Utilization of Ionically Conducting Polymers in Electrically Controlled Gel Monopropellants

An experimental study was conducted on electrically controlled gel monopropellants (ECGPs) comprising an ionically conducting liquid polymer (polyethylene glycol) along with ionic oxidizer salts (lithium perchlorate and ammonium perchlorate). Ionic salts can form a complex with ionically conductive polymers, which enable ions to flow when a voltage potential is applied. Large voltage potentials lead to a high rate of ion flow, which can lead to decomposition of the polymer; and salts and can result in ignition. The ECGPs used in this study were observed to readily react with the application of a voltage potential of 120 V and greater. The ECGP compositions considered in this study demonstrated a decreasing ignition delay as the voltage potential was increased due to the increased rate of ion flow. The composition of the EGCPs influences the ability of ions to flow, their thermal decomposition, and their rheological properties. In addition to the conventional thermochemical properties, the conductivity of the propellant composition is important in the ignition delay and consumption rate for the ECGPs.