EXPLORING ALKALINE PERIODATE SALTS AS ECO-FRIENDLY OXIDIZERS FOR SOLID ROCKET PROPELLANTS

Authors

  • Hristofor Skandaliev Club for aerospace technology “Zodiac”
  • Vesislava Toteva University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59957/jctm.v61.i4.2026.14

Keywords:

Alkaline periodates, pyrotechnic compositions, thermokinetics, ballistic research

Abstract

The development and experimental characterization of composite solid rocket propellants utilizing alkaline metaperiodates (KIO4 and NaIO4) as alternative oxidizing agents are presented. The physicochemical, mechanical, and sensitivity properties of these formulations were systematically evaluated. Differential thermal analysis was conducted to investigate high-temperature decomposition behaviour and to identify the dominant reaction mechanisms. Limited ballistic testing, including laboratory-scale ground tests and experimental rocket flights, was conducted to assess the practical feasibility of these systems. Comparative analysis with conventional composite propellant formulations demonstrates that periodate-based systems can achieve functional energetic and ballistic performance within specific application domains, while potentially offering environmental benefits. These findings indicate that alkaline metaperiodates constitute a promising class of oxidizers for environmentally focused energetic material systems.

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Published

2026-07-01

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