Novel Energetic Polymers

ORBITEC proposes to develop novel energetic polymers based on the 1,2,3-triazole linkage to replace conventional binders commonly used in solid propellants. The proposed polymers will enjoy higher enthalpy, higher density, greater tolerance for impurities while curing, desirable mechanical and processing properties, and greater range of compatibility with other propellant ingredients compared to the conventional binders, such as hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene. In Phase I, simple syntheses of prospective poly-azide and poly-acetylenic monomers will be designed to create a sufficiently large matrix of potential prospects for the most practical poly-azide and poly-acetylene starting monomers in the final polymerization to the polymeric triazole-based polymer. Synthesis scale-up and further physical property testing of the most attractive energetic polymer candidates can be performed in the Phase I Option period in preparation for testing in a motor. Physical properties and performance of the specific identified binders will be measured or determined using modeling approaches.