Synthesis and characterization of polyNIMMO-HTPB-polyNIMMO triblock copolymer as a potential energetic binder

Abstract

Triblock copolymer polyNIMMO-HTPB-polyNIMMO was synthesized by cationic ring opening polymerization of NIMMO (3-nitratomethyl-3-methyloxetane) in the presence of hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene catalyzed by BF3·OEt2. The polymer was characterized by FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR spectroscopy, and GPC. DSC was used to investigate the thermal behaviour of the triblock copolymer and its exothermic decomposition peak was found to be at 215 °C. All of the results indicated that the triblock copolymer polyNIMMO-HTPB-polyNIMMO might serve as a potential energetic propellant binder.