Polyethylene Glycol-Poly(2-Methyl-5-Vinyl Tetrazole) Polymer Blend (A desensitizing Binder for Propellants and Explosives)

Abstract

Miscible polymer pairs are formed with an energetic polymer, (poly(2- methyl-5-vinyl tetrazole), PMVT,, and a nonenergetic polymer, polyethylene glycol, PEG, of molecular weight 1000 to 4000. This polymer blend PEG-PMVT is formed from acetonitrile solution upon removal of the solvent. The blend also precipitates when a nonsolvent, hexane, is added to a solution of PEG-PMVT in acetronitrile at or below 0 C. With PEG E1000, blends have been formed with PEG:PMVT of 1:1 to 1:1.8 by weight. This blend has been characterized from its unique glass transition temperature, Tg, as well as formation of transparent films. Interaction between chains in the form of weak C-H..O hydrogen bonding has been identified from infrared spectroscopy. Polymer blends are not formed with PMVT and polypropylene glycol, PPG, with methyl side chains as well as polyols with hydroxy number 3 or more. A blend is formed, however in a narrow regime of temperature with PMVT and glycidylazide polymer, GAP. This polymer blend is found to be a desensitizing energetic binder for propellants and for plastic-bonded explosives in particular. A PBX composition containing 91 percent RDX by weight and 9 percent PEG-PMVT polymer blend has a drop-weight-impact sensitivity better than Comp B. Polyethylene glycol (PEG), Desensitizing binder, Poly(2-methyl-5-vinyl tetrazole) (PMVT), Miscible polymer pairs, Interpenetrating network, Energetic binder, Sympathetic detonation polymer blend.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 1989
Accession Number
ADA206563

Entities

People

  • Indu B. Mishra
  • Lawrence V. Kieft

Organizations

  • Ballistic Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acetonitrile
  • Chemical Synthesis
  • Chemistry
  • Explosives
  • Glass Transition Temperature
  • Materials Laboratories
  • Materials Science
  • Military Research
  • Molecular Weight
  • Nitriles
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Plastic Bonded Explosives
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • Polymers
  • Spectra
  • Spectroscopy
  • Transition Temperature

Fields of Study

  • Chemistry

Readers

  • Polymer Science and Technology
  • Rocket Propulsion.