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R-45M - A type of Hydroxyl Terminated Polybutadiene commonly used as a binder

R-45HTLO - 

Low Molecular Weight HTPB - 

Polybutadiene Acrylonitrile (PBAN) - Common hobby binder. Requires Cure schedule. Also used in the Space Transportation System's Solid Rocket Boosters.Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) - 

Curative

These chemicals begin the polymerization of the binder

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These chemicals reduce the viscosity of the uncured propellant. They make mixing and casting of propellants easier and facilitate higher solids loading.

Isodecyl PelargonatePelargonate 

Dioctyl Adipate (DOA)

Dioctyl Sebacate

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Prussian Blue - Blue Powder. Produces a blue tinted propellant after curing.

Methylene Blue - Blue stain. Liquid. Helps lower solid loading.

Nigrosin - Very blackBest opacifier by mass.

Fuels

Aluminum - More energetic than magnesium but requires a larger motor to properly take advantage of. Large incompletely burned particle can damage nozzle.

Magnesium - Powdered. Burns completely faster than aluminum. Useful in smaller motors.

Oxidizers

Substances which oxidize the fuel and binder to facilitate combustion.

Ammonium Perchlorate - Most common in amateur and professional composite propellants

Ammonium Nitrate - Extremely hygroscopic. Tends to produce a slower burning propellant than ammonium perchlorate.

Potassium Nitrate - Used commonly in "rocket candy" formulations. Lower performance than ammonium perchlorate or ammonium nitrate.

Stabilizers

Magnesium Oxide

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Processing Aids

Lecithin

Silicon Oil

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) - Surfactant, reduces sticking to the bowl and airation during mixing. Allows for mixing at higher speeds.

Binding Agents

Binding agents form a bond between the surface of Ammonium Perchlorate particles and the polymer matrix, embedding the particles strongly in the propellant web. This slightly slows burn rate and increases hardness.

HX-752 - Does not cause foaming. Requires refrigeration. Smells bad.

HX - 878 (Tepanol) - May cause foaming due to ammonia generation during curing.

Cross Linking Agents

Castor Oil - provides additional sites for the polymer chains to cross link with the curative and castor oil. Increases hardness.

Chromatic Burn Additives

Copper Oxychloride - Blue (5%-10% by mass)

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