2,2-Dinitro-1,3-bis-nitrooxy-propane (NPN): A new energetic plasticizer

Abstract

A new energetic plasticizer, 2.2-dinitro-1,3-bis-nitrooxy-propane (NPN), has been characterized. Its high oxygen balance, +12.5%, and low glass transition temperature, -81.5°C (mid-point), makes it very attractive as an energetic plasticizer in solid propellants. The ability of NPN to lower the glass transition temperature and viscosity of uncured PolyNIMMO has been studied and compared to other energetic plasticizers, such as BDNPA/F and butyl-NENA. NPN has a similar plasticizing effect as butyl-NENA, both on depressing the glass transition temperature and lowering the viscosity. To increase the poor thermal stability of NPN, several conventional nitrocellulose/nitroglycerine stabilizers were evaluated. Further work is however needed to find a more effective stabilizer.