Fuel Chemistry

[philpense]

I write as a guest researcher at a nonprofit biotech lab. We have an interest in re purposing a rocket engine of the past for terrestrial purposes. Specifically:

Catalysts:

Potassium Permanganate

Why was this specifically chosen?

What were the energetics of the reaction of ethanol, oxygen, water.

Have yet to see equations to include temperature, pressure, other catalysts

Have been to the air & space museums and its other locations. Have not seen the precise details of the reaction and its mass production at the time. Seeking informed guidance

[TJPrime]

Phil, while I don't know the answer to your questions, I'd like to say that this is better off in the Science Labs or The Space Lounge. You might find some better results there

[r_rolo1]

Indeed there are better places to ask this kind of questions, but I think I can answer the first:

Potassium permanganate is the choice catalyst for the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. That reaction in older rockets was used to power the fuel and oxidizer pumps that force both of them to the combustion chamber. The A4/V2 of von Braun used that system ...

[KerikBalm]

What do rocket engines have to do with terrestrial biotechnology

Are you hoping to engineer some microbes to make rocket fuel or something?

[Tommygun]

Well Potassium Permanganate isn't as toxic as Iodine Pentoxide which was also commonly used.

Maybe it was chosen as it is easier and safer to handle? Well at least looking at the MSDS sheets.

http://www.google.com/patents/US3101589

Does JPL or NASA have forums? I could find any.

You might have better luck with Tripoli Rocketry Association or LDRS.

http://www.tripoli.org/

http://ldrs34.org/

Edited October 25, 2014 by Tommygun