Aliphatic Polyisocyanate Crosslinking for Pyrotechnic Propellants

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Solution Overview

Problem

The use of aromatic diisocyanates in composite pyrotechnic products is carcinogenic, mutagenic, and toxic, necessitating a substitute that maintains mechanical and thermal protection properties while avoiding CMR substances.

Innovation Solution

A process using aliphatic polyisocyanates as crosslinking agents, predominantly in oligomeric forms, to create a composite pyrotechnic product with a bridging ratio of 0.9 to 1.5, ensuring mechanical strength and thermal protection without CMR substances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If aromatic diisocyanates are used as crosslinking agents, then mechanical properties and thermal protection are improved, but carcinogenicity, mutagenicity and reproductive toxicity occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical propertiesVSAvoidcarcinogenicity, mutagenicity and reproductive toxicity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameter of the crosslinking agent from aromatic diisocyanate to aliphatic polyisocyanate, specifically using oligomeric forms with controlled functionality (2.3-3.7) and molecular weight (500-5000 g/mol). This parameter change eliminates the harmful aromatic structures while maintaining the crosslinking functionality needed for mechanical strength and thermal protection properties

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs oligomeric aliphatic polyisocyanates that can be fully consumed in the crosslinking reaction, leaving no residual monomeric harmful substances. The oligomeric nature ensures complete reaction with hydroxyl groups, eliminating long-lived harmful residues while providing the necessary crosslinking density for product performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If aliphatic polyisocyanates in oligomeric forms are used as crosslinking agents, then CMR substances are eliminated, but maintaining mechanical strength and thermal protection properties becomes challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabsence of CMR substancesVSAvoidmechanical strength and thermal protection
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes multiple parameters of the aliphatic polyisocyanate oligomers: functionality (2.3-3.7), molecular weight (500-5000 g/mol), and bridging ratio (0.9-1.5). These parameter adjustments ensure sufficient crosslinking density to achieve mechanical strength and thermal protection properties comparable to aromatic diisocyanate systems while maintaining safety

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite crosslinking system combining aliphatic polyisocyanate oligomers with the energetic binder matrix. The oligomeric structure provides multiple reaction sites that form a complex three-dimensional network within the binder, achieving the desired mechanical and thermal properties through this composite material architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If oligomeric aliphatic polyisocyanates with functionality 2.3-3.7 are used, then reactivity and stability are improved, but process optimization becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereactivity and stabilityVSAvoidprocess optimization complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes specific parameter ranges for the oligomeric aliphatic polyisocyanates: functionality (2.3-3.7), molecular weight (500-5000 g/mol), and bridging ratio (0.9-1.5). These defined parameters create a controlled reaction system with improved reactivity and stability, though they require systematic optimization during process development

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements monitoring and control of the bridging ratio (NCO/OH ratio) during the crosslinking process. By measuring and adjusting this key parameter, the process achieves optimal reactivity and stability while producing consistent product quality, transforming the complexity into a controllable feedback-driven process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution achieves comparable mechanical and peeling properties to products using aromatic diisocyanates, with improved reactivity and stability, and is scalable for industrial use.

Implementation Method 1

crosslinked via its telechelic hydroxyl functions with at least one polyisocyanate type crosslinking agent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCrosslinking: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

a glycidyl polyazide with hydroxyl terminal functions, the number average molecular weight of which is between 700 and 3000 g/mol

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 3

the heat treatment of said homogeneous paste cast in said at least one structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal curing: Heat Treatment

Implementation Method 4

the thermal protection (PT)/binder/product assemblies also present interesting peeling properties

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal protection: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP3656753B1Method for preparing composite pyrotechnical products
Publication Date: 2021.05.12 ARIANEGRP SAS

AI summary

The present invention relates to the field of solid propulsion. More specifically, it relates to a process for preparing composite pyrotechnic products (composite solid propellants) comprising the use of a specific crosslinking system consisting of aliphatic polyisocyanates: - existing, for more than 99.6% by mass, in the form of oligomers and, for less than 0.4% by mass, in the form of at least one monomer, - having an overall functionality of 2.1 to 3.0, and - used in an amount that ensures a bridging ratio Rp(NCO/OH) of 0.9 to 1.5. The present invention also relates to composite pyrotechnic products (composite solid propellants) that can be obtained by the process of the invention. These composite pyrotechnic products (composite solid propellants) are particularly suitable for the propellant charges of strategic or tactical missiles.