Feasibility and mechanistic insights into synthesizing Single Base Propellant (SBP) for 5.56 munitions: Ballistic properties comparable to Double Base Propellant (DBP)

Abstract. Double Base Propellants (DBP), widely used for munitions applications incorporate Nitrocellulose (NC) and Nitroglycerine (NG) as primary energetics alongside additives, in contrast to Single Base Propellant (SBP) that are principally Nitrocellulose. DBP are more energetic as compared to SBP, but entail higher flame temperature that accelerates barrel corrosion, and prominent muzzle flash with hazardous manufacturing process due to the use of NG. This project investigates the feasibility of developing SBP to achieve ballistic properties comparable to DBP for 5.56 mm ammunition, achieved primarily by modifying the composition and dimensions of propellants to reduce the higher erosivity and sensitivity associated with DBP. This study also provides how changes in propellant diameter, cutting length, and surface treatment (centralite percentage) influence SBP ballistic performance, targeting to attain DBP equivalent ballistics. The formulation with propellant diameter of 1.0 mm, a cutting length of 0.4 to 0.8 mm and 2.8 % centralite (surface treatment) exhibited the better ballistic properties, and hence indicates the fact that, through formulation and dimensional changes, SBP can yield ballistic properties comparable to DBP.