Pyrolytic Decomposition Studies of AA2, A Double-Base Propellent

Abstract : Pyrolysis is the thermal decomposition of a substance into a variety of by-products, usually in the absence of oxygen. Pyrolysis experiments comparing the behavior of AA2 with the behavior of individual constituents of AA2 provide an excellent example of the additive property that sometimes exists during thermal degradation of composites. The origin of each pyrolytic by-product from AA2 can be deduced by examining set of pyrolysis products from each constituent. Good matching between pyrolytic and incineration data can support using laboratory pyrolysis to predict incineration behavior. Samples of original AA2 from an Army installation were collected for analysis. In addition, chemical standards were obtained for the major components of AA2. All samples and standards were subjected to pyrolysis and the by-products were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.