Propellant binder prepared from a PCP/HTPB block polymer
AssigneeMorton Thiokol, Inc.
InventorsS. John Bennett, Michael W. Barnes, Kenneth J. Kolonko
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Binders for propellants for the like comprise elastomers which are based on block copolymers in which a pair of poly(caprolactone) blocks flank a central hydroxyl-terminated poly(butadiene) block. The block polymers are cured with isocyanates through the OH termini of the poly(caprolactone) blocks. The elastomers have inherent energies and other characteristics intermediate those of PCP and HTPB and have good compatibility with nitrate ester plasticizers.
Claims6
A propellant comprising between about 70 and about 85 weight percent solid particulates, including particulates of fuel material and oxidizer particulates and between about 15 and about 30 weight percent of a binder system comprising an elastomeric binder and nitrate ester plasticizer stably retained thereby, said elastomeric binder comprising a block copolymer having a central poly(butadiene) block and flanking poly(caprolactone) blocks, said poly(butadiene) block comprising between about 30 and about 70 weight percent of said block copolymer, balance of said block copolymer being said poly(caprolactone) blocks, and an isocyanate curative joining and cross-linking said block copolymer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.