Sciencemadness Discussion Board

Nitroguanidine performance as a gun propellant

John paul III - 29-8-2018 at 10:40

It is often cited that nitroguanidine is being used in triple-based smokeless powders because it allows to reduce temperature without reducing pressure. That makes me wonder, if nitroguanidine could be used by itself as the only propellant? I suspect the reason it is not already is it would lead to quick fouling of the barrel. However, would it be possible to use it as a 1:1 [regarding only propulsive power per volume] substitute for modern powders?

Microtek - 31-8-2018 at 05:02

The energy content in nitroguanidine is not nearly as high as in nitrocellulose, so you wouldn't get the same power if you substituted 1:1.
NQ has an energy of explosion of ca. 2.5 kJ/g while NG is ca. 4.2 kJ/g (depending on exact decomposition products). NQ is slightly more dense than NG, but only about 3%. If you compare to double base powders, the difference would only be more pronounced.

underground - 1-9-2018 at 09:06

Nitroguanidine does not burn a lot in contact with fire like Ncellulose. I really doubt if just only Nguan is going to work.