Development and evaluation of a novel binder based on natural rubber and high-energy polyurethane/composite propellants

✍ Scribed by S. K. Gupta; M. R. Kurup; E. Devadoss; Rm. Muthiah; S. Thomas

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 1985
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 657 KB
• Volume: 30
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0021-8995
• DOI: 10.1002/app.1985.070300317

✦ Synopsis

Hydroxyl terminated natural rubber (HTNR) was prepared by the depolymerization of masticated natural rubber in the presence of HZ02 in toluene. Probable mechanisms leading t~ the formation of side reaction products are proposed based on the analytical data. A comparative study of some formulation variables was made for their effect in improving the flow characteristics and mechanical properties of an aluminized polyurethane (PU) propellant system based on HTNR. This PU system has also been compared for its theoretical performance characteristics with some other state-of-the-art systems.

Telechelic polymers of saturated and unsaturated, aliphatic hydrocarbon backbone are the current candidate binders for advanced, composite solid propellant technology. Choice of these systems has been the result of intense studies on polymer structure-energy correlations as regards network theory and thermochemistry. The elastically effective, high fuel-value binders based on polybutadiene are the most exploited class of this type. They are amenable for a variety of modifications involving compatibility with special additives like RDX and HMX, advanced oxidizers, etc. Our studies have shown that a closely related system could be obtained from natural rubber.