Characteristics of good propellant

The characteristics of good propellant are as follows-

• It should have specific impulse (thrust delivered divide by the rate of propellant burnt).
• It should produce low molecular weight. Non-toxic gases products (CO, CO₂, N₂) only on combustion.
• It should burn at a slow and steady but predictable rate.
• It should possess low ignition delay (time taken by the propellant to catch fire in presence of oxidant)
• It should have high density.
• It should be stable over wide range of temperature.
• It should not detonate under shock, heat or impact.
• It should be non-corrosive and non-hygroscopic.
• It should produce high temperature on combustion.