Tetrazole-Based Linear Polymers for Energetic Binder Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energetic binders for pyrotechnics, gun propellants, rocket propellants, and explosives are chemically unstable, leading to safety concerns and reduced performance due to their organic azides or nitrate esters, which require costly monitoring and result in inferior physical properties.
Innovation Solution
Development of dihydroxy-terminated bis-tetrazole (BETP) based polyisocyanate polymers synthesized by reacting tetrazole diols with isocyanate resins, incorporating tetrazole functionality into the polymer backbone for enhanced stability and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If organic azides or nitrate esters are used as energetic binders, then energy content is improved, but thermal stability deteriorates and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing organic azides and nitrate esters with tetrazole-based polymers that have different molecular structures. This parameter change maintains energetic content while improving thermal stability and safety characteristics, as the tetrazole structure provides enhanced thermal decomposition resistance compared to conventional energetic binders.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite polymer structures by incorporating tetrazole functional groups into polyurethane or poly polyester matrices. This composite approach combines the energetic properties of tetrazole with the mechanical and processing advantages of conventional polymer binders, achieving both high energy content and improved thermal stability through synergistic material design.
2Strength
If binder content is increased to improve mechanical properties and coating, then mechanical strength is improved, but performance (detonation pressure and velocity) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the binder content parameter to achieve the optimal balance between mechanical strength and energetic performance. By using tetrazole-based polymers with superior thermal stability, the patent enables higher binder content (3-25% by mass) without the safety concerns associated with conventional energetic binders, thereby improving mechanical properties while maintaining acceptable performance characteristics.
3Use of energy by moving object
If pendant energetic groups are used in polymers, then energy content is improved, but physical properties deteriorate due to increased molecular complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the energetic tetrazole functionality directly into the polymer backbone structure rather than using pendant groups. This integration approach combines the energy-containing functional groups with the structural polymer chains, reducing molecular complexity and improving physical properties while maintaining high energy content through the incorporated tetrazole units.
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 tetrazole-based polymers offer improved thermal stability, reduced reactivity, and superior physical properties, allowing for higher binder content without safety risks, enhancing energy density and mechanical properties of propellants and explosives.
Implementation Method 1
reacting an effective amount of tetrazole diol having the general structure (II) with isocyanate resin... producing a linear polyisocyanate polymer
Data Source
AI summary
A process for preparation of polymers including reacting an effective amount of tetrazole diols or tetrazole polyols with isocyanate resins to produce tetrazole based linear isocyanate polymers.