Phase Stabilization of Ammonium Nitrate for Evironmentally Conscious Propellants: Gas Anti-Solvent Recrystallization

Combustion of propellants containing metal oxide phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (AN) prodeces environmentally detrimental by-products. It is proposed to develop non-metal phase stabilized AN for use in GAP binder formulations by employing a process developed by Phasex for habit modification of other explosives: gas anti-solvent (GAS) recrystallization. Utilization of this process will result in the incorporation of selected phase stabilizers directly into the AN crystal. Relevant background information and previous results are detailed in this proposal which demonstrate the likelihood for success of a Phase I effort. Methodology of stabilizer selection and several recommended candidates are presented. An option task is provided for carrying out the preparation of GAP/AN formulations and for conducting a preliminary economic evaluation which will establish the merits of a Phase II program.