toxicity. Besides, diphenylamine, an additive to avoid deterioration of nitrocellulose, is likely carcinogenic, and solid or liquid particles are deposited in the respiratory tract depending on their size, in addition to gaseous by-products such as SO2 and NOx that threaten environmental health. The main objective of this study was to develop a safe solid propellant, maintaining safety standards, aiming at sustainability by reducing the toxicity of solid propellant combustion. For our solid propellant SP1, we maintained a ratio of 65% anhydrous D-glucose to 35% potassium nitrate, with ferric oxide and calcium carbonate as oxidant. Thermochemical analysis was performed by Cantera simulation platforms, confirming that SP1 produces cleaner combustion than current commercial propellants, with CO2, H2O and N2 as main products, as well as few NOx emissions (< 5 %), and no halogenated by-products. Combustion temperature was between 1430 to 1730 °C, ignition temperature between 180 and 200 °C, specific impulse 120 and 140s, calorific value between 3.5 and 4.5 MJ/kg, and combustion velocity between 3 and 10 mm/s. Combustion simulation performed with ANSYS Mechanical, Open Rocket and MATLAB supported the predictions on fluid dynamics, structural integrity and flight. Laboratory tests were also performed to validate the results, calorimetry and combustion velocity. Data collection was performed on a static test bench, determining thrust and monitoring gas emissions. The propellant exhibited low sensitivity to impact and friction, moderate hygroscopicity, thermal stability at 180°C and a shelf life of 12 months without moisture. Thus, safe handling, low production cost and accessibility to raw materials make SP1 an interesting, secure and efficient alternative for experimental rocketry, CubeSat and aerospace platforms.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería