The Synthesis of Carborane-Oxetane Monomers and their Polymerization
Abstract
Modern rocket propellants, gun propellants, and explosives are an adaptation of the basic concept of a formulation consisting of a solid oxidizer and fuel held in a polymeric matrix. In 1978, we embarked on a research effort to synthesize energetic polymeric binders specifically designed for propellant applications. A modified cationic polymerization technique was developed, which allowed the synthesis of polymers to predetermined molecular weight and functionality, and the concept of energetic polyoxetanes was presented. Further work has now resulted in nitrate ester, nitramine polymers, copolymers, and recently nitro, cubane and carborane polymers. The latter is the subject of this paper. Boron or boron compounds have been used as a burning rate modifier and as a metal fuel source in solid propellant motors. Migration of these chemicals in the propellant grain is a continuous and serious problem. We proposed that a urethane curable polyether glycol with a carboranyl functionality would solve migration problems. Oxetane-carboranes would be good candidates as monomers for these carboranyl pendant polymers. These monomers could be homopolymerized or co-polymerized with other oxetanes for specific properties. This paper describes the synthesis, characterization, and polymerization of oxetane-carborane monomers.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 11, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA198596
Entities
People
- G. E. Manser
Organizations
- Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings