Preparation and characteristic of modified double-base propellant modified with cellulose nanofibers

Cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) with high aspect ratio was prepared from wood cellulose using 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine oxygen radical (TEMPO) oxidation method. By UV, TEM, FT-IR, XRD and TG, the characterizations of CNFs were studied. The results showed that CNFs was a a hydrophilic natural nanomaterials with good suspension stability, high aspect ratio and cellulose I crystal structure. The modified double base propellant with high solid content prepared by calendering process was modified by using CNFs as nano-fillers. The results of tensile test and burning test of propellant showed that the mechanical properties and combustion performances of CNFs modified double base propellant had been improved significantly compared to conventional modified double base propellant. The tensile strength and elongation at break can be increased by nearly 34%, 45%,respectively. The burning rate of propellant can be increased by 27.5% while the pressure coefficient decreased by 20%.