Amateur and Ex. Rocketry - Kurt
Theis
Propellant Chemicals
WARNING WARNING WARNING
Most of these chemicals are poisons. You may die, get blinded,
get chemical burns, skin irratation, allergic reactions and other unpleasantries
if you use/touch these things. Wear eye protection at all times. Wear
breathing masks and work in ventelated areas. Keep all of this away from
children and stupid and irresponsible adults. If you are stupid or irresponsible,
leave this page and never return. I guarantee that if you abuse these
chemicals or the created propellant, you will be badly burned or killed.
Once the propellant starts burning, you will not be able to put
it out. All you can do is put out the secondary fires. If it is on you
when this burns, you will lose a limb, a major part of your body, or your
life. Guaranteed. Have no doubts. This stuff burns faster and hotter than
you can imagine.
If you can't be safe, don't do this.
I currently buy almost all of my propellant supplies from FireFox Enterprises
. They have pretty much everything you'll need except the metal tubing/stock
and they don't carry graphite for nozzles (at least in the selection I
want). For propellant you'll want the following:
HTPB - The binder. You will want a gallon to start
with. It will last a while.
HX-878 - A bonding agent. An 8 oz. can will also
last a long time since you use so little of it.
Isonate-143-L (Diphenylmethane Diisocyanate) - the HTPB
curative. 8 oz will last for months.
DOA or 2-Ethylhexyl Acrylate - a plasticizer
. This turns the viscous (thick) HTPB into a thinner liquid. You'll
need a quart.
Silicon Oil - A few drops of this mixed with HTPB et
al cuts down on production of bubbles. I got a 1/2 gallon from a copy
repair place for $10.00. It will last my life time. Others sell it for
$8.00 for 2 oz. Maybe I should sell it myself.
Ammonium Perclorate - The oxidizer. 200 micron,
400 mcron and 90 micron. Buy only a few
pounds to start with. You may have to pay serious hazmat and shipping
fees if you buy more than a few pounds at a time.
Aluminum 325 mesh (40 micron) - Combination fuel and
opacifier . Buy a pound. Expect to pay nearly $100.00 in shipping/hazmat
fees if you buy more. In the future (post 2003) you may pay these fees
anyway for a few ounces. We'll see.
High-temp Calcium Grease - Get a 1 pound tub. Used for
lubing the O-rings and propellant liners when loading your motors.
Acetone - Used to clean propellant liners, mixing bowls,
and motor casings after firing. Buy at your local hardware store.
Be sure to keep these chemicals away from heat. Don't store these
in your hot garage. The Isonate will crystalize, and some of the others
will decompose. Room temperature will suffice.
You can buy a chemical kit from FireFox Enterprises for about
$103 plus shipping/tax/etc. Not a bad deal, but they don't include the
Aluminum. Buy this separatly.
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