Rapid Curing Binders for Energetics Additive Manufacturing of Rockets (BEAMRs)

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) proposes to develop rapid curing Binders for Energetics Additive Manufacture of Rockets (BEAMRs). These binders utilize multiple curing chemistries, balancing the need to produce quick setting polymers and large build sizes, while also providing a uniformly cured, high strength part for rocket motor application in a wide range of operating environments. The proposed approach capitalizes on tailoring conventional polymer systems for printing processes. PSI’s synthetic processes maintain the structural and energetic features of conventional polymers, while making them suitable for AM. In Phase I, PSI will synthesize potential candidate binder systems and screen the candidates based on their printability, including characterizing viscosities and cure kinetics. Phase I efforts will result in printing demonstrations of 3D articles with high solids loading. In Phase II, the synthesis procedures for new pre-polymer systems will be scaled-up to support evaluation of printed propellant formulations and characterization.