OBSERVED INFRARED ABSORPTIONS OF OH SPECIES IN A MAGNESIUM OXIDE-DOPED SUCROSE-KNO3 COMPOSITE PROPELLANT

Infrared spectroscopy was used to analyse a sucrose-potassium nitrate composite propellant (KNSU) doped with varying percentages 5, 10, and 15 MgO.The pre-doped KNSU as control and the triplicate 5 %, 10 %, and 15 % were all synthesized using the re-crystallization method.The FTIR results obtained showed the presence of OH species, isolated non-H bonded 3563 cm -1 and 3697 cm -1 vibrations.An internally bonded OH species at 3559 cm -1 .Hydrogen-bonded OH vibrations with the characteristic U shape were identified at 3384-3321 cm -1 .Other functional groups identified but of less importance in this presentation were aliphatic CH stretching and magnesium bending.Previous studies have inferred that OH absorptions above 3600 cm are attributed to inorganic/mineral composite interactions between MgO and the KNSU matrix.These interactions inhibit hygroscopic behavior, making MgO-doped KNSU a promising candidate for military propulsion systems.