Ballistic Irregularities of Triaminoguanidine Nitrate (TAGN) propellants

Burning rates from propellants containing Triaminoguanidine Nitrate (TAGN) were obtained at pressures from between 2,000 and 50,000 psi. Impurities in the TAGN and the isopropanol (IPA) desensitizing diluent generally cause microporosity and erratic burning rates in propellants. Most of these impurities could be removed by washing the TAGN with a polar solvent in which they are soluble. Propellant made with this TAGN had improved ballistic properties. Storage of recrystallized TAGN in IPA resulted in impurity formation. Propellants made with TAGN washed or ground in Freon (registered trademark) 113 exhibited erratic burning rates. Drying of TAGN from IPA in a high humidity atmosphere resulted in TAGN agglomerates. Propellants made with these agglomerates exhibited localized discolorations, voids, and erratic burning rates. The study implied that propellants made with TAGN containing minimal impurities should give good ballistic data. TAGN which contains impurities can usually be treated to yield a TAGN which, when incorporated into a propellant, gives a good burning rate.