scope:

This method relates to solvent and solventless extruded propellants and to casting powders. It may be used to determine the volatile matter content of a propellant during and after manufacture, as necessary, for the following purposes:-

To determine when stoving is complete.

To correct the results obtained in the chemical analysis of the propellant.

To use in the assessment of the ballistic properties of the propellant.

The constitution of the volatile matter varies with the propellant concerned. Solventless powders contain water, picrite propellants contain water and acetone; nitrocellulose powder and casting powders generally contain ether, ethyl alcohol and water.

The method described determines the total volatile matter. The method is not recommended for propellants containing triacetin. When this material is present, excessive condensation occurs on the cone and spurious resub are obtained.