Preparation
There are a number of different methods for preparing a sugar-based rocket propellant. Other than dry compressed, all of these methods involve heating the propellant. These various methods include: dry compressed, dry heated, and dissolved and heated.
In dry compression, the sugar and potassium nitrate are ground as finely as possible, and then mixed in a ball mill or tumbler to ensure uniform mixing of the components. This mixture is then compressed into the motor tube, similar to a method for loading black powder. However, this method is rarely used for serious experiments, and careful considerations should be made before deciding to employ this method.
Another, more common method of preparing a sugar-based rocket propellant is dry heating. First, the potassium nitrate is ground or milled to a fine powder, and then thoroughly mixed with powdered sugar then heated. This method does not actually melt the potassium nitrate, as the melting temperature of KNO3 is 613 degrees Fahrenheit, but it melts the sugar and coats the grains of KNO3 with the melted sugar.
James Yawn, a well known amateur rocket experimentalist, advocates for the dissolving and heating method. Dissolving and heating the propellant actually dissolves both elements of the propellant and combines them. First, the KNO3 and sugar are placed in a pot or saucepan. Then, just enough water is added to be able to completely dissolve the KNO3 and the sugar. The mixture is then heated and brought to a boil until the water evaporates. The mixture will go through several stages, first boiling, then bubbling and spitting, then it will turn to a smooth creamy consistency. There are several advantages to dissolving the sugar and KNO3 in water before heating. One advantage is that the KNO3 and the sugar do not have to be finely powdered, because they both end up completely dissolved. This method of preparation also causes the resultant propellant to last longer in the pot before it caramelizes. This means that the person preparing the fuel has more time to pack it into the motors.
Read more about this topic: Rocket Candy
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