Research on Continuous Shear Calendering Process and Performance of Modified Double-base Propellant Substitute Materials with High Solid Content

In order to understand the characteristics of continuous shear calendering process for modified double-base propellant with high solid content, a high-solid substitute material with solid filler mass fraction of 30%-50% was used for the experiment. The state of the material, temperature distribution and water content of the simulated materials were studied. And the micromixing effect and the degree of plasticization were tested by SEM and DSC, respectively. The results show that with the increase of solid content, it becomes worse for the material sticking to the roll at the feed part, but better on the rear part. Meanwhile, the temperature of the roll surface and the water content decrease. Under the same solid content, the introduction of Al powder will increase the temperature of the material on the roll surface and make the water content of the sample decrease slightly. The higher the solid content, the greater the viscosity of the simulated material. And the viscosity of samples containing Al is greater than that without Al. SEM test and calcination test show that the materials are evenly distributed and mixed well. The plasticization degree of the system decreases with the increase of solid content, and is slightly affected by the solid composition. For propellants with high solid content, especially containing Al powder, it is recommended to reduce the calendering temperature appropriately. © 2021, Editorial Board of Journal of Explosives & Propellants. All right reserved.