Investigations on Non‐isocyanate Based Reticulation of Glycidyl Azide Pre‐polymers

Abstract

AbstractGlycidyl azide polymers (GAP) are being used as energetic binders in explosives and propellant formulations. The elastomeric properties of the binder are normally given by a urethane‐based reticulation process involving isocyanate compounds. Alternatively, azides bearing polymers can be cured by reaction with dialkynes as a result of the so‐called “click chemistry” process. This work investigates the reaction kinetics of GAP with five different dialkynes: one ether, three esters and one alkane derivative. The reactivity parameters of these compounds towards low molecular weight GAP have been established, along with the corresponding exotherm for each curing reaction. In light of the energetic nature of GAP, these results will allow the use of the same dialkyne compounds on a larger scale by making it possible to predict the behavior of these reacting mixtures and to allow a safe control over their exothermic curing process.