Abstract
Hybrid rockets are gaining attention as a safe and cost-effective alternative to conventional chemical rockets. However, a key challenge remains: their low fuel regression rate. To address this shortcoming, microcrystalline wax (WAX), a petroleum-derived solid fuel, has been explored. Although it is effective, its use raises environmental concerns. This study was conducted to enhance sustainability by incorporating cornstarch, a renewable biomass product, into WAX.
The study builds on earlier theoretical calculations and ignition experiments, along with combustion experiments and thermal analysis using a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). Combustion experiments evaluated the fuel regression rate and characteristic velocity, revealing no marked performance degradation with increasing cornstarch content. Moreover, DSC analysis revealed that the onset temperature increased with higher cornstarch ratios, whereas the total calorific value was lowest at 20 mass% and peaked at 100 mass%.
These findings suggest that cornstarch-added WAX solid fuel can serve as a viable and environmentally friendly alternative for hybrid rockets, offering comparable performance to WAX while reducing reliance on petroleum-derived resources.
