Degradable Binders for Ordnance Disposal
Abstract
The objectives of the current program are to prepare one or more candidate plastic bonded explosives (PBX) that will undergo controlled, thermal degradation to a processable material to provide the Navy with a degradable PBX for interim qualification. Under previous contracts, difunctional (OH) azo compounds incorporated into polyurethane binders provided a degradable PBX loaded with HMX. Under phase I of the current program we prepared a difunctional azo compound (the degradable binder unit) that can be used for RDX-loaded PBXs. In Phase II, we have formulated and tested PBXs containing optimum degradable units developed in Phase I. A thermally sensitive binder system has been developed for use in plastic bonded explosive (PBX) containing RDX filler. The thermally sensitive component in the formulations is the azo compound 1, 1- bis(3-hydroxypropyl) 1, 1, 1', 1'-tetraisobutyl azomethane (BPTA). This structure was selected based on its decomposition kinetics and ease of preparation. Because the compound is a primary diol, it is readily incorporated into crosslinked polyurethane binder formulations. The kinetic data indicate the binder has long-term stability with little change of physical properties at ambient conditions. However, when heated at 140C (for approximately 1 hr), the binder degrades from a resilient insoluble material to a viscous fluid that is readily soluble.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 16, 1978
- Accession Number
- ADA067791
Entities
People
- Dale G. Hendry
- Donald L. Ross
- Gerald E. Manser
- Richard A. Kenley
Organizations
- SRI International