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From Cross‐linking to Plasticization – Characterization of Glycerin/HTPB Blends
Author(s) -
Kohga Makoto
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
propellants, explosives, pyrotechnics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.56
H-Index - 65
eISSN - 1521-4087
pISSN - 0721-3115
DOI - 10.1002/prep.200800023
Subject(s) - plasticizer , materials science , propellant , thermal decomposition , viscosity , composite material , curing (chemistry) , casting , chemical engineering , chemistry , organic chemistry , engineering
Usually, a plasticizer is a relatively low‐viscosity liquid ingredient that is added to improve the mechanical properties and the processing properties of a propellant, such as a lower viscosity for casting or a longer pot life of the mixed, but uncured propellant. The effects of many plasticizers on the performance of the composite propellant have been studied in detail. Glycerin is a triol, a low viscosity material, and inexpensive. It seems that the processing properties and the mechanical properties of the HTPB binder would be improved by the addition of glycerin. The curing behavior, the mechanical properties, and the thermal decomposition of a glycerin/HTPB blend have been investigated in this study. The viscosity of the glycerin/HTPB blend and the increasing ratio of the viscosity versus the elapsed time are lower than those of only HTPB. The mechanical properties are improved by the addition of glycerin, even for a low quantity of glycerin. The thermal decomposition behavior of the blend occurs at lower temperatures when compared to that of HTPB.