Ideal Specific Impulse of Solid Rocket Propellants Based on AP/GAP/closo-Dodecaborate ([B12H12]2-) Salts

Elemental boron (B) is an exciting high-energy substance and falls into the group of metalloid chemical elements. It possesses the second-highest calorific value among elements fit for use in the production of propellants and explosives. However, practical applications of B come upon challenges related to ignition and combustion due to the formation of a B2O3 layer on its surface. Elemental B does not readily combust; it necessitates high-purity oxygen for the combustion process and tends to clump, leading to incomplete combustion. To address these issues, this study explores the use of closo-dodecaborate salts ([B12H12]2‒) as an alternative to B powder. The investigation focuses on three solid rocket propellant formulations incorporating closo-dodecaborate salts, with ammonium perchlorate (AP) as the oxidizer and GAP as the binder. The EXPLO5 code version V6.03 was employed to calculate the ideal specific impulse (Isp). The incorporation of closododecaborate salts in the propellant composition demonstrates major potential, and the AP/GAP/closo-dodecaborate salt formulations exhibit competitive theoretical performance, mainly in the context of low metalized compositions.

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