Thermal Decomposition Kinetics of Kerosene-based Rocket Propellants. 2. RP-2 with Three Additives

Published

September 9, 2009

Author(s)

Jason A. Widegren, Thomas J. Bruno

Abstract

The thermal decomposition of RP-2 with three potential stabilizing additives was investigated. The additives were 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline (THQ), 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene (tetralin) and the additive package that is used to make JP-8+100 (herein referred to as the "+100 additive"). For mixtures of RP-2 with THQ and tetralin, the concentration of additive was 5% by mass. The mixture of RP-2 with the +100 additive contained only 256 mg/L of the additive (the same concentration used to make JP-8+100). Decomposition reactions were performed at 375, 400, 425, and 450 °C in stainless steel reactors. At each temperature, the extent of decomposition as a function of time was determined by analyzing the thermally stressed liquid phase by gas chromatography. The results with each additive were compared to the decomposition of neat RP-2 under the same conditions. The addition of 5% THQ slowed the rate of decomposition by approximately an order of magnitude. The addition of 5% tetralin slowed the rate of decomposition by approximately 50%. At the low concentration tested, the +100 additive did not significantly change the thermal stability of the RP-2.

Citation

Energy and Fuels

Volume

23

Pub Type

Journals

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Local Download

Keywords

Complex fluids, hydrocarbon mixtures, hydrogen donors, JP-8+100, kerosene fuel, rocket propellant, RP-2, stabilizer, 1, 2, 3, 4-tetrahydronaphthalene, 1, 2, 3, 4-tetrahydroquinoline, tetralin, THQ, thermal decomposition

Citation

Widegren, J. and Bruno, T. (2009), Thermal Decomposition Kinetics of Kerosene-based Rocket Propellants. 2. RP-2 with Three Additives, Energy and Fuels, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=901028 (Accessed October 20, 2025)