Energetic polymers and plasticisers for explosive formulations : a review of recent advances
Scientific Publication
- Report Number:
- DSTO-TR-0966
- Authors:
- Provatas, A.
- Issue Date:
- 2000-04
- AR Number:
- AR-011-428
- Classification:
- UNCLASSIFIED
- Report Type:
- Technical Report
- Division:
- Weapons Systems Division (WSD)
- Release Authority:
- Chief, Weapons Systems Division
- Task Sponsor:
- DSTO
- Task Number:
- 98/077
- File Number:
- J9505/17/202
- Pages:
- 42
- References:
- 83
- Terms:
- Energetic materials; Binders (materials); Polymer bonded explosives; Rocket propellants; Insensitive munitions
- URI:
- http://hdl.handle.net/1947/4115
Abstract
In an effort to comply with Insensitive Munitions (IM) criteria, energetic binders comprising polymer and plasticiser(s) are finding use in cast-cured polymer bonded explosives and cast composite rocket propellants. Energetic binders can be considered as cross-linked polymers that provide a matrix to bind explosive ingredients together with a plasticiser. Once cured, the polymeric binder is a tough elastomeric rubber capable of absorbing and dissipating energy from hazardous stimuli, lending itself well to IM applications. This document document outlines the most promising energetic polymers and plasticisers being considered today. Attention is focussed on several energetic polymers including glycidyl azide polymer, GAP, poly(3-nitratomethyl-3-methyloxetane), polyNIMMO and poly(glycidyl nitrate), polyGLYN, although oligomers (low molecular weight) of the polymers mentioned above, as well as a variety of nitrate esters, nitroaromatics and azido plasticisers, will also be reviewed. Finally, the review will recommend binder systems for DSTO's future energetic binder programs.
Executive Summary
In an effort to comply with Insensitive Munitions (IM) criteria, energetic binders comprising polymer and plasticiser(s) are being used in cast-cured polymer bonded explosives and cast composite rocket propellants. These new energetic binder systems offer energy output increases over conventional ‘inert’ non-energetic binder systems and are thus of important consequence to the ADF. This report outlines the most promising energetic polymers and plasticisers being considered by Defence forces around the world. Energetic binders are polymers which crosslink explosive ingredients together with a plasticiser into a tough yet flexible three-dimensional network. Plasticisers are typically added both to facilitate processing and to improve mechanical properties of the final cured formulation. This review comprises two main sections. The first section examines the synthesis, properties, and polymerization chemistry of energetic polymers while the second section is concerned with the chemistry of energetic plasticisers and their role in energetic binder systems. This report reviews recent developments in energetic binder systems (both polymers and plasticisers) for use in advanced cast-cured explosive and propellant formulations, and recommends binder systems that might best address the future requirements of the ADF.