Introduction

Many different chemicals can be used in the production of a solid rocket motor. These chemicals can be combined to achieve a variety of different effects. Chemicals in known use are listed below

Chemicals

Binder

Binders form the mechanical linkage in the rocket fuel. Some binders are also used as fuels. These binders are known as "energetic binders" and are normally hazardous.

R-45M - A type of Hydroxyl Terminated Polybutadiene commonly used as a binder

Polybutadiene Acrylonitrile (PBAN) - Common hobby binder. Requires Cure schedule. Also used in the Space Transportation System's Solid Rocket Boosters.

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) - 

Curative

These chemicals begin the polymerization of the binder

Isocyanate MDI

Isophorone Diisocyanate (IPDI)

PAPI

Plasticizer

These chemicals reduce the viscosity of the uncured propellant. They make mixing and casting of propellants easier and facilitate higher solids loading.

Isodecyl Pelargonate

Dioctyl Adipate (DOA)

Dioctyl Sebacate

Opacifiers

These chemicals increase the infrared energy transfer from the flame front into the propellant face and prevent premature ignition or detonation of propellant behind the burning face.

Powdered Graphite - Black Powder

Prussian Blue - Blue Powder

Methylene Blue - Blue stain

Nigrosin - Very black

Fuels

Aluminum - More energetic than magnesium but requires a larger motor to properly take advantage of. Large incompletely burned particle can damage nozzle.

Magnesium - Powdered

Oxidizers

Substances which oxidize the fuel and binder to facilitate combustion.

Ammonium Perchlorate

Ammonium Nitrate

Potassium Nitrate

Stabilizers

Magnesium Oxide

Phenylnaphthalene

Processing Aids

Lecithin

Silicon Oil

Binding Agents

HX-752 - Does not cause foaming. Requires refrigeration. Smells bad.

HX - 878 (Tepanol) - May cause foaming.

Cross Linking Agents

Castor Oil

Chromatic Burn Additives

Copper Oxychloride - Blue (5%-10% by mass)

Strontium Carbonate - Red.