Novel binder formulation for rocket motor designed for use in HEAT shoulder fired weapons

Abstract. The paper presents the use of PVC-plastisol binder in ammonium perchlorate composite propellants (APCP). Two types of formulations are investigated, one based on binder and oxidizer and the other one having additional fuel present, as aluminium powder. The thermal properties and the fusing process of the composites are presented together with performance measurements of the mentioned propellants, test fired in a 40mm rocket motor. The results show a consistent rise in the burn rate of the propellant when using the novel binder formulation, compared with classic HTPB formulations. The solution can be used in small size rocket motors, where high burn rate is desired, like rocket assisted HEAT shoulder fired weapons.