Studies on the high-energy gun propellant formulations based on 1,5-diazido-3-nitrazapentane.

This paper discusses the enhancement of ballistic performance of RDX-based high-energy gun propellants by incorporation of the energetic plasticizer 1,5-diazido-3-nitrazapentane into the propellant composition. Compositions containing 1,5-diazido-3-nitrazapentane with varying percentage of cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine and nitrocellulose have been studied theoretically and experimentally. Performance in terms of ballistic parameters, sensitivity, thermal characteristics, stability and mechanical properties were evaluated and compared with those of compositions containing non-energetic plasticizer di-octyl-phthalate. Experimental data on comparative study indicates that propellants containing 1,5-diazido-3-nitrazapentane are superior to propellants containing di-octyl-phthalate in respect of ballistic performance and mechanical properties.