Catalysts for Low Temperature Decomposition of CINCH Fuels

This proposed Phase I addresses the development and testing of catalysts for the low temperature decomposition of competitive impulse noncarcinogenic hypergolic (CINCH) fuels developed by the Army Aviation and Missile Command (AMCOM) for use in aliquid-gas generator. The catalysts will consist of solid solutions of metal oxides supporting precious metals. The supports will be prepared by coprecipitation techniques and the metals applied by standard decomposition techniques. It is anticipated thatthese catalysts will readily decompose liquid CINCH fuels forming expanded gases which will be delivered by a liquid gas generator. Phase I will consist of the coarse screening of 18 - 24 catalysts representing a spectrum of compositions from a generalcomposition anticipated to possess a refractory nature in addition to decomposition activity. Identification of preferred variants will be followed by their optimization. A gas generator will designed for use with CINCH fuels and the preferredcatalyst(s). Use in high specific impulse systems or long life thrusters is anticipated. These catalysts are expected to possess high activity not only for these reactions, but also for catalytic combustion.Catalysts to result from completion of thisprogram will find application for decomposition of liquid fuels as well as for ignition of monopropellant mixtures in rockets. Other potential applications include ammonia cracking and the catalytic combustion of effluents originating from incineratorsand combustion sources. Use of the catalysts for combustion of propellants in gas turbines and other power generators is another promising application. These materials will also be of potential utility for the removal of VOCs and nitrogen oxides fromgaseous effluent streams. The materials would be of interest to the military as well as aerospace and waste disposal industries.