Importance

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Abstract

A solid propellant acts in a chamber to propel a member such as a rocket, the chamber being closed to the atmosphere. The propellant provides high density-impulses and, when combusted, produces end products which do not have any deleterious effects. The propellant includes a binder/reducing agent having hydrocarbyl linkages including --CH.sub.2 -- and a lead compound oxidizer formed from an inorganic lead oxidizer salt. The oxidizer has dense characteristics and stable properties at ambient temperatures and through a range of temperatures above ambient. A second oxidizer made from a metallic salt (not including lead) such as potassium perchlorate may also be included in the propellant. Carbon, preferably in particulate form, may also be included in the mixture as an additional reducing agent. The different materials are included in the propellant in relative amounts by weight to reduce the lead salt in the oxidizer to lead oxide. The oxidizing material may be included in the propellant in the range of approximately eighty four percent (84%) to ninety one percent (91%) by weight, the hydrocarbon in the range of approximately eight percent (8%) to ten percent (10%) by weight and the carbon in the range of approximately zero percent (0%) to eight percent (8%) by weight. The lead compound oxidizer is reduced in the propellant to lead oxide. The carbon may be oxidized in the propellant to carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide.

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First Claim