Evaluation of UV-Curable Solid Rocket Propellants’ Properties for Advanced 3D Printing Technologies DOI Creative Commons
Filippo Masseni, Giacomo Tetti, Alessandra Zumbo

et al.

Applied Sciences, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 15(6), P. 2933 - 2933

Published: March 8, 2025

Challenges in the traditional cast-and-cure manufacturing of composite solid propellants, such as use mandrels and toxicity curing agents, are being addressed through new propellant formulations additive techniques. Within this framework, study aimed to investigate properties UV-curable rocket focusing on their compatibility with advanced 3D printing technologies. Polybutadiene-based propellants incorporating a specific photoinitiator were examined. Key rheological properties, including pseudoplasticity pot-life, assessed evaluate material’s behavior during process. Furthermore, photopolymerization tests performed using customized delta illuminator conversion efficiency under UVA UVC light sources. Concurrently, modular Cartesian printer was developed preliminary performed. Rheological also revealed flow index n 0.32 at 60 °C 0.46 80 °C, indicating significant pseudoplastic behavior. The pot-life showed that viscosity reached upper limit 106 cP more quickly higher temperatures, shorter time range printability. irradiation resulted polymerization rate about 90%, while exposure did not significantly enhance beyond value. Finally, confirmed feasibility producing propellant, though challenges related material segregation extrusion consistency observed. Material separation impact printability, causing underextrusion nozzle clogging, particularly smaller diameters pressures. Overall, research represents step forward development for manufacturing, building previous advancements by group. It demonstrates tangible progress addressing key performance, efficiency, highlighting areas requiring further refinement. These findings underscore continuous evolution technology toward readiness levels, paving way its broader application manufacturing.

Language: Английский

Evaluation of UV-Curable Solid Rocket Propellants’ Properties for Advanced 3D Printing Technologies DOI Creative Commons
Filippo Masseni, Giacomo Tetti, Alessandra Zumbo

et al.

Applied Sciences, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 15(6), P. 2933 - 2933

Published: March 8, 2025

Challenges in the traditional cast-and-cure manufacturing of composite solid propellants, such as use mandrels and toxicity curing agents, are being addressed through new propellant formulations additive techniques. Within this framework, study aimed to investigate properties UV-curable rocket focusing on their compatibility with advanced 3D printing technologies. Polybutadiene-based propellants incorporating a specific photoinitiator were examined. Key rheological properties, including pseudoplasticity pot-life, assessed evaluate material’s behavior during process. Furthermore, photopolymerization tests performed using customized delta illuminator conversion efficiency under UVA UVC light sources. Concurrently, modular Cartesian printer was developed preliminary performed. Rheological also revealed flow index n 0.32 at 60 °C 0.46 80 °C, indicating significant pseudoplastic behavior. The pot-life showed that viscosity reached upper limit 106 cP more quickly higher temperatures, shorter time range printability. irradiation resulted polymerization rate about 90%, while exposure did not significantly enhance beyond value. Finally, confirmed feasibility producing propellant, though challenges related material segregation extrusion consistency observed. Material separation impact printability, causing underextrusion nozzle clogging, particularly smaller diameters pressures. Overall, research represents step forward development for manufacturing, building previous advancements by group. It demonstrates tangible progress addressing key performance, efficiency, highlighting areas requiring further refinement. These findings underscore continuous evolution technology toward readiness levels, paving way its broader application manufacturing.

Language: Английский

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