Accession Number:

ADA247718

Title:

A Preliminary Investigation of the Degradation and Stabilisation of the Energetic Oxetane Binder PolyNIMMO

Descriptive Note:

Corporate Author:

DEFENCE RESEARCH AGENCY FORT HALSTEAD (UNITED KINGDOM) MILITARY DIV

Personal Author(s):

• Bunyan, P.
• Cunliffe, A. V.
• Davis, A.
• Kirby, F. A.

Report Date:

1991-07-01

Pagination or Media Count:

15.0

Abstract:

Information on the structure and functionality of poly3- nitratomethyl-3-methyloxetane, polyNIMMO, is presented and the properties of binders cured with the isocyanate Desmodur N-100 are considered. Results from the ageing of crosslinked polyNIMMO are presented and the effects of adding the stabiliser 2-nitrodiphenylamine, 2NDPA, are demonstrated. It is shown that decomposition of the nitrate ester groups of unstabilised polyNIMMO is a major process but the rate of this process is much lower than that observed for nitroglycerin. Decomposition of the nitrate ester groups in polyNIMMO is accompanied by chain scission of the polyether backbone. Two effects were observed as a result of adding 1 of 2NDPA, - the rate of nitrate ester breakdown was significantly reduced and the rate of polymer chain scission was greatly retarded. Results indicate that chain scission only becomes significant when the stabiliser has been consumed. Current results show that the stabilised binder still retains its network structure after one year at 60 C.

Descriptors:

• *OXETANES
• *NITRATES
• BINDERS
• ESTERS
• ENERGETIC PROPERTIES
• ISOCYANATES
• POLYETHERS
• NITROGLYCERIN
• NETWORKS
• DEGRADATION
• DECOMPOSITION

Subject Categories:

• Ammunition and Explosives

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE