What is the most common oxidizer in commercially available high power composite solid rocket motors?

The most common oxidizer in commercially available high power composite solid rocket motors is ammonium perchlorate. This compound is favored in rocketry due to its high oxidative potential, contributing to improved performance and energy release during combustion.

Ammonium perchlorate is effective because it decomposes exothermically, releasing oxygen that supports the combustion of the fuel components in the propellant mixture. Its thermal stability allows rockets to achieve the necessary thrust while maintaining safety during storage and handling. The use of ammonium perchlorate helps create a solid propellant that is both efficient and manageable for rocket manufacturing.

In contrast, other oxidizers such as ammonium nitrate may be employed in some applications but generally do not match the performance characteristics and stability of ammonium perchlorate in high power applications. Lithium chloride and calcium perchlorate are less commonly used due to their limitations in efficient energy release and impractical handling properties compared to ammonium perchlorate.