Optimization of Amine-Based Catalyst Formulation
Optimization of the amine-based catalyst formulation was conducted to improve decomposition efficiency and reduce thermal degradation. A new formulation with enhanced amine blend was evaluated. Decomposition efficiency reached 88% with improved stability at high temperature. The morpholine/TEA system had shown promise, but thermal stability at extended burn temperatures needed improvement.
Enhanced Amine Blend Development
A modified amine blend—morpholine with triethylamine and a small percentage of diethylamine—was tested to enhance thermal stability. The new formulation was 65% morpholine, 30% triethylamine, 5% diethylamine by volume. This blend was tested in the same thruster geometry as before, with the solid manganese dioxide catalyst bed and amine injection system.
Test Results and Performance Improvement
Test results were excellent. Decomposition efficiency improved to 88%, up from 82-85% in the previous formulation. More importantly, thermal stability was dramatically improved. After a 30-second burn test, the amine decomposition products remained stable with no visible performance degradation. Previous tests at the same temperature showed some performance loss after 20 seconds.
The enhanced amine blend was working as intended. Several additional tests with the new formulation were all successful. Performance was consistent and reliable. Catalyst activity remained optimal, and thermal stability was excellent. Exhaust temperature was consistent around 850-900 degrees Celsius. Chamber pressure remained stable throughout extended burns.
Path Forward
This success demonstrates that careful formulation optimization of the amine blend can significantly improve catalyst performance. The morpholine/TEA/diethylamine system is now ready for integration into the flight-weight thruster design. With this improved amine catalyst approach, longer burn times and higher performance are achievable. The program is moving toward a mature, reliable propulsion system.