Neutral Polymeric Bonding Agents (NPBA) and Their Use in Smokeless Composite Rocket Propellants Based on HMXGAP- BuNENA

Abstract

Very few efficient bonding agents for use in solid rocket propellants with nitramine filler materials and energetic binder systems are currently available. In this work, we report the synthesis, detailed characterization, and use of neutral polymeric bonding agents (NPBA) in isocyanate-cured and smokeless composite rocket propellants based on the nitramine octogen (HMX), the energetic binder glycidyl azide polymer (GAP), and the energetic plasticizer N-butyl-2-nitratoethylnitramine (BuNENA). These polymeric bonding agents clearly influenced the viscosity of the uncured propellant mixtures and provided significantly enhanced mechanical properties to the cured propellants, even at low NPBA concentrations (down to 0.001 wt-% of propellant). A modified NPBA more or less free of hydroxyl functionalities for interactions with isocyanate curing agent provided the same level of mechanical improvement as regular NPBA containing a substantial number of reactive hydroxyl groups. However, some degree of reactivity towards isocyanate is essential for function.