Water influence in poly(epichlorohydrin) synthesis: An intermediate to energetic propellants

Abstract

Poly(epichlorohydrin) was synthesized using anhydrous and hydrate stannic chloride, separately, as initiator. Reactions were conducted in the presence of a diol at 70° C. Polymers were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and hydroxyl value determination. It was observed that water has influence in growing chain, but not in its structural backbone. Besides, the monomer/initiator relationship has a higher influence in overall poly(epichlorohydrin) properties.