Energetic Polyazide Materials

Orbital Technologies Corporation and Penn State University propose to examine and characterize novel energetic formulations in solid fuels to replace conventional, low-energy, binders such as HTPB. The proposed solid fuels will provide higher enthalpy, higher density, and improved rocket engine performance. In Phase I, we will calculate theoretical rocket performance of selected materials, characterize the friction sensitivity of candidate materials, perform laboratory burning rate and performance experiments in two different types of test apparatus, and develop plans for Phase II efforts. At the conclusion of Phase II, we expect to thoroughly characterized a down-selected group of energetic materials for propulsion applications and other applications requiring energetic materials.