Thermal decomposition of fluoropolymers and firing characteristics of priming compositions with fluoropolymers

Many pyrotechnics contain binders, such as nitrocellulose, Viton, and other plastics and elastomers. Most pyrotechnics are prepared by the dispersion of fuel/oxidizer ingredients in a liquid solution, which are then mixed well to form pyrotechnics. The thermal decomposition behavior of a binder is very important to pyrotechnics in a polymer. In this work, the thermal decomposition behaviors of three fluoropolymers have been investigated with differential thermal analysis/thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry. The parameters concerning decomposition have been evaluated with a nonisothermal technique, and a suitable binder is suggested for the Zr/KClO 4 priming mixture. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 97: 2054–2059, 2005