Stabilizer selection and formulation strategies for enhanced stability of single base nitrocellulose propellants: A review

Stabilizers play a crucial role in preventing undesirable decomposition and degradation reactions of propellants, thus ensuring their long-term performance and safe storage. This review highlights recent advancements in stabilizer selection and formulation techniques, aiming to enhance the stability of single base nitrocellulose (SB-NC) propellants. It examines several types of stabilizers for SB-NC propellants, including their reaction mechanisms and effectiveness in preventing degradation reactions of the propellants, as well as the effects of their concentrations, particle sizes, and distributions on the propellants’ stability. Furthermore, it explores innovative approaches such as nano and green stabilizers with improved stability and compatibility. This review also provides insights into methods for evaluating the efficiency and propellant stability of the stabilizers, such as thermal analysis and accelerated aging tests. The findings of this review will assist in developing advanced propellant formulations that meet the growing demand for the applications of NC-based propellants.