Heavy Atom, High Density Polymers for Novel Propellant Binder Materials

The development of improved, higher density solid rocket motor (SRM) propellant binders is a continued research goal of the DoD SRM community. Well developed state-of-the-art polyurethane binders have only moderate densities (~1g/cc) and are limited to energetic material loadings of less than 85 percent by volume. Increasing the density of the binder using higher density flouropolymers (up to 2.2g/cc) can significantly increase the performance of plastic bonded explosives (PBX). In an attempt to further increase the density of PBX binder, Foster-Miller proposes to investigate several possible routes to incorporate heavy atoms into the binder. These heavy elements will be added in a variety of positions along the polymer chains. During Phase I, Foster-Miller will demonstrate the feasibility of developing a much higher density (>3g/cc) binder system. Foster-Miller's chemists and consultants Prof. Harry Allcock of Penn State, and Dr. Claire Hartmann-Thomson of Dendritech have extensive experience in synthesizing these polymers. During Phase II, Foster-Miller will develop one of these candidate polymers into a demonstrable high density binder that meets all the high loadings, physical properties and stable lifetime required for an improved propellant binder. (P-040178)