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Completed TRL 2 (started at 2, targeting 3)
The proposed research involves the synthesis and characterization of novel energetic cocrystals of ammonium nitrate as a potential green alternative to ammonium perchlorate composite propellants. The research will proceed in three phases; (i) development of a model for the identification of intermolecular interactions that favor cocrystal formation with predictable properties; (ii) synthesis of targeted ammonium nitrate energetic cocrystals; (iii) full characterization of crystalline and energetic properties of new materials via x-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), dynamic vapor sorption (DVS), mechanical sensitivity testing, and thermochemical calculations via Cheetah analytical software. Preliminary results include a series of three novel ammonium nitrate cocrystals used to identify a series of potential energetic cocrystallization targets. The proposed research aims to address the specific goals under TABS 1.1.1 of producing solid rocket propellants with higher performance, lower cost, and lower environmental impact than conventional propellants.
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