B-KNO3 pyrolant

Fig. 11.7 Adiabatic flame temperature of B-KNO3 pyrolants as a function of...

Fig. 11.9 Burning rates of B-KNO3 pyrolants in the low-pressure region as a function...

The smoke characteristics of three types of pyrolants, namely nitropolymer pyrolants composed of NC-NG with and without a nickel catalyst, and a B-KNO3 pyrolant, have been examined in relation to the use of these pyrolants as igniters of rocket motors. Though nitropolymer pyrolants are fundamentally smokeless in nature, a large amount of black smoke is formed when they burn at low pressures below about 4 MPa due to incomplete combustion. Metallic nickel or organonickel compounds are known to catalyze the gas-phase reaction of nitropolymer pyrolants. 

Boron is an important ingredient of pyrolants. A mixture of boron and potassium nitrate particles forms a pyrolant used as an igniter in rocket motors. The stoichiometric mixture of B and KNO3 reacts according to ... 

---