A Process to Manufacture Propulsion Grade Functional Polybutadiene

MACH I, Inc. successfully developed a process to produce a hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) polymer comparable to the existing commercial product Poly bd R-45M resin under a SBIR Phase II contract completed in 2013.This fact was confirmed through the completion of two commercial runs at a plant in Akron, Ohio and subsequent positive evaluation by propellant manufacturers.However, an additional objective of that contract to develop an improved HTPB polymer for propellant applications was not completed.There is a significant need for a HTPB polymer that is reliable and that provides improved propellant properties particularly for tactical missile applications.As a result, a second SBIR Phase II contract is proposed to complete this development effort.Optimization of the current synthesis procedure is proposed to manufacture a polymer that will provide these improved propellant properties by modifying the molecular weight distribution.In addition, modification of the synthesis to yield a polymer with more consistent reactivity is planned.Evaluation of the candidate polymers in gumstock elastomers will be conducted to demonstrate improvement compared to standard HTPB products.Following scale-up in a 5-gallon reactor, the potentially improved polymers will be evaluated by propellant manufacturers as sub-contractors.