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California Institute of Technology

Kumar N Ramohalli

Robert A Frosch

Marshall F Humphrey

Warren L Dowler

Fine, carbon-graphite fibers do not combust during the combustion of a composite and are expelled into the air as fine conductive particles. Coating of the fibers with a salt of a metal having a work function below 4.2 eV such as an alkaline earth metal salt, e.g., calcium acetate, catalytically enhances combustion of the fibers at temperatures below 1000.degree. C. such that the fibers self-support combustion and burn to produce a non-conductive ash. Fire-polishing the fibers before application of the coating is desirable to remove sizing to expose the carbon surface to the catalyst.

Gasifiable carbon-graphite fibers

Addition of a small amount, for example 1% by weight, of a liquid silicone oil to a metal containing solid rocket propellant provides a significant reduction in heat transfer to the inert nozzle walls eliminating metal oxide slag collection and blockage of the nozzle and increases burning rate by about 5 to 10% improving ballistic performance.

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Pasadena, CA, United States of America

Kumar N Ramohalli