Synthesis and curing of Allyl Urethane NIMMO-THF copolyether with three functional groups as a potential energetic binder

Abstract

A tri-functional NIMMO-THF copolyether (T-NT) was synthesized by polymerization of 3-nitratomethyl-3-methyloxetane (NIMMO) and tetrahydrofuran (THF) in the presence of trimethylolpropane and catalyzed by BF3·OEt2. The allyl urethane NIMMO-THF copolyether with three functional groups (AUT-NT) was synthesized from tri-functional NIMMO-THF copolyether and allyl isocyanate. The polymer was characterized by FT-IR, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR. Furthermore, an elastomer that was prepared from allyl urethane NIMMO-THF copolyether with three functional groups and trimethylisophthalodinitrile oxide (TINO) had satisfactory mechanical properties and good thermal stability. The elastomer is expected to be used in composite solid propellants and polymer-bonded explosives (PBX).