US 6,783,613 B1 · Modified polybutadiene polymers that are both chemically degradable and physically compatible with energetic plasticizers for use in propellant and explosive binders

Abstract

The present invention is a modified HFPB polymer for use in propellants and explosives that is chemically degradable and also is compatible with commonly used energetic plasticizers. The HFPB polymer of the present invention contains ester linkages formed in the backbone of the polymer from a dicarboxylic acid containing either oxymeythylene or oxyethylene moeities. The ester and ether linkages change the polarity of the polybutadiene to make it compatible with polar energetic plasticizers. The ester linkages along with either oxymethylene or oxyethylene moeities make the polymer degradable to basic solutions while still maintaining the structural integrity necessary for a polybutadiene type binder.

Claims11

Dependent claims

A hydroxy-functionalized polybutadiene polymer for use in propellants and explosives, comprising the formula:

(HO)-POLYBUTADIENE-OOC-R-COO-POLYBUTADIENE-(OH)
wherein the polymer comprises a functionality of from about 2 to about 3, R is a polar organic group having ether linkages, OOC-R-COO comprises an ester of a dicarboxylic acid, the polymer degrades in a basic solution, and energetic plasticizers arc soluble in the polymer.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Modified polybutadiene polymers that are both chemically degradable and physically compatible with energetic plasticizers for use in propellant and explosive binders

Life of this patent

Modified polybutadiene polymers that are both chemically degradable and physically compatible with energetic plasticizers for use in propellant and explosive binders

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims11