BAE Systems PLC
Non-phthalate propellants

Abstract:

The invention relates to Insensitive Munition (IM) energetic materials particularly non-phthalate IM propellant compositions. An energetic composition suitable for use as a propellant comprises the following components in the following relative proportions: component A; from 60% to 90% by weight of a highly energetic filler comprising at least one nitramine compound; and component B: from 5% to 20% by weight of a binder, component C: from and 3% to 15% of a plasticiser wherein the plasticiser comprises formula (A) of from 1% to 9% by weight, wherein Formula (A) is a diester plasticiser of R.sub.1--OC(O)--R.sub.3--C(O)O--R.sub.2, Formula (A) wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, and R.sub.3 are independently selected from C.sub.3 to C.sub.10 alkyl or alkenyl. the percentages by weight of components A, B and C, together with minor additives, if any, adding to 100%.