Trinitramide
A High Performance Oxidizer for Green Propulsion

T. Brinck (1), and M. Rahm1, (1, 2)
(1) Physical Chemistry, KTH Royal Institute of Technology SE-100 44, Stockholm, SWEDEN
(2) Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA (Present address)

Abstract

We recently reported the preparation and detection of a previously unknown nitrogen oxide, trinitramide (TNA). It has the molecular formula N(NO2)3 and is by far the largest nitrogen oxide. Theoretical characterization by quantum chemical methods indicates that TNA has excellent properties for use as an oxidizer in green propulsion. TNA is highly energetic and has a high solid-state density. The predicted density impulse for TNA-based propellants is 16-30% higher than for the commonly used propellant formulations of today. Thus, the implementation of TNA for space propulsion could lead to dramatically increased payloads. In addition, there are environmental benefits compared to propellants based on ammonium perchlorate or hydrazine. In this talk, we will review the properties of TNA, and discuss the potential for using TNA in future propulsion systems. Recent advances in the development of green propellants based on the related oxidizer ammonium dinitramide will also be highlighted.

[1] M. Rahm, S. V. Dvinskikh, I. Furó, T. Brinck, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2011, 50, 1145. See also: "New molecule could propel rockets", Chemistry World, Feb. 2011, http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld/News/2011/January/07011103.asp

Presented at ISDC 2011 - Huntsville. Paper (AIAA marked) and presentation charts are not available.