CSIR-IICT develops new process to manufacture high-energy rocket propellant
CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT), in collaboration with Premier Explosives Ltd., has developed an indigenous process to prepare the key material used in CL-20, a high energy material primarily used as propellant in rockets and missiles.
CL-20 or China Lake-20 has better oxidiser-to-fuel ratio than conventional RDX and releases 20% more energy than traditional HMX-based propellants. CL-20 is prepared from the key material generally known as TAIW, using a high concentration of expensive noble metal catalysts. India currently imports TAIW to make CL-20.
The institute’s chief scientist N. Lingaiah and his team have now developed a catalytic process with low content and easily accessible catalysts to prepare TAIW. The indigenously developed catalytic process needs only a small amount of catalyst in moderate reaction conditions, is economical and environment friendly.
This technology will help the country overcome dependency on imports and help it become self-sufficient in the development of propellants for its missile and space applications.
The technology was transferred to Premier Explosives Ltd. in the presence of CSIR-IICT D. Srinivasa Reddy and the firm’s managing director T.V. Choudhary along with other scientists from both sides on Saturday, according to an official release.
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