Investigation of the Properties of Polyurethane Elastomer Based on Synthesis and Characterization of PTHF-GAP-PTHF Triblock Copolymer

Binder has a key role in the performance of composite propellants. The binders are classified into two neutral and high-energy categories. GAP is one of the most important energetic binders, but it has poor mechanical and thermal properties. The goal of this investigation is to improve the properties of GAP by copolymerizing it with polytetrahydrofuran. New energy triblock copolymer was synthesized using 1,4-Butanediol as a initiator and cation ring polymerization method using epichlorohydrin and tetrahydrofuran monomer in the presence of Boron trifluoride as a catalyst. The triblock copolymer w::as char::acterized using GPC, 13CNMR, ˡHNMR, IR. The thermal behavior of the synthesized polymer has been investigated using DSC-TGA, which results showed increasing the thermal stability and reducing the glass transition of the copolymer compared to GAP. Effects of three energetic plasticizers on viscosity and Tg of copolymer was studied. In addition, elastomers base on tri-block copolymer was synthesized using IPDI and N100 as curing agents and mechanical properties of these were analyzed.