2 replies to this topic

[KingVinny]

I recently bought some manganese dioxide to use as a catalyst in chlorate/sugar rocket propellant (7:3). I have no idea how much of it to use however. I have made up some rocket mix adding 3% MnO2 and it had a considerable affect on burn rate. I chose 3% at random but does anyone know an optimum %?

I also have some red and black iron oxide. Can these be used as catalysts in conjunction with the MnO2 or would they have no extra affect on the burn rate?

I was also wondering if MnO2 can be used for anything else.

[Chaoticentity]

try 1% or even .5% red iron oxide is a good catalyst, generally any metal oxide works decent. Play with ratio's and %'s until you find what works.

[Phoenix]

Chlorate comps should not need any catalyst, and adding one is almost always a bad idea, except for when you want the composition to ignite from friction, shock etc. Chlorate and sugar mixtures are too sensitive for most people's tastes as they are, and adding an ignition sensitiser will aggravate this. This topic should provide some further explanation.

It's probably better to avoid using chlorate comps except where you really need to (for colours and possibly burst charges), and potassium nitrate will make very impressive rockets, and much more safely. It's also cheaper and easier to get. Iron oxide can be safely used as a catalyst in nitrate based "candy propellants," if required. See www.nakka-rocketry.net for a lot of information on this.