Novel Solid Rocket Case Liner Materials

Solid rocket propellants generally consist of composites of inorganic oxidizers and powdered metal fuels in polymeric binders. Additives to enhance storage stability and to control the combustion rate may be included. To ensure adhesion of the propellant, the casing is generally coated with a bond liner, and an additional liner to act as a moisture barrier may also be added. During the firing process, pressures on the order of 1,000 psi are generated, with a large flow of high-temperature gasses. Large stresses are generated at the propellant-liner bond, and failure of this bond is one of the most common causes of motor failure. A series of novel polymers developed at Fluorochem, Inc., has strength and adhesion properties that appear to make them suitable for bond liner applications. There is a high degree of flexibility in tailoring the tensile and chemical properties of the materials. Under this proposed program, the polymers will be adapted and optimized for utility as bond liners.