Synthesis and Characterization of Binders for Propellants

The present work is devoted to the synthesis and characterization of polymeric binders for use in composite propellants. Polymeric binders hold together solid fuel and oxidant particles that constitute composite propellants, forming a solid elastic mass that is able to withstand thermal and mechanical stresses. Usually, the binder is also a fuel, working as a source of carbon and hydrogen for the propellant burning reaction. In the present study, polyester binders based on the reaction of green 1,2-propanediol, 1,3-propanediol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, and 1,4-butanediol with succinic acid were produced through two-step polycondensations (esterification and transesterification), using the initial proportion of 4 (OH): 3 (COOH). Polymer samples were characterized with help of Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Process (MALDI TOF) and Reaction Calorimetry (RC). The obtained results indicate that the use of the proposed polymeric binders can be advantageous for formulation of new green composite propellants.