Copolymers based on GAP and 1,2‐Epoxyhexane as Promising Prepolymers for Energetic Binder Systems

Abstract

Copolymers of epichlorohydrin (ECH) and 1,2‐epoxyhexane (EpH) have been synthesized via cationic ring‐opening polymerization using BF3×THF as a catalyst. Structures of the resulting polymers have been confirmed by IR and NMR spectroscopy and GPC. In a subsequent reaction with NaN3 in DMSO, the halogenated precursors were completely azidated, which was confirmed by the same spectroscopic methods. The introduced pendant n‐butyl chains act as an internal plasticizer by lowering the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the copolymers compared to the reference compound glycidyl azide polymer (GAP). Compared to GAP in a similar molecular weight range, the copolymers also showed reduced viscosity. These properties make the described copolymers interesting candidates for use as energetic binders in cast‐cure applications.

Synthesis and characterization of carboxylated PBAMO copolymers as promising prepolymers for energetic binders

“…Partial introduction of long-chain carboxylates into PBAMO reduces the intramolecular and intermolecular forces in the skeleton, thereby lowering the T g . 31 In addition, it is expected that T g is lowered because the symmetric structure of PBAMO is broken and the crystallinity is lowered due to random substitution of carboxylate. This property facilitates processability in the preparation of the propellant binder.…”

Studies on PBFMO-b-PNMMO alternative block thermoplastic elastomers as potential binders for solid propellants

“…[1][2][3] Compared with inert binders, energetic binders contain energetic groups such as the azide group (-N 3 ), nitrate esters (-O-NO 2 ), nitramines (-N-NO 2 ), and C-nitro groups (-C-NO 2 ), which can not only impart additional energy to the formulations, but also improve the overall oxygen balance of the propellant. 4,5 Among the energetic binders, azide functional polymers (viz., glycidyl azide polymer (GAP), poly(3,3-bis(3azido methyl)oxetane) (PBAMO), poly((3-azido methyl)-3methyl oxetane) (PAMMO)) and nitrato polyethers (viz., poly((3-nitrato methyl)-3-methyl oxetane) (PNMMO), and poly(glycidyl nitrate) PGN) have received widespread attention in recent decades. [6][7][8] In the past three decades, uoropolymers have been extensively studied in propellant or plastic-bonded explosive (PBX) formulations.…”

Influence of Combustion Modifiers on the Cure Kinetics of Glycidyl Azide Polymer Based Propellant-Evaluated through Rheo-Kinetic Approach

“…Glycidyl azide polymer (GAP), as a novel azeotropic binder, has been widely used in solid propellants and paste propellants [1,2,3,4,5]. GAP propellant has the advantages of high energy, high density, and a low characteristic signal; however, its mechanical properties are needed to be improved [6,7].…”