The application of near-infrared spectroscopy for the quality control analysis of rocket propellant fuel pre-mixes

The viability of near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy as a technique for the quality control analysis of ingredient concentrations in a rocket propellant fuel liquid pre-mix was investigated. The pre-mix analyzed consisted of a polybutadiene pre-polymer, a plasticizer and two antioxidants. It was determined that NIR spectroscopy offered a fast and convenient method of verifying the percentage level of all four ingredients while requiring no sample preparation. The NIR methodology exhibited a high level of accuracy and precision. There was also a clear indication that the technique allowed monitoring of antioxidant depletion in the pre-mix on ageing.