Energetic Polymers

ENERGETI C POL YME RS
Thesis submitted to
Cochin University of Science and Technology

in partial fulfilment of the requirements for
the award of the degree of
Doctor of Philosophy
in
Chemistry
Under the Faculty of Science
by
Anoop. N. A
Under the Supervision of
Dr. K. Sreekumar
DEPARTMENT OF APPLIED CHEMISTRY

COCHIN UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
KOCHI 682022
September 2013
Department of Applied Chemistry

Kochi 682022
August 2013
Dr. K. Sreekumar
Professor
Phone : 0484-2862430
: 0484-2421530
Email : ksk@cusat.ac.in
Certificate
This is to certify that the thesis entitled Energetic Polymers submitted for
the award of the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy of the Cochin University of
Science and Technology, is a record of original research work carried out by Mr.
Anoop. N. A under my supervision and guidance in the Department of Applied
Chemistry and further that it has not formed the part of any other thesis previously.
Kochi 22
12th September 2013
Dr. K. Sreekumar
(Supervising Teacher)
I hereby declare that the thesis entitled Energetic Polymers submitted for
the award of Ph.D. Degree of the Cochin University of Science and Technology, is
based on original research work done by me under the guidance of Dr. K. Sreekumar,
Professor, Department of Applied Chemistry, Cochin University of Science and
Technology and further that it has not previously formed the basis for the award of
any other degree.
Kochi 22
12th September 2013
Anoop. N. A
God, our Creator, has stored within our minds and

personalities, great potential strength and ability.
Prayer helps us tap and develop these powers. Look at
the sky. We are not alone. The whole universe is
friendly to us and conspires only to give the best to those
who dream and work.
A.P. J. Abdul Kalam
Dedicated to my Family
First, I thank my guide, Prof. K. Sreekumar, for his constant support,

encouragement and immense freedom. Apart from my supervisor, I thank my other
respected teachers in the Department of Applied Chemistry, Cochin University of
Science and Technology.
No words of gratitude are enough to acknowledge the help and support given
by my lab mates. I could learn how to handle different situations which may come in
future life, right from labmates and DAC friends; I thank all of them individually
for their support and cooperation.
I extend my sincere thanks to Aneesh, Bijoy, Mejo, Seles, Vipin, Varghese and my
dear friends who are always there with me to help and support throughout the work.
The help and support offered by my friends in other labs of the department are
boundless.
I thank my friends in Spices Board, Amrita and Petronet for their ever loving
friendship and support.
Help received from IIT Chennai, SCTIMST, STIC Cochin, SGS Delhi are
acknowledged for various instrument facilities.
Financial assistance from EMRC Singapore, KSCSTE and UGC-BSR is
acknowledged with gratitude.
Finally, I am grateful to all the members of the non-teaching staff of the
department for their support.
It is beyond the words to express my sincere gratitude to my family members

for their hard work to support my studies throughout.
Above all I bow my head to almighty who gave me strength to cross the
toughest situations.
Anoop N A
Preface
High energy materials are essential ingredients in both rocket and explosive
formulations. These can be vulnerable due to maltreatment. During gulf war, several
catastrophic accidents have been reported from their own payload munitions. The role of
energetic binders here was to wrap the explosive formulations to convert it into insensitive
munitions. With the aid of energetic binders, the explosive charges are not only protected
from tragic accidents due to fire, bullet impact, adjacent detonation, unplanned
transportation, but also form total energy output presumption.
The use of energetic binders in rocket propellants and explosive charges has been
increased after the Second World War. Inert binders in combination with energetic
materials, performed well as binders but they diluted the final formulation. Obviously the
total energy output was reduced. Currently, the research in the field of energetic polymers is
an emerging area, since it plays crucial role in insensitive munitions.
The present work emphasises on the synthesis and characterization of oxetanes,
oxiranes and polyphosphazene based energetic polymers. The thesis is structured into six
chapters. First part of chapter 1 deals with brief history of energetic polymers. The second
part describes a brief literature survey of energetic polymers based on oxetanes and oxiranes.
Third and fourth parts deal with energetic plasticizers and energetic polyphosphazenes.
Finally, the fifth part deals with the various characterization techniques adopted for the
current study and sixth part includes objectives of the present work.
Second chapter includes the synthesis and characterization of oxetane based
energetic polymers. It includes the synthesis of PECH-THF diol and its characterization,
followed by the synthesis and characterization of GAP-THF diols, poly(dinitropropanoxy)
oxirane (PDNPO) and poly(bistrifluroethoxy) oxirane (PBTEO).
Third chapter emphasises on the synthesis and characterization of copolymers of
both oxetanes and oxiranes. Here three copolymers such as BAMO-GLYN copolymer,
BAMO-NMMO copolymer and GAP-BAMO copolymer are synthesized and characterized.
Fourth chapter deals with the synthesis and characterization of novel energetic
polyphosphazenes.
First
section
in
this
chapter
includes
the
synthesis
of
polydichlorophosphazene and in the second part, the attachment of energetic moiety of both
aliphatic and aromatic nature are discussed.
Fifth chapter focuses on the binder properties of the synthesized polymers. The
binder properties such as heat of formation, glass transition temperature, molecular weight
and oxygen balance are evaluated and discussed. Characterization of the polymers was
carried out with 1H, 13C, 31P NMR, IR spectroscopy, GPC, DSC and bomb calorimeter.
In the final chapter, the summary of the investigations, conclusions drawn from the
earlier chapters and future outlook are presented.
Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction and Literature Survey .............................................. 1
1 Introduction ................................................................................. 1
2 History of Energetic Polymers ........................................................ 5
2.1 Polysulfide ............................................................................................5
2.2 Polybutadienes (PBAA, PBAN, and CTPB) ........................................6
2.3 Polyurethanes .......................................................................................7
2.4 Hydroxyl Terminated Polybutadiene ....................................................8
2.5 Thermoplastic Elastomers .....................................................................9
3. Energetic Polymers ....................................................................... 10

3.1 Oxirane Polymers ..................................................................................11
3.1.1 Glycidyl Azide Polymers ....................................................................... 11
3.1.1.1 GAP Properties ........................................................................ 13
3.1.2 PolyGLYN ............................................................................................ 14
3.1.2.1 Properties of PolyGLYN Prepolymer ...................................... 16
3.1.2.2 Stability of PolyGLYN Rubber ............................................... 16
3.2 Oxetane Polymers .................................................................................17

3.2.1 Poly BAMO .......................................................................................... 18
3.2.1.1 PolyBAMO properties ............................................................. 19
3.2.2 PolyNMMO ......................................................................................... 19
3.2.2.1 PolyNMMO Properties ........................................................... 20
3.3 Fluorinated Polymers............................................................................21
4. Energetic Plasticisers.................................................................... 22
4.1 Nitrate Ester Plasticisers .....................................................................24
4.2 Azido Plasticisers .................................................................................25
4.3 K10 Plasticiser......................................................................................27
4.4 Oxetane Plasticisers ..............................................................................27
5 Polyphosphazenes ......................................................................... 28
5.1 High Performance Elastomers ..............................................................32
5.1.1 Phosphazene Elastomers ................................................... 32

6. Materials and Methods ................................................................ 33
6.1 Analytical Equipment and Methods .................................................33
6.1.1 UV-Vis spectra .................................................................................... 33
6.1.2 FTIR spectra......................................................................................... 33
6.1.3 NMR analysis ...................................................................................... 34
6.1.4 GPC analysis ........................................................................................ 35
6.1.5 DSC analysis ...................................................................................... 35
6.1.6 Density of the Polymer ......................................................................... 36
6.1.7 Hydroxyl Value of the Polymer ............................................................ 36
6.1.8 Heat of formation ................................................................................. 36
6.1.9 Bomb Calorimeter.................................................................................. 37
6.1.9.1 Construction of a Bomb Calorimeter........................................... 38
6.1.9.2 U and H in a Bomb Calorimeter............................................. 39
6.1.9.2.1 Internal energy change U .......................................... 39
6.1.9.2.2 Enthalphy change H ................................................. 39
6.1.9.2.3 Intuitive difference between U and H..................... 40
6.1.9.3 Calibration of the Calorimeter .................................................... 41
6.1.9.3.1 Estimating Cv ............................................................. 41
6.1.9.3.2 Measuring Cv ............................................................. 41
6.1.9.4 Corrections in Bomb Calorimetry ................................................ 41
6.1.9.4.1 Combustion of fuse...................................................... 41
6.1.9.5 Nonadiabaticity of calorimeter................................................... 42
6.1.9.6 Nitric acid formation ................................................................. 43
6.1.9.7 Application of combH ................................................................ 43
7 Main Objectives of the present work .............................................. 44

8 References .................................................................................... 44
Chapter 2 Synthesis and Characterization of Oxirane Based Energetic
Polymers .................................................................................... 57
2.1 Introduction .........................................................................................58

2.2 Results and Discussion .........................................................................60
2.2.1 Cationic ring-opening polymerization of epichlorohydrin .................... 60
2.2.2 Synthesis and characterization of PECH-THF diol ............................ 65
2.2.2.1 Effect of using different solvents ............................................... 67
2.2.2.2 Hydroxyl value of the polymer ................................................... 67
2.2.3 Synthesis and characterization of poly(glycidyl azide-THF) diol ........ 68

2.2.3.1 Effect of using different solvents ............................................... 75
2.2.3.2 Effect of using different catalyst ............................................... 75
2.2.4 Synthesis of poly(dinitropropan-1-oxy)oxirane (PDNPO) ................... 76

2.2.5 Synthesis and characterization of poly(bistrifluoroethoxy) diol
(PBTEO) .............................................................................................. 82
2.3 Conclusion.............................................................................................87
2.4 Experimental ........................................................................................89
2.4.1 Synthesis of PECH diol ........................................................................ 89
2.4.2 Synthesis of PECH-THF diol............................................................... 90
2.4.3 Synthesis of GAP-THF diol ................................................................. 90
2.4.4 Synthesis of poly(dinitropropan-1-oxy) oxirane (PDNPO) .................. 91
2.7.5 Synthesis and characterization of poly(bistrifluoroethoxy)
oxiranediol............................................................................................ 92
2.5 References .............................................................................................92
Chapter 3 Synthesis and Characterization of Copolymers of Oxetanes and

Oxiranes .................................................................................... 99
3.1 Introduction .........................................................................................100
3.2.1 BAMO-GLYN copolymer..................................................................... 101
3.2.1.1 Synthesis of BAMO ................................................................... 101
3.2.1.2 Synthesis of GLYN.................................................................... 102
3.2.1.3 Synthesis of BAMO-GLYN....................................................... 102
3.2.2 BAMO-NMMO copolymer .................................................................. 106

3.2.2.1 Synthesis of NMMO ................................................................ 106
3.2.2.2 Synthesis of BAMO-NMMO copolymer ................................... 107
3.2.3 GAP-BAMO copolymer........................................................................ 111

3.2.1.4 Hydroxyl value of the polymers .................................................. 115
3.3 Conclusion.............................................................................................116
3.4 Experimental ........................................................................................116
3.4.1 Synthesis of BCMO .............................................................................. 116
3.4.2 Synthesis of BAMO .............................................................................. 116
3.4.3 Synthesis of GLYN............................................................................... 117
3.4.4 Synthesis of BAMO-GLYN copolymer ................................................ 117
3.4.5 Synthesis of NMMO ............................................................................ 118
3.4.6 Synthesis of BAMO-NMMO copolymer .............................................. 118
3.4.7 Synthesis of GAP-BAMO copolymer ................................................... 119
3.5 References .............................................................................................120
Chapter 4 Synthesis and Characterization of Polyphosphazene Based

Energetic Polymers ...................................................................... 125
4.1 Introduction .........................................................................................126
4.2.1 Synthesis and characterization of poly(dichlorophosphazene)
(PDCP)................................................................................................. 127
4.2.1.1 Synthesis of Hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene (HCCTP) ............... 128
4.2.1.2 Synthesis of poly(dichlorophosphazene) (PDCP) ......................... 130
4.2.1.3 Solid state synthesis of poly(dichlorophosphazene) (PDCP) ........ 131
4.2.2 Synthesis of poly(bistrifluoroethoxy) phosphazene (PTEP) ................. 134

4.2.3 Synthesis of poly(dinitropropanoxy) phosphazene (PDNPP) ............. 138
4.2.4 Synthesis of Poly[bis(4- nitrobenzenamine)] phosphazene (PNBP) ........... 142
4.2.5 Synthesis of Poly [bis(3,5-dinitrobenzenamine)] phosphazene
(PDNBP) ............................................................................................. 146o
4.3 Conclusion.............................................................................................151
4.4 Experimental ........................................................................................151
4.4.1 Synthesis of HCCTP ............................................................................. 151

4.4.2 Synthesis of PDCP ............................................................................... 151
4.4.3 Solid state synthesis of PDCP .............................................................. 152
4.4.4 Synthesis of PTEP ................................................................................ 152
4.4.5 Synthesis of PDNPP ............................................................................ 153
4.4.6 Synthesis of PNBP ............................................................................... 154
4.4.7 Synthesis of PDNBP ............................................................................ 154
4.5 References .............................................................................................155
Chapter 5 Binder Properties of the Synthesized Polymers .............................. 159

5.1 Introduction .........................................................................................159
5.2.1 Heat of Formation ................................................................................ 161
5.2.1.1 Heat of formation of GAP-THF diols ........................................ 162
5.2.1.2 Heat of formation of PTEP ....................................................... 163
5.2.2 Oxygen Balance .................................................................................... 166

5.2.2.1 Oxygen balance of PDNPO ....................................................... 168
5.2.2.2 Oxygen balance of PDNPP........................................................ 169
5.2.3 Glass transition temperature ................................................................ 171

5.2.4 Molecular weight .................................................................................. 173
5.3 Conclusion.............................................................................................174
5.4 References .............................................................................................175
Chapter 6 Summary and Conclusions ............................................................ 179

6.1 Introduction .........................................................................................179
6.2 Summary ...............................................................................................180
6.3 Conclusion.............................................................................................181
6.4 Future Outlook .....................................................................................183
Introduction
1. Introduction
Several catastrophic accidents have been reported in connection with
stored explosives due to fire, bullet impact, adjacent detonation, unplanned
transportation etc. Adopting important design considerations such as extended
service life, decreased signature, enhanced mechanical properties, low
environmental effect etc. could reduce such accidents. One strategy to
overcome these problems is the use of cast cured polymer bonded explosives
(PBX) [1]. In PBX, explosives are suspended in a polymeric binder and which
cured in situ to form a tough elastomeric rubber which is capable of absorbing
and dispersing energy from explosive formulation. The polymeric binder used
to bind the explosive formulations which cured in situ with the help of a curing
agent to form a tough three dimensional network.
In past days, mixture of nitrocellulose and nitroglycerine was used as
binder for energetic ingredients, in which nitrocellulose was used to thicken
nitroglycerine
and
to
reduce the
impact,
friction
sensitivity.
After
demilitarization it was difficult to recover and recycle these binders [2].

While using hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene (HTPB), explosives are
encapsulated in the binder and crosslinked with isocyanates, containing
plasticizers such as dioctyl adipate (DOA). Carboxyl terminated polybutadiene
(CTPB) and hydroxyl terminated polyethers (HTPE) are polymers of the same
Chapter 1
category and these binders exhibit excellent physical properties and reduce the
vulnerability of explosiive charges [3]. Inert binder systems have beeen employed
effectively in explosive compositions for underwater and air-blast application,
but it is difficult to form
mulate high performance cast-cured explosivves for metal
acceleration. One strateegy is to change the fabrication method from
m cast-cure to
twin screw extrusion or
o injection moulding, thereby reducing thee quantity of
inert binder required. Another approach has been to use polym
mers and/or
plasticizers which conttribute to the overall energy of the compositiion. This has
led to the developmennt of high performance explosives and advaanced rocket
propellants.
Conventional binder
b
system consists of fuel (5-22%
% powdered
Aluminium, Magnesium
m, Berylium, RDX, CL-20, HMX etc., oxidizer (65-70%
Ammonium perchloratte (NH4ClO4); Ammonium nitrate (NH4NO
O3) etc., and
binder (8-14% hydrooxyl terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) along with
plasticizer [4]. The following
f
represents the composition of conventional
c
polymer bonded exploosives (PBX). The advantage of the energgetic binder
systems over conventioonal binder system is that we can reduce thhe amount of
crystalline fillers withoout affecting the overall energy output of the formulation.
f
Filler
(95%)
Binder
(5%)
Conventional Binder System
Cochin University of Science and Techhnology
Introduction
Filler
(80%)
Binder 20%
Eneregetic Binder System
Plasticizers are used in energetic binder systems for PBXss to fulfill a
number of requirementts including [5]:
Lowering the viiscosity to improve processing,
Lowering the Tg
T (glass transition temperature) to improvee mechanical
properties.
Altering the expplosive performance of the PBX, and
To improve safe
fety of the PBX.
Most plasticizerrs that find use in PBXs commonly displaay exudation
from the binder mattrix even under storage conditions. Thiss is highly
undesirable since degraadation of mechanical and IM properties maay result [6].
It is well known that if the plasticizer closely resembles the PB
BX polymer,
exudation can be lowerred or reduced markedly.
Conventionally used energetic polymer binders such as polyBAMO,
p
polyNMMO, polyGLY
YN etc may be used in conjugation with highh explosives
such that the energy of
o the explosive itself is not overlay diminiished by the
presence of binder inn the combined material [7]. The difficultty with this
approach is in obtaininng energetic polymers, which when used as binders
b
have
Department of Applied Chem
mistry
Chapter 1
an adequate combination of both desirable physical properties such as
malleability and shock insensitivity, in addition to high energy density. Even
the best energetic binders have energy densities that are significantly lower than
that of the crystalline explosive material for which they are required to bind.
This has the effect of reducing the energetic performance of the explosives. In
an attempt to solve this problem, current practice is to use a high loading of
explosive relative to binder which in turn diminishes the desirable physical
properties of the binder/explosive mixture. Energetic binders based on
polypohsphazenes have low glass transition temperatures without the need for
plasticization, to avoid rigidity at low temperatures. Since some of the
polyphosphazenes are miscible with other energetic polymers (eg: polyNMMO,
polyGLYN), it is possible to construct a chemically cured system comprising a
mixture of polyphosphazene with these binders (i.e. by using the
polyphosphazene as co-binder using traditional curing technology).
Modern energetic binders consisting of energetic polymer and
plasticizers need more energy content, but at the same time this should be more
insensitive to comply with insensitive munitions criteria. The characterization
of these energetic polymers is of importance to explosive chemists; knowledge
and understanding of density, velocity of detonation, stability and compatibility,
burning characteristics, degradation chemistry, side reactions and polymer
morphology are all essential. Further aspects to be addressed are safety,
suitability for service and useful service life [8].
The next generation of energetic binders therefore require precise
characterization by analytical techniques to determine molecular weight,
molecular weight distributions and functionality (amount of reactive functional
groups per molecule), to allow optimization of the curing process. Binder
Introduction
systems typically consist of a polymeric binder with plasticzer(s), which act to
improve processability and the mechanical properties of the PBX.
2. History of Energetic Polymers

2.1 Polysulfide
Ever since the introduction of nitrocellulose (NC) as an explosive fill in
the 1850s, polymers have contributed considerably to advancements in the
technology of both propellants and explosives. In addition to the specific
instance of the use of NC polymer in explosive fills, applications of polymers
have been most extensive in binders and plasticizers. Over the years, with the
maturity of composite propellant and polymer bonded explosive technology,
diverse classes of polymers have been developed for binder applications, in
order to meet the dual objectives of insensitivity and high performance.
Polysulfide (Fig.1) was the first polymer to be used as a binder in the
heterogeneous (composite) family of propellants in 1942 [9]. It was invented by
Dr. Joseph C. Patrick in 1928 as a condensation product of ethylene dichloride
with sodium polysulfide. He named this polymer Thiokol and formed the
Thiokol Corporation to commercialize the product. The sulphur in the polymer
backbone functioned as an oxidizer in the combustion process contributing
towards higher specific impulses. The polymer could be cross-linked by
oxidative coupling with curatives such as p-benzoquinone or manganese
dioxide to form disulfide (SS) bonds. The cured elastomers have good
elongation properties for wider operating temperature ranges.
Figure 1: Polysulfide
Chapter 1
2.2 Polybutadienes (PBAA, PBAN, and CTPB)

In early 1955, the role of aluminum as a high performance ingredient in
propellant formulations was demonstrated by Charles B. Hendersons group at
the Atlantic Research Corporation, USA. The polysulfide propellant developed
by Thiokol could not be adapted to the use of aluminum, because chemical
reactions during storage led to explosions. Therefore a new series of binders
based on butadienes were developed by Thiokol. Furthermore, a polybutadiene
chain polymer was found to be more favorable than a polysulfide chain to
provide higher elasticity [10]. The first of the butadiene polymers to be used in
a propellant was the liquid copolymer of butadiene and acrylic acid, PBAA
(Figure 2) developed in 1954 in Huntsville, Alabama, USA. The PBAA was
prepared by the emulsion radical copolymerization of butadiene and acrylic
acid. However, owing to the method of preparation, the functional groups are
distributed randomly over the chain. Hence, propellants prepared with PBAA
show poor reproducibility of mechanical properties [11].
H2
C
C
H
C
H
H2
C
H2
C
x
H
C
COOH y
Figure 2: PBAA
The mechanical behaviour and storage characteristics of butadiene
polymers were improved by using terpolymers based on butadiene,
acrylonitrile, and acrylic acid (PBAN) (Figure 3) developed by Thiokol in
1954. The introduction of an acrylonitrile group improved the spacing of the
carboxyl species. This polymer has low viscosity and low production costs.
Introduction
Figure 3: PBAN
In late 1950s, carboxyl terminated polybutadiene (CTPB) (Figure 4)
with the trade name HC-434, which took full advantage of the entire length of
the polymer chain, was developed by Thiokol [12].
HC-434 was prepared by the free-radical polymerization using azobiscyanopentanoic acid initiator. In parallel to the Thiokol polymer work, Phillips
Petroleum Company developed another brand of CTPB known as Butarez CTL,
which was prepared by lithium initiated anionic polymerization. CTPB
propellants offer significantly better mechanical properties particularly at lower
temperatures in preference to PBAA or PBAN binders, without affecting the
specific impulse, density, or solid loading [13]. The curatives for CTPB
prepolymers are the same as that for PBAA and PBAN. CTPB formulations were
used in propellants from the 1960s. In 1966, the CTPB based propellant TP-H3062 was used in the surveyor retro motor for the first landing on the moon.
Figure 4: CTPB
2.3 Polyurethanes
Almost concurrently with the development of polybutadiene polymers,
Aerojet, who were a competitor to Thiokol, developed the polyurethane branch
of binders, in the mid-1950s. Polyurethane binder, the general structure of
which is shown in Figure 5 is formed by the reaction of a high molecular
weight difunctional glycol with a diisocyanate forming a urethane linked
Chapter 1
polymer. Polyurethane binder systems provide shrink-free, low-temperature,
and clean cure.
An additional benefit of polyurethane binder is that, the backbone
polymer contains substantial amount of oxygen [14]. It is not necessary,
therefore, to use a high percentage of oxidizer in the formulation of the
propellant to achieve comparable energies. Also, several of the urethane
polymers are known for their thermal stability.
Figure 5: Polyurethane
2.4 Hydroxyl Terminated Polybutadiene

The applicability of hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) polymer
as a binder was demonstrated by Karl Klager of Aerojet in 1961 [15]. HTPB
(Figure 6) was prepared by the free radical polymerization of butadiene using
hydrogen peroxide as the initiator. Even though the development of HTPB
began in 1961, it was not proposed to NASA until 1969 due to the popularity of
PBAN and CTPB formulations. HTPB binder was first tested in a rocket motor
only in 1972 [16]. It was commercialized with the trade name R-45M by ARCO
chemicals. Isocyanates are used as crosslinking agents for HTPB polymers to
form urethane linkages, thereby reuniting the polyurethane family of binders
with the polybutadiene family. HTPB binders exhibit superior elongation
capacity at low temperature and better ageing properties over CTPB [17]. It has
since become the most widely-used binder in solid propellant formulations with
excellent mechanical properties and enhanced insensitive munition (IM)
characteristics.
Introduction
Figure 6: Hydroxyl Terminated Polybutadiene
2.5 Thermoplastic Elastomers

In the early 1980s, screw extrusion technology was envisaged for
processing of energetic material formulations, particularly PBX, with the core
objective of reducing the cost of production [18]. For its effective
implementation, thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) began to be used as binders.
TPEs consist of alternate hard and soft segments of crystalline and amorphous
polymers, possessing the combined properties of glassy or semi-crystalline
thermoplastics and soft elastomers. TPE technology enabled rubbers to be
processed as thermoplastic. Block copolymers of styrene and ethylene/butylene
(Kraton G-6500) are widely used as binders in a variety of energetic material
formulations including rocket propellants, explosives, and pyrotechnics. Kraton
G-6500 (Figure 7) is a triblock copolymer of styreneethylene/ butylene
styrene (SEBS) prepared by anionic polymerization using alkyl lithium
initiators.
The polystyrene block is the hard segment and the polyethylene/butylene
block constitutes the soft segment. At room temperature, the flexible rubbery
polyethylene/ butylene blocks (Tg ~ -100 0C) are anchored on both sides by the
glassy polystyrene blocks (Tg ~ 100 0C). Therefore, they behave as crosslinked
rubber at ambient temperature and allow thermoplastic processing at higher
temperatures [19].
Chapter 1
F
Figure
7: Thermoplastic Elastomers
3. Energetic Polym
mers
Above said bindder systems have excellent physical properties and reduce
the vulnerability of expplosive charges, but they are inert, i.e., the binder dilutes
the explosive, reducingg the overall energy output and the perform
mance of the
composition. One strateegy is to change the fabrication method from
m cast-cure to
extrusion or pressing, thereby reducing the quantity of inert bindder required.
Another approach has been
b
to use polymers and/or plasticzers whicch contribute
to the overall energy of the composition. This has been succeessful in the
development of high performance
p
explosives and advanced rocket propellants.
A more radical approaach is inclusion of energetic functional grouups, such as
azido, nitro (C-nitro, O-nitro (nitrate esters) and N-nitro (nitram
mines)) and
difluoramine groups, along the polymer backbone and in thee plasticzer.
Incorporation of thesee explosophores increases the internal energy of the
formulation, in additionn to improving the overall oxygen balance.
New energetic binders [20] that appear to offer such prom
mise include
azide functional polym
mers like glycidyl azide polymer (GAP), orr the nitrato
polyethers like poly(33- nitratomethyl-3-methyl) oxetane (polyNM
MMO), and
poly(glycidyl nitrate) (ppolyGLYN). [Monomers are NMMO, 3-nitraatomethyl-3methyloxetane and GLYN,
G
glycidyl nitrate, respectively] etcc. Energetic
10
Introduction
plasticizers include oligomers of the polymers mentioned above, as well as a
wide variety of nitrate esters, nitroaromatics and azido plasticizers.
3.1 Oxirane Polymers

3.1.1 Glycidyl Azide Polymers
Azido functionalised polymers such as glycidyl azide polymer (GAP)
were reported as heralding the next generation of energetic binders early in the
1980s [21]. The safety characteristics of GAP loaded with RDX (RDX/GAP
86.4/13.6) are almost the same as those for RDX compositions made with the
inert HTPB binder (RDX/HTPB 86.4/13.6) [22]. Glycidyl azide polymer can be
used as an energetic binder (at MW 2000-6000) in composite explosives and
solid rocket propellant systems to impart additional energy to the formulations
which increase the performance and enhance the stability and the mechanical
properties of the system.
GAP was first synthesized in 1972 by Vandenburg [23] by the reaction
of sodium azide in dimethylformamide with polyepichlorohydrin, PECH-triol.
Frankel and coworkers at Rocketdyne [24] synthesized PECH-triol by
polymerization of epichlorohydrin (ECH) with glycerol as the initiator unit, as
shown in Figure 8. GAP may be crosslinked by reaction with isocyanates to
give an extended polymeric matrix.
CH2N3
HO
H2
C
H
n
Figure 8: GAP
11
Chapter 1
Cl
HO
H2 H
C C
OH
Glycerol
ECH
HO
H
C
H2
C O
CH2Cl
H2
C OH
H2 H
C C
H2
C O
H2 H
C C
CH2Cl
H2 H
C C
PECH-TRIOL
CH2Cl
H
n
NaN3
DMF
HO
H
C
H2
C O
CH2Cl
GAP TRIOL
H2 H
C C
H2
C O
H2 H
C C
CH2Cl
H2 H
C C
CH2Cl
H
n
Scheme 1: Synthesis of GAP Triol

This general process can also be used to produce linear GAP-diol and
branched GAP diol polymers [25,26]. The first step of the process can actually
be by-passed, as commercial quantities of PECH-diol are available.
Optimization of PECH production has led to the successful development of a
process which yields GAP polymers having average molecular weights of 2100
and functionalities (the number of reactive hydroxyl groups per molecule) of
1.6 to 3.1, depending on the catalyst, the initiator and the ratio of ECH/initiator.
The azidation step can now be carried out in aqueous solvent or organic solvent
or in polyethylene oxide [27]. The functionality of linear GAP is nearly 2, and
to achieve the desired level of crosslinking to produce a tough and elastomeric
12
Introduction
rubber, it must be raised by the addition of triols or used with triisocyanate
crosslinkers [28].
3.1.1.1 GAP Properties
The physico-chemical properties of GAP depend on the degree of
polymerization, structure and method of preparation.
Table 1: GAP Diol and Triol Polymers [29]
GAP Diol
1.29
GAP Triol
1.29
Light yellow
Light yellow
liquid
liquid
280
280
1700 300
900
Functionality
2.0
2.5-3.0
Vacuum stability,mL/g,200h,1000C
Tg,0C
-45
-45
Density, g/cm
Colour
Heat of Formation, Hf, cal/g
Mn
The energetic properties of GAP are not a consequence of its oxidation

products, but rather are due to chain scission of the azide group, which gives
nitrogen gas with a heat of reaction of + 957 kJ/kg at 5 MPa [30,31]. GAP also
contains a relatively high concentration of carbon atoms, and therefore has a
high combustion potential [32], burning smoothly at elevated temperatures and
pressure (>0.3 MPa) without explosion [33]. Thermal decomposition studies
have been widely examined for GAP. Differential thermal analysis and
thermogravimetric studies (DTA/TGA) of the decomposition of GAP under a
helium atmosphere (0.1 MPa) revealed an exothermic decomposition at 202277C accompanied by a 40% weight loss, followed by a secondary weight loss
without heat liberation [34].
13
Chapter 1
3.1.2 PolyGLYN
Poly(glycidyl nitrate) (PGN) has been known and recognized as a
possible energetic polymer suitable for use in propellants, explosives [35], gas
generants, pyrotechnics, and the like. PGN is most commonly synthesized in
the industry by a three-step procedure characterized by a first step in which
epichlorohydrin is nitrated, and a second step in which the nitrated
epichlorohydrin is recyclized with a base to form glycidyl nitrate [36]. The
glycidyl nitrate is then polymerized in a third step by cationic polymerization to
form PGN. The selection of epichlorohydrin derives from the low cost of the
reagent and the relatively high nitration yields obtained by the nitration of
epichlorohydrin. Despite these relatively high nitration yields, in the subsequent
recyclization step an appreciable amount of epichlorohydrin is regenerated with
the glycidyl nitrate. The presence of epichiorohydrin during subsequent cationic
polymerization is highly disadvantageous, since the epichlorohydrin, unless
removed, will copolymerize with the glycidyl nitrate to decrease the nitro group
concentration of the resulting copolymer [37,38].
Scheme 2: Synthesis of polyGLYN

PGN may be used in combination with conventional or novel propellant
and solid explosive ingredients as the basis for formulating very high
performance insensitive propellant and explosive compositions. Representative
explosive materials that can be made with PGN, as the sole binder or one of a
plurality of binders, include gun propellants, cast cure explosives, and extruable
explosives[39].
14
Introduction
GLYN, like its oxetane counterpart NMMO, is now prepared using N2O5
[40] in a flow reactor to give dichloromethane solutions in high yields and high
purity, requiring no further purification before polymerisation. Polymerisation
of the prepolymer employs a tetrafluoroboric acid etherate initiator (not boron
trifluoride etherate initiator, as used in the synthesis of polyNMMO) combined
with a di-functional alcohol (glycol), to give a nominally di-functional polymer.
Slow addition of the monomer solution to the initiator solution generates an
activated monomer unit, which combines with the alcohol in a ring opening
process, regenerating a proton. The proton activates a further monomer unit,
which adds to the polymer chain. Reaction is terminated by quenching in excess
water followed by neutralisation [41]. The active monomer polymerization of
GLYN is given in scheme 3.
ONO2
HBF4
ONO2 BF4
Protonation
O
H
GLYN
ONO2 BF4
OH
HOROH
O
H
HORO
HBF4
2n
O2NO
ONO2
ONO2
HO
OH
R
PolyGLYN
Scheme 3: Active Monomer Polymerization of GLYN
15
Chapter 1
3.1.2.1 Properties of PolyGLYN Prepolymer
PolyGLYN prepolymer is a clear, yellow liquid high in energy and
density with a low Tg (Table 2). In addition, its sensitiveness is classed as too
low to require classification as a Class 1 explosive. PolyGLYN has a calculated
energy of 2661 kJ kg-1, comparatively higher than both GAP and polyNMMO
(2500 and 818 kJ kg-1, respectively) [42].
Table 2: Typical Properties of Poly(GLYN)
PolyGLYN
Density, g/cm3
1.46
Tg, 0C
-35
Heat of formation, Kcal/mol
-68
Functionality
~2
Hydroxy value (mg KOH/g)
~37
O2 balance
-60.5
3.1.2.2 Stability of PolyGLYN Rubber

Uncured polyGLYN prepolymer (scheme 4) exhibits good chemical
stability. However, when cured with isocyanates the resulting polyurethane
rubbers show poor stability [43].
Scheme 4: Uncured and Cured PolyGLYN

Further, degradation is not prevented by the presence of stabilisers, or by
the exclusion of oxygen. This decomposition of polyGLYN rubber (scheme 5)
is attributed to a low activation energy degradation associated with chain
16
Introduction
scission at the urethane linkage and has little to do with the normal nitrate ester
degradation process [44]. Such chain scission is not possible in the case of
polyNMMO, which has no labile H atom available for transfer.
ONO2
ONO2
CO2
H
P
NHR
RNH2
Scheme 5: Chain scission of cured polyGLYN
3.2 Oxetane Polymers

Energetic polyoxetanes were first synthesised by Manser from monomers
such as 3-nitratomethyl-3-methyl oxetane (NMMO), 3,3-bis-(azidomethyl)oxetane
(BAMO) and 3-azidomethyl-3-methyl oxetane (AMMO) [45]. NMMO is prepared
by the acetyl nitrate nitration of 3-hydroxymethyl-3-methyloxetane (HMMO)
(Scheme
6).
The
synthesis
of
BAMO
involves
treating
3,3-
bis(chloromethyl)oxetane (BCMO) with sodium azide in dimethylformamide at 85

C for 24h (Scheme 7) [46]. AMMO, the monofunctional analog of BAMO, is
synthesised by azidation with sodium azide of the chloro or tosylate [47] product of
3-hydroxymethyl-3-methyloxetane, HMMO (Scheme 8).
CH2OH
O
(CH3COO)2O
HNO3 90%
CH3
CH2ONO2
O
CH3
Scheme 6. Synthesis of NMMO

Cl
O
Cl
NaN3, PTC
1000C
N3
O
N3
Scheme 7: Synthesis of BAMO
17
Chapter 1
Scheme 8: Synthesis of AMMO

A more convenient synthesis of NMMO can also be carried out using an
alternative nitrating agent, dinitrogen pentoxide (N2O5) [48] in a flow nitration
system. This nitration process gives excellent yields and produces sufficiently
pure NMMO that requires no further purification [49]. NMMO is a low Tg
monomer ideal in many munitions applications, BAMO is a solid symmetric
monomer (m.p. ~800C) ideal for use as the hard block in TPE
manufacture,while AMMO is an unsymmetrical monomer used to provide
amorphous character. The energetic monomers described above are readily
polymerized to liquid curable prepolymers by use of a boron trifluoride
etherate/1,4-butanediol initiator.
3.2.1 Poly BAMO
Polymerization of substituted oxetanes can produce polymers with
higher molecular weight and higher elongation as compared to GAP. The
functionality and molecular weight of the resulting polymer may be controlled
easily as compared to epoxides [50]. Therefore, polymers and copolymers of
oxetanes containing azido groups, such as AMMO and BAMO have been
investigated in the past. The synthesis of polyBAMO has been carried out using
two different procedures (Scheme 9) [51].
Scheme 9: Synthesis of BAMO
18
Introduction
3.2.1.1 PolyBAMO properties
Oxetane based polymers such as polyBAMO [52] offer low glass
transition temperature. The homopolymer of BAMO, though an energetic
polymer is a solid which cannot be used directly for binder applications. But the
copolymers of BAMO show good mechanical properties [53,54].
Table 3: Typical properties of polyBAMO
PolyBAMO
Tg, C
-45
Heat of formation, Kcal/mol
470
Functionality
Hydroxy value(mg KOH/g)
81
3.2.2 PolyNMMO
Traditionally, the polymerization of oxetanes to polyethers is achieved by
cationic polymerization employing initiators (commonly diols) and catalyst (Lewis
acid) [55]. The mechanism of polymerizing NMMO with boron trifluoride etherate
catalyst is shown in scheme 10 and gives pale yellow liquid elastomers.
ONO2
HOEt2
BF3.OEt2
HOROH
BF3OROH
O
Et2O
ONO2
ONO2
H
O
O
BF3OROH
HO
O2NO
O2NO
ONO2
ONO2
(n-2)
O
HO
H
n
PolyNMMO
Scheme 10: Mechanism of polymerization of NMMO

19
Chapter 1
Polymerization occurs by donation of proton from initiator to the
oxetane, which undergoes propagation with more oxetane monomers to
generate the polymer chain [56-60]. The polymer is terminated either with
water or alcohol to give the hydroxyl terminated polymer.
3.2.2.1 PolyNMMO Properties
Oxetane based polymers, such as polyNMMO, offer low glass transition
temperatures and miscibility with similar plasticzers, and are cured with
conventional isocyanates upon heating. PolyNMMO has an intrinsic energy
content of 818 kJ/kg and is classified as a non-explosive [61]. Table 4
highlights relevant properties of commercial polyNMMO, both difunctional and
trifunctional species.
Table 4: Properties of Difunctional and Trifunctional PolyNMMO
Properties
Mw
Difunctional
17000
Trifunctional
6500
Mn
12500
4200
Mw/Mn
1.36
1.55
Functionality
Tg(DSC)
-300C
-350C
Onset decomposition
1870C
1840C
Aging and degradation studies on polyNMMO showed that polyNMMO

exhibited gassing, although this can be reduced by the inclusion of stabilizers
such as diphenylamine and 2-nitrophenylamine (1% wt/wt) [62]. Kinetic data
obtained on polyNMMO decomposition followed first order rate laws with no
autocatalysis observed. The activation energy is in the range associated with the
decomposition by nitrate ester bond cleavage [63].
20
Introduction
3.3 Fluorinated Polymers

Fluorinated polymers offer intrinsic advantages over inert hydrocarbons
such as HTPB. Fluorocarbons have higher densities which result in
formulations with higher densities and inherently higher performance [64].
Secondly, replacement of hydrogen (a fuel) on the polymer backbone with
fluorine (an oxidant) increases the overall oxygen balance of the composition,
again enhancing performance. One of the main types of fluorinated polymers
are the polyformals. Polyformals are synthesised by the reaction of dihydric
alcohols with formaldehdye to yield hydroxyl terminated polymers. A general
reaction scheme for the production of polyformals is shown below [65].
HOCH2(CF2)nCH2OH
CH2O
H+
HOCH2[(CF2)nCH2OCH2O]nH
H2O
Polymers with various chain lengths have been prepared having low Tg
and find use as copolymers with other low Tg monomers. In a US Patent,
Adolph [66]has described an energetic binder comprising of
HO
CH2(CF2)nCH2[OCH2 OCH 2(CF2 )nCH 2]m
OH
which is a hydroxyl terminated polyfluoroformal prepolymer with molecular

weight between 1,000 and 10,000, and a compatible energetic plasticizer such
as bis (2-fluoro- 2,2-dinitroethyl)formal. The increased compatibility of the
prepolymer with fluorinated plasticizer is due to the presence of the formal
moieties in the polymer backbone. The composition is cast-cured with
polyisocyanates to give rubber-like polymers [67]. The novelty of this patent
lies in the use of fluorinated polymers/plasticizers to form HMX-containing
PBXs of the same energy (detonation pressure) as conventional nitrated
polymers/plasticizers with HMX. The fluorinated polymers are believed to
21
Chapter 1
possess greater chemical and thermal stability than the polynitro polymers,
although information in the open literature is scarce.
In addition to fluorine itself, several functional groups have been
considered as explosophores, including the fluorodinitroethyl and difluoramine
groups. Molecules with a single difluoroamine group tend to be sensitive and
unstable, and this has been attributed to lability of the -hydrogens; geminal
bis(difluoramines) are typically less sensitive and more stable [68]. The
difluoroamine group is also a potent oxidizing functional group, although the
univalent fluorine is half as effective as divalent oxygen in providing a
stoichiometric combustion balance [69]. Furthermore, diflouroamine groups are
relatively sensitive to impact.
4. Energetic Plasticzers
The primary role of energetic plasticizers in energetic material
formulations is to modify the mechanical properties of the mixture to improve
safety characteristics. This is achieved by softening the polymer matrix and
making it more flexible. In addition to improving properties such as tensile
strength, elongation, toughness and softening point (Tg point), the plasticizer
can have secondary roles [70]. These roles include a reduction of mix viscosity
to ease processing, modification of oxygen balance and energy content, and in
the case of propellants, burn rate modification to tailor ballistics.
To fulfill these roles, plasticizers require certain characteristics, such as:
a positive influence on safety and performance
a positive influence on mechanical properties
chemical and physical compatibility with all ingredients
chemical stability and absence of toxicity
22
Introduction
absence of volatility and exudation (migration)
low environmental impact
availability and affordability.
By their own nature, plasticizers are typically oligomeric materials that
have number average molecular weights ranging from 200 to 2000 [71].
Plasticizers with molecular weights above 2000 tend to be viscous, with
properties more akin to the polymer matrix. Those with molecular weights
below 200 may be more effective in reducing Tg, but they are highly volatile
and tend to migrate out of a formulation readily (exudation). Number average
molecular weights of plasticizers between 400 to 1000 are considered to give
optimum plasticizing effect. Like their polymeric counterparts, plasticizers can
be inert (non-energetic) or energetic. Non-energetic plasticizers are effective in
improving mechanical properties, but degrade the output of the formulation by
reduction of the overall oxygen balance [72]. Examples of non-energetic
plasticzers include the esters, acetyl triethyl citrate, diethyl adipate, diethyl
sebacate and dioctyl adipate. Similar improvements in mechanical properties
are desired from energetic plasticzers, but with a contribution to the oxygen
balance and/or energy of the formulation. Energetic plasticzers are typically
nitro compounds or nitrate esters. Structural similarity with the energetic
polymer should facilitate incorporation. However, one of the most common
problems has been exudation, migration of the volatile low molecular weight
plasticzer to (and from) the surface of the formulation. A promising recent
approach has been to increase the structural similarity, and hence miscibility, by
using low molecular weight oligomers of the polymer matrix as the plasticizer
[73].
23
Chapter 1
4.1 Nitrate Ester Plasticzers

The first energetic plasticzer for commercial explosives, nitroglycerine
(NG) or glycerol trinitrate [74], is a high performance nitrate ester having the
following structure (Figure 9)
H2 C
ONO2
HC
ONO2
H2 C
ONO2
Figure 9: Nitroglycerine
First discovered in 1846, nitroglycerine is a sensitive explosive easily
initiated by friction and impact. When heated above 200 C, it will explode,
while upon storage it proves unstable at temperatures exceeding 70-80 C [75].
In addition, NG exhibits significant physiological effects, causing dilation of
the arteries and severe headache. Nevertheless, nitroglycerine still remains an
effective plasticzer for many applications. The nitrate esters have proved to be a
fertile source of energetic plasticizers. Some of the major nitrate esters in use
today include trimethylol ethane trinitrate (MTN or TMETN), triethyleneglycol
dinitrate (TEGDN), ethyleneglycol dinitrate (EGDN or nitroglycol), and
butanetriol trinitrate (BTTN) (Figure 10). Being structurally similar to NG, they
were developed to replace this material; most of these molecules possess some
of NG properties without the severe hazards of NG.
24
Introduction
Figure 10: Structure of MTN, TEGDN, EGDN and BTTN

MTN or TMETN is chemically stable, insoluble in water and has low
volatility. TEGDN is also chemically stable and has less impact sensitivity than
NG and is less volatile than EGDN. EGDN is a more efficient plasticizer of NC
than NG, has more energy but is also sensitive to impact. It possesses a lower
density and a greater volatility than NG. BTTN is often used in propellants as a
replacement for NG [76]. It has a lower density than NG but offers improved
stability. Most of the energetic nitrate esters are explosives that possess low critical
diameters, high volatility and high sensitivity, making them difficult to handle.
4.2 Azido Plasticzers

The poor mechanical properties of azide functional polymers like GAP
can be improved markedly by incorporation of energetic azido functional
plasticizers [77]. The synthesis of low molecular weight azido polymers such as
GAP plasticizers can be achieved in a single process involving azide
displacement of chlorine from epichlorohydrin monomer, ECH, followed by
polymerization without the need for a catalyst [78]. GAP plasticizers are
compatible with GAP polymer, as are nitrate esters such as butanetriol
25
Chapter 1
trinitrate, BTTN and trimethylol ethane trinitrate, TMETN. Properties of GAP
diol and triol plasticizers are given in Table 5.
Table 5: Properties of GAP Plasticizers
Properties
Hf, cal/g
GAP Diol
+280
GAP Triol
1.29
1.29
Light yellow
Light yellow
1700 300
900
Functionality
2.0
2.5- 3.0
Thermal Stability
Tg, 0C
-45
-45
Density, g/cm3
Color
Mn
As a general rule, plasticizing effect will be lost if terminal hydroxyl

groups on the plasticizer react with the isocyanate crosslinking agent,
effectively tying the plasticizer into the crosslinked polymer matrix. With this
in mind, Ampleman [79] developed the synthesis of an azide terminated
glycidyl azide plasticzer (GAPA), a plasticzer having no reactive terminal
hydroxyl groups available for isocyanate cure. GAPA (Figure 11) is a pale
yellow liquid with low molecular weight, low Tg and good stability. Properties
of GAP diol and triol plasticzers are given in Table 6.
Table 6: Properties of Azido-Terminated GAP Plasticzer (GAPA)
Hf, cal/g
Density, g/cm3
Color
Mn
1.27
Light yellow
700-900
Thermal Stability
0
Tg, C
26
Properties of Azido terminated GAPA

+550
3
-56
Introduction
Figure 11: Structure of GAPA
4.3 K10 Plasticzer

K10, also known as Rowanite 8001, is a nitroaromatic plasticzer consisting
of a mixture of 2, 4-dinitroethylbenzene and 2,4,6-trinitroethylbenzene (65%/35%).
K10 (Figure 12) is manufactured by Royal Ordnance in the UK, and finds use as an
energetic plasticzer in polymer bonded explosives. K10 is a clear, yellow/orange
liquid with UK hazards classification of 6.1 (toxic). Compatibility issues with K10
include sensitivity to lead azide and other primary explosives [80].
NO2
NO2
O2 N
NO2
NO2
Figure 12: Structure of K10 plasticizer
4.4 Oxetane Plasticzers

Migration of the plasticzer is one of the major problems encountered
with the use of energetic binder systems for explosive and propellant
formulations. A recent approach has been to design plasticzers that resemble
even more closely the polymer matrix, enhancing physical and chemical
compatibility and, hopefully, minimising migration [81]. Melting point and
glass transition temperature are clearly the most critical criteria, but other
important considerations include energy balance, energy content and safety. A
cyclic tetramer of NMMO which is also present in commercial polyNMMO (5Department of Applied Chemistry
27
Chapter 1
10%), has a relatively high Tg and is not an effective plasticzer. Linear NMMO
oligomers (polymers consisting of between 1-10 monomer units) were therefore
prepared for use as plasticzers in polyNMMO binder systems. Oligomeric
NMMO has a lower Tg than the cyclic tetramer but still contains NMMO
monomer [82].
In order to remove the terminal hydroxyl groups, and prevent unwanted
reaction with the isocyanate crosslinking agent, oligomeric NMMO has been
further nitrated (nitration also increases the oxygen balance and enhances the
energy of the binder system). Nitration with N2O5 for 30 minutes at 10C gave
clean conversion to nitrato terminated oligomers without sign of chain scission.
Nitration with excess N2O5 also converts residual NMMO monomer into
TMETN (scheme 11) [83].
ONO2
ONO2
HO
H
n
>3 mol N2O5

CH2Cl2
O2NO
O
n
ONO2
O
monomer
NO2
ONO2
ONO2 ONO2
TMETN
Scheme 11: Synthesis of TMETN
5. Polyphosphazenes
Current, in-service, energetic binders are typically linear carbon-based
polymers which display low energy densities and relatively high glass transition
temperatures (Tg) [84]. The high Tg of the binder usually requires the addition
of a suitable plasticizer to the final PBX compositions in order to lower the Tg
28
Introduction
to an acceptable level. Although plasticisation is a viable solution to reduce the
binders high Tg, it also leads, in time, to the migration of plasticizer to the
surface of the explosive filler, with the effect of seriously compromising the
low-temperature performance of the PBX. One of the main problems with
energetic binders is therefore the difficulty in developing materials which
display high energy-densities and low Tg, a combination of properties which
would ultimately allow the formulation of PBXs of higher solid loading and yet
good physical and IM properties. In search of a viable alternative to carbonbased binders [85], novel systems based on a linear polyphosphazene backbone
are currently under investigation as potential high-density, high-energy density
(HED) and low Tg binders for new, polymer bonded explosive compositions.
Polyphosphazenes are a unique class of polymers developed primarily
by H. Allcock at Penn State during the 1960s [86]. Polyphosphazenes
represent the single largest class of polymers and are differentiated from most
conventional polymers by their route of synthesis, their synthetic versatility,
tunable hydrolytic degradability, high thermal and oxidative stability and broad
range of physical, chemical and mechanical characteristics. Due to their unique
synthetic pathway, polyphosphazenes offer the promise of circumventing many
of the issues associated with classical polymerization [87]. Polyphosphazenes
are having low glass transition temperatures, and thus providing good low
temperature properties, because of the flexibility of the polyphosphazene
backbone. Energetic Polyphosphazenes [88] are of potential interest as novel
binders for energetic formulations. Polyphosphazenes consist of an inorganic
phosphorous-nitrogen [89] backbone and reactive pendant side groups that may
be organic, organometallic or inorganic in nature [90]. In energetic
polyphosphazenes, highly energetic side groups of the backbone are substituted
29
Chapter 1
with chosen building blocks through well-established methods of organic
chemistry.
R'
P
N
R,R' = OC6H5, OCH2F3, OCH2CF3 etc.
Figure 13: General structure of Polyphosphazene.

Energetic binders based on polypohsphazenes have low glass transition
temperatures without the need for plasticization, to avoid rigidity at low
temperature. The current binder system uses the energetic polyGLYN,
polyNMMO, polyBAMO and copolymers of BAMO, GLYN, and NMMO etc.
The high reactivity of the PCl2 groups in polyphosphazenes has enabled them to
convert the polymer by wide variety of nucleophiles to a large number of
organo-substituted polyphosphazenes [91].
Cl
Cl
P
Cl
Cl
N
Cl
Cl
Cl
Cl
n
CH3
H3C
Si
CH3
Cl
N
Cl
Cl
Scheme 12: Synthesis of polyphosphazene
30
Introduction
OR
P
OR
n
RONa -NaCl
OR
P
Cl
RONa
-NaCl
Cl
NHR
RNH2
-HCl
Cl
NHR
n
-MCl RM
R
P
R
n
Scheme 13: Reaction scheme for the synthesis of poly(diorganophosphazenes)

As in the above scheme, substitution reactions on (NPCl2)n are in general
carried out with alcohols and amines. Halogen replacement in (NPCl2)n and
(NPF2)n by treatment with organometallic reagents is accompanied with
competing side reactions as skeletal cleavage and crosslinking [92,93]. The
synthesis
poly(diorganophosphazenes) with all substituents linked to the
polymer backbone by a direct P-C bond is therefore not possible via this route.
In another approach, (NPCl2)3 is allowed to react first with the organometallic
reagents and the partly organo-substituted cyclic trimer can be converted to a
high polymer in a similar manner as (NPCl2)3. Fully organo-substituted
cyclophosphazene like (NPMe2)3 or (NPPh2)3 undergo ring ring equilibration
reactions but polymers are not obtained [94].
31
Chapter 1
The thermal ring-opening polymerization of the mixed rings takes place
at much lower temperature range from 90 to 1800C whereas for (NPCl2)3,a
temperature of 2500C is needed [95]. The chlorine atoms in these polymers can
also be replaced by various nucleophiles, which mean that these polymers stand
the basis of a new class of polymers.
5.1 High Performance Elastomers

Polyphosphazenes have several attributes that make them valuable for
aerospace, energy, or oil drilling applications. These properties include low
temperature flexibility and elasticity; resistance to hydrocarbon fuels, oils, and
hydraulic fluids; fire resistance, radiation resistance, and ultraviolet
stability. The specific applications fall into four main categories based on (1)
elastomeric properties, and (2) fire-resistant composite materials and foams
[96,97].
5.1.1 Phosphazene Elastomers

This is one of the most established uses for polyphosphazenes. Although
polyphosphazenes are known with glass transition temperatures that range from 100oC to more than +200oC, species with fluoroalkoxy and/or organosilicon side
groups with glass transitions in the -60oC range are of special value in aerospace,
automotive, arctic, and oil drilling engineering. They are used to fabricate O-rings,
seals, and shock-absorbing devices for low temperature uses. The presence of two
or more different types of side groups in these polymers ensures a lack of
crystallinity and provides the molecular free volume needed for elasticity [98]. The
fluoroalkoxy derivatives are also noted for their ability to absorb and dampen
impact energy, a valuable property for certain applications.
32
Introduction
6. Materials and Methods

6.1 Analytical Equipment and Methods
6.1.1 UV-Vis spectra
UV spectra of the polymers PECH and GAP were recorded using
Thermo Evolution 201 UV Visible spectrophotometer. Samples were dissolved
in dichloromethane, in concentrations of 1 mg/ml.
6.1.2 FTIR spectra
FTIR spectra of polymers were recorded with a JASCO FT-IR 4000
instrument. The FTIR spectra were recorded in the range from 500 to 4000 cm-1
using 32 scans. FT-IR spectra were recorded by the KBr pellet method and
liquid samples were on the NaCl crystal.
The presence of nitro, azido, hydroxyl groups and ether linkages etc. are
identified from FT-IR spectra [99].
6.1.3 NMR analysis
NMR spectra were recorded on a Bruker Avance III, 400MHz
spectrometer operating at 400 MHz for 1H spectra, 162 MHz for 31P spectra and
100 MHz for 13C spectra. Standard pulse sequences were used for obtaining 1H,
31
P and
13
C spectra. NMR spectroscopy remains one of the most effective
analytical tools available to binder chemists as it accurately elucidates structure

and purity for both monomer and polymer. Various NMR nuclei can be readily
examined, with proton and carbon NMR (1H and 13C) the most frequently used
techniques [100]. Samples were dissolved in CDCl3 and dueterated acetone. 1H
NMR was recorded with reference to TMS and
31
P NMR was recorded with
85% H3PO4 as external standard.
33
Chapter 1
6.1.4 GPC analysis
The average molecular weight and molecular weight distribution have
great influence on physical properties of the energetic binders. These
parameters are readily measured by gel permeation chromatography, GPC,
vapour phase osmometry or light scattering techniques. Typically, GPC is used
mainly for determining molecular weight, although light scattering techniques,
in particular low angle laser light scattering are becoming more popular.
The separation of components of a polymer by GPC is a result of size
exclusion of the polymer molecule or a difference in molecular size in solution,
where the larger molecules are found in the early elution volume [101]. The
molecular size (or hydrodynamic radius) of a polymer component depends upon
molecular weight, chemical composition, molecular structure and experimental
parameters (solvent, temperature and pressure) and requires accurate calibration
by GPC polymer standards.
Molecular weights were found out by WATERS GPC consisted of a
Waters 717 Plus auto sampler, a Waters 600E system controller (run by
Empower software), and a Waters 610 fluid unit. Waters 410 differential
refractometer was used as the detector at 35 oC. Toluene (HPLC grade) was
used as eluent at a flow rate of 1 ml/min and typically 5 mg of sample was
dissolved in 1 mL of solvent for analysis. The column oven was kept at 300C
and the injection volume was 100 m. Two PLgel 5 m Mixed-C columns and
a pre-column (PLgel 5 m Guard) were used. A set of narrow molecular weight
polystyrene samples covering a molecular weight range of 350 - 3,50,000 were
used as GPC standards. All molecular masses are reported as polystyrene
equivalents [102].
34
Introduction
6.1.5 DSC analysis
Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) measures the temperature and
heat flow associated with transitions in materials as a function of time and
temperature in a controlled atmosphere. These measurements provide
quantitative and qualitative information about physical and chemical changes that
involve endothermic or exothermic processes, or changes in heat capacity [103].
DSC analyses of polymer samples were performed with TA Instruments
DSC-Q100. Indium metal was used for the calibration of the instrument
according to standard procedures. The analysis was carried out under nitrogen
atmosphere and 100 C/min was used as heating rate. About 1-3 mg of sample
was taken in aluminium sample pan for analysis.
6.1.6 Density of the Polymer
The mass of an irregular solid is determined by weighing. When the
solid is placed in a pykcnometer filled with a liquid of known density [104], the
volume of the liquid which will overflow is equal to the volume of the solid.
The mass of the liquid which will overflow is determined as the difference
between the sum of the mass of the pykcnometer filled with liquid plus the
mass of the solid and the mass of the pykcnometer filled with liquid after the
solid has been placed inside. The volume occupied by this mass is determined
from the known density of the liquid. It is necessary that the solid be insoluble
in the liquid used. The density of the solid is determined from these
measurements of mass and volume.
Density is defined as the ratio of the mass of a body to its volume. Its
experimental determination requires the measurement of these two quantities
for the selected piece of material.
35
Chapter 1
6.1.7 Hydroxyl Value of the Polymer
The hydroxyl value of the polymer was estimated by treating 2 ml of
standard acetylating agent (66 ml pyridine/ 33 ml acetic anhydride) for 15 min
at 950C. Each analysis was compared with a blank by titrating with 0.1 N
potassium hydroxide. The difference in titrant between sample and blank was
used to calculate the hydroxyl value of the polymer [105].
Let, weight of polymer used = Z g
Flask A (Blank) requires = X ml of KOH
Flask B requires = Y ml of KOH
B-A = ml of KOH
B-A ml of KOH = B-A/1000 Hydroxyl group
Hydroxyl value of the polymer = B-A/1000 x Mol.Wt. of Polymer/ Wt. of
polymer taken
6.1.8 Heat of formation
The derivation of the standard enthalpy of formation of an organic
compound requires the experimental measurement of its standard enthalpy of
combustion, [106] Hc. If the combustion reaction under calorimetric
investigation is carried out under constant-volume conditions, as in a
pressurised steel vessel (bomb) [99-102] no work of expansion can be
performed and the heat of the reaction will be equal to the internal energy
change Uc. Only if a constant pressure apparatus is used, the measured heat of
reaction would, by definition, be equal to the enthalpy change of reaction. From
combining the First Law of Thermodynamics with the ideal Gas Law, an
equation can be derived which effectively describes the difference between Uc
and Hc for a given reaction.
36
Introduction
Hc=Uc + (PV)
Assuming the Ideal Gas Law to apply at the typical oxygen bomb
pressure (30atm), then (PV) will be equal to nRT and the above equation
can thus be written as
Hc=Uc+ nRT
Where n is the difference between the gaseous moles of products and
reactants, R is the universal gas constant and T is the absolute temperature. If
all reactants and products are solids or liquids, the change in volume which
accompanies a reaction at constant pressure is very small, usually less than
0.1%,and the magnitude of the thermal contribution due to expansion work of
condensed matter is usually less than 5 J [107]. This error can be included in the
overall experimental uncertainty interval, which, for most experimental
determinations, is usually far greater. For reactions at very high pressures,
however (e.g. at the bottom of the ocean or deep in the Earths fluid mantle),
(PV) can be significant even for condensed phases. When gases are involved
in the reaction, however, an appreciable value of (PV)can occur and the
difference between internal energy and enthalpy of reaction canbe significant
[108].
6.1.9 Bomb Calorimeter
Bomb calorimetry is used to determine the enthalpy of combustion,
combH, for hydrocarbons: [109]
CxHYOz (s) + (2X+Y/2-Z)/2 O2 (g)X CO2 (g) + Y H2O (l)
Since combustion reactions are usually exothermic (give off heat),
combH
is typically negative. (However, be aware that older literature defines the
37
Chapter 1
"heat of combustion" as
a - combH, so as to avoid compiling tabless of negative
numbers!)
6.1.9.1 Construction off a Bomb Calorimeter
The bomb caloorimeter consists primarily of the sample, oxygen, the

stainless steel bomb, annd water.
The dewar prevvents heat flow from the calorimeter to thee rest of the
universe, i.e.,
qcalorimeter = 0
Since the bombb is made from stainless steel, the combusttion reaction
occurs at constant volume and there is no work, i.e.,
wcalorimeter = - p dV = 0
Thus, the change in internal energy, U, for the calorimeter is
i zero
U
Ucalorimeter = qcalorimeter + wcalorimeter = 0
38
Introduction
The thermodynamic interpretation of this equation is that the calorimeter
is isolated from the rest of the universe.
6.1.9.2 U and H in a Bomb Calorimeter
6.1.9.2.1 Internal energy change U
Since the calorimeter is isolated from the rest of the universe, we can
define the reactants (sample and oxygen) to be the system and the rest of the
calorimeter (bomb and water) to be the surroundings. [110]
The change in internal energy of the reactants upon combustion can be
calculated from
dUtot= dUsys + dUsurr = 0
dUsys = - dUsurr
= -[(U/T)V dT + (U/V)T dV]
Since the process is at constant volume, dV=0. Thus, recognizing the
definition of heat capacity Cv yields
dUsys = - CVdT
Assuming Cv to be independent of T over small temperature ranges, this
expression can be integrated to give
U = -CV T
where Cv is the heat capacity of the surroundings, i.e., the water and the bomb.
6.1.9.2.2 Enthalphy change H
By definition of enthalpy
H = U + (pV)
39
Chapter 1
Since there is very little expansion work done by condensed phases,
(pV) 0 for solids and liquids. Assuming the gas to be ideal, yields
H = U + RTngas
6.1.9.2.3 Intuitive difference between U and H
If U=qv is the heat flow under constant volume conditions, and H=qp is
the heat flow under constant pressure conditions. The difference between these
two situations is that pV work can be done under constant pressure conditions,
whereas no pV work is done under constant volume conditions [111].
Consider the case where ngas > 0. i.e., the system expands during the
reaction. The same amount of energy is released by the reaction under both sets
of conditions. However, some of the energy is released in the form of work at
constant pressure; thus, the heat released will be less than at constant
volume. Mathematically,
heat released < energy released
-H < U
H > U
In the case where ngas < 0. i.e., the system contracts during the reaction,
the surroundings does work on the system. Thus, this work is available for
energy release from the system back to the surroundings in the form of
heat. Mathematically,
heat released >energy released
-H > U
H < U
40
Introduction
6.1.9.3 Calibration of the Calorimeter
6.1.9.3.1 Estimating Cv
The heat capacity of the bomb calorimeter can be estimated by considering the
calorimeter to be composed of 450 g water and 750 g stainless steel
[112]. Knowing the specific heat capacity of water to be 1 cal/gK and
estimating the specific heat capacity of steel to be 0.1 cal/gK yields,
CV(Calorimeter) = m(water) x CV (water) + m(steel) x CV(steel)
= 450g (1Cal/gK) + 750g (0.1Cal/gK)=525Cal/K
6.1.9.3.2 Measuring Cv
For accurate work, the heat capacity of the calorimeter must be

measured. This is done by depositing a compound having known amount of
energy into the calorimeter and observing the temperature increase [113]. The
two most common methods for measuring Cv are
1. Burning a standard with known U, e.g., benzoic acid.
mbenzoic acid Ubenzoic acid = mbenzoic acid -6318 cal/gK = -Cv T
2. Doing electrical work by passing current though a resistor.
U = w + q = VIt + 0 = Cv T
6.1.9.4 Corrections in Bomb Calorimetry
6.1.9.4.1 Combustion of fuse
Nickel and iron fuses can burn according to

Ni + 0.5 O2NiO
or
2Fe + 1.5O2Fe2O3
41
Chapter 1
The heat released by combustion of the fuse is accounnted for by
recognizing that
U = Usamplem
msample + Uburned fusemburned fuse = -Cv T
where the mass of the burned fuse is determined by weighing thee fuse before
and after firing the bom
mb.
6.1.9.5 Nonadiabaticityy of calorimeter
A bomb calorim
meter is only approximately adiabatic. In reaality, there is
a small heat leak throuugh the dewar (qcalorimeter 0) and the stirrer does
d
work on
the calorimeter (wcaloorimeter 0). Nonadiabaticity is corrected for
fo with an
empirical radiative corrrection, RC.
The time at whhich the bomb is considered to be fired is thhe time that
makes the areas indicaated in the above figure equal. For the Parr calorimeter,
this is estimated to be at t = 7 minutes. Thus, the temperature at t = 6 minutes
must be extrapolated forward 1 minute by the pre-firing sloppe, and the
temperature at t = 12 minutes
m
must be extrapolated backward 5 miinutes by the
post-firing slope. Mathhematically, this is done as follows
42
Introduction
T = [T12 + (-5 min) (T18-T12)/6 min] - [T5 + (1 min) (T6-T0)/6 min]
= T12 - T6 + [(-5 min) (T18-T12)/6 min] - [ (1 min) (T6-T0)/6 min]
= T12 - T6 - [5(T18-T12) + (T6-T0)/6]
= T12 - T6 -RC
6.1.9.6 Nitric acid formation
At high temperatures, nitrogen can form nitric acid in the presence of
oxygen and water. (This reaction also occurs in automobile engines and is
partially responsible for smog production.)
N2 + 2.5O2 + H2O 2HNO3
Flushing the bomb with oxygen prior to firing, thereby displacing all
nitrogen, eliminates nitric acid formation.
6.1.9.7 Application of combH
In addition to measuring the energy release of one particular reaction,
calorimetry is an important tool for determining the enthalpy of formation for
the compound under study. This information can then be applied to any
reaction involving the compound.
The enthalpy of combustion for the reaction can be written as
combH(CxHyOz) =
v(CxHyOz)fH(CxHyOz) + v(O2)fH(O2) +
v(CO2) fH(CO2) + v(H2O) fH(H2O)
combH(CxHyOz) = v(CxHyOz) fH(CxHyOz) + v(O2) fH(O2) + v(CO2)

fH(CO2) + v(H2O) fH(H2O)
43
Chapter 1
where v(i)
is
the
stoichiometric
and fH(H2O)
are
known
coefficient
(and fH(O2)
of i. Since fH(CxHyOz)
equals
zero),
measurement
of combH(CxHyOz) allows calcualtion of fH(CxHyOz).
7.Main Objectives of the present work

Synthesize Oxirane based energetic polymers by classical cationic
polymerization technique and activated monomer polymerization
technique.
Synthesize and characterize copolymers of the oxirane and oxetane
Synthesis of novel polyphosphazene based energetic binders
Evaluate the binder properties of the synthesized polymers, especially
heat of formation of the polymers.
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About
Diamidophosphazene
and
Diamidotrihydroxylphosphosphazene. J.Am. Chem. 1897, 19, 782.

[75] Stokes, H. N. About Metaphosphoric acid. J. Am. Chem. 1898, 20,
740.
[76] DuPont, J. G.; Allen, C. W. Cyclophosphazene containing polymers.
Macromolecules.1979, 12, 169.
[77] Quinn, E. J.; Dieck, R. L. J. Fire and Flammability.1976, 7, 5.
52
Introduction
[78] Quinn, E. J.; Dieck, R. L. J. Fire and Flammability.1976, 7, 358.
[79] Lieu, P. J.; Magill, J. H.; Alarie, Y. C. J. Fire and
Flammability11,1980,167.
[80] Mohan, Y. M.; Raju, M. P.; Raju, K. M. Synthesis, Spectral and DSC
analysis of Glycidyl azide polymers Containing Different Initiating
Diol Units.J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2004, 93, 2157.
[81] Ito, K.; Usami, N.; Yamashita, Y. J. Poly. Sci. 1979, 11, 171.
[82] Nissan, R. A.; Cramer, R. J. Equivalent Weight and Functionality
Determinations of Polyols by Trifluoroacetylation and19F NMR
Analysis, JANNAF Propulsion Characterization Subcommittee
Meeting, Monterey, CA, 18, 21st November, 1986.
[83]
Nissan, R. A.; Quintana, R. L.; Manser, G. E.; Fletcher, R. W. Analysis of

Oxetane Thermoplastic Elastomers-NMR Methods, JANNAF Propulsion
Meeting, San Diego, CA, 15-17th December, JANNAF, 1986.
[84]
Golding, P.; Trussell, S. J. Energetic polyphosphazenes a new

category of binders for energetic formulations. NDIA Insensitive
Munitions and Energetic Materials Technology Symposium, November
15-17, 2004, Hilton Hotel, San Francisco, CA.
[85] Allcock, H. R. Recent Advances in Phosphazene (Phosphonitrilic)

Chemistry. Chem. Rev. 1972, 72, 315.
[86] Allcock, H. R. Phosphonitrilic polymers. Encyclopedia of Polymer
Sci. and Techn. 1969, 10, 139.
[87] Allcock, H. R. Polyphosphazene Elastomers. Encyclopedia of
Science and Engineering, Pergamon Press, Newyork. 1986, 3787.
53
Chapter 1
[88] Allcock, H. R.; Angelo. G. S. Carboranylmethylene substitutesd
phosphazene and polymers thereof. US patent4444 972, 1984.
[89] Allcock, H. R.; Kugel, R, L. Synthesis of High Polymeric Alkoxyand Aryloxyphosphonitriles. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1965, 87, 4216.
[90] Allcock, H. R.; Desorcie, J. L.; Riding, G. H. The Organometallic
Chemistry of Phosphazenes. Polyhedron.1987, 6, 119.
[91] Allcock, H. R.; Kuharcik, S. E. Hybrid Phosphazene-Organosilicon
Polymers, Part I.J. Inorg. Organomet. Polym. 1995, 307.
[92]
Allcock, H. R.; Harris, P. J. Formation of Hydridocyclotriphosphazenes

Via
the
Reactions
of
Organocopper
Reagents
with
Halocyclotriphosphazenes: The Reaction Mechanism. J. Am. Chem.

Soc. 1979, 101, 6221.
[93] Allcock, H. R.; Kugel, R. L.; Valan, K. High Molecular Weight
Poly(alkoxy- and aryloxyphosphazenes). J. Inorg. Chem., 1966, 1709.
[94] Allcock, H, R.; Chu, C, T. The Reaction of Phenyllithium with
Poly(dichlorophosphazene). Macromolecules.1979, 12, 551.
[95] Allcock, H, R.; Patterson, D. B. Core Electron Binding Energies of
Cyclotriphosphazenes and Cyclotetra-phosphazenes. Inorg. Chem.
1977, 16, 197.
[96] Billmeyer, F. W. Textbook of Polymer Science, John Wiley & Sons,
New York, 1971, 52.
[97] Whitehead, P. M. Propellant Testing - Metrology, OSD Propulsion
Data Sheet PDS245, DSTO, 1998.
[98] Kopeck, F. Physics for Students of Pharmacy I. Bratislava, UK ,
1999, 184.
54
Introduction
[99] Wardle, R. B.; Cannizzo, L. F.; Hamilton, R. S.; Hinshaw, J. C.
Energetic Oxetane Thermoplastic Elastomer Binders, Contract
Number N00014-90-C-0264, Thiokol Corp., Brigham, UT, 1992.
[100] Cramer, R. J. Molecular Weight Determination of Energetic
Polymers By Low Angle Laser Light Scattering, NWCTP6774, NWC,
CA, 1987.
[101] Oberth, A. E. Functionality Determination of Hydroxyl-Terminated
Polymers, AIAA, 1978, 16, 919.
[102] Thomas, F. A.; Hall, J. W.; Monfre, S. L. Real-Time Monitoring of
Polyurethane Production Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy, Talanta,
1994, 41, 425.
[103] Shoemaker, D. P.; Garland, C. W.;
Nibler, J. W. Experiments in
Physical Chemistry, 6th Edition, McGraw- Hill, New York, 1989, 145.
[104] Edition of Department of Physical Chemistry: Laboratory Practice in
Physics for Students of Pharmacy. Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius
University, Bratislava, UK, 1991.
[105] Oremusov, J.; Vojtekov, M. Density determination of liquids and
solids. Manual for laboratory practice, UK, 1999, 121.
[106] "Oxygen Bomb Calorimetry and Combustion Methods," Technical
Manual No. 130,
Parr Instrument Company, Moline, Illinois. Two
copies of selected pages from this manual are in the drawer under the
bomb calorimeter, 2004.
[107] Atkins, P. W.; Paula, J. D. Physical Chemistry, 7thEdition, Oxford
University Press, Oxford, UK, 2002.
[108] Silbey, R, J.; Alberty, R. A.; Bawendi, M. G. Physical Chemistry, 4th
Edition, Wiley, New York, 2004.
55
Chapter 1
[109] Chang, R. Physical chemistry for the chemical and biological
sciences.University Science Books, Sausalito, California, 2000.
[110] Thornton, W. The Role of Oxygen to the Heat of Combustion of Organic
Compounds, Philosphical Magazine and J. of Science, 1917, 33.
[111] Huggett, C. Estimation of Rate of Heat Release by Means of Oxygen
Consumption Measurements, Fire and Materials, 1980, 4, 61.
[112] Janssens, M. L.; Parker, W. J. Oxygen Consumption Calorimetry,
in Heat Release in Fires, V. Babrauskas, S.J. Grayson, eds., Chapter
3, pp. 31-59, Elsevier Applied Science, London, 1992.
[113] Walters, R. N.; Lyon, R. E. A Microscale Combustion Calorimeter for
Determining Flammability Parameters of Materials, Proc. 42nd Intl
SAMPE Symposium and Exhibition, New York, 1997, 42, 1344.
[114] Lyon, R. E.; Walters, R. N. Microscale Combustion Calorimeter.
U.S. Patent 5981290, 1999.
56
Synthesis and Characterization of Oxirane Based Energetic Polymers
Abstract
In an effort to comply with insensitive munitions (IM) criteria, energetic binders comprising
of polymers and plasticizers are being used in cast-cured polymer bonded explosives and cast
composite rocket propellants. Poly(epichlorohydrin) was prepared by the activated monomer
cationic ring opening polymerization (CROP) of epichlorohydrin (ECH) using
borontrifluorideetherate
(BF3-etherate)
as
catalyst
and
1,4
butanediol
as
initiator.Poly(epichlorohydrin)-THF copolymer was prepared by the classical cationic ring

opening polymerization of epichlorohydrin (ECH) and tetrahydrofuran (THF) with
borontrifluorideetherate (BF3-etherate) as catalyst. Both the polymerization reactions were
terminated by the addition of water. Energetic binders such as glycidylazide polymer (GAP),
poly(dinitropropanoxy)oxirane (PDNPO) and poly(bistrifluoroethoxy)oxirane (PBTEO) are
used to maintain the overall energy of explosive formulations or improve their performance.
Glycidylazide polymer with terminal hydroxyl groups (GAP-diol) were synthesized by the
reaction of PECH-THF copolymer with sodium azide in organic solvent. PDNPO was
synthesized by the nucleophilicsubstitution of glycidol to the PECH-THF copolymer followed
by nitration and PBTEO was synthesized by the substitution of sodium salt of
trifluoroethanol to the PECH-THF copolymer with a phase transfer catalyst. The GAP-THF
diol, PDNPO and PBTEO diol obtained were characterized using different analytical
techniques. Conversion of the chloromethyl groups of PECH-diol to azide groups and
formation of PDNPO and PBTEO were confirmed using FTIR and 1H &13C NMR
spectroscopy. Thermal analysis using DSC showed a glass transition temperature around 450C and exothermic decomposition around 242 oC for GAP-THF diol, a glass transition
57
Chapter 2
temperature around -370C and exothermic decomposition around 210 oC for PDNPO and
PBTEO showed a glass transition temperature of -490C and exothermic decomposition
around 3400C. The terminal hydroxyl groups of the polymers were estimated by acetylating
them using acetic anhydride and pyridine and analyzing the remaining acid by titration.
Keywords: Ring opening polymerization, Polyepichlorohydrin, GlycidylAzide polymer,
Oxirane polymer.
2.1 Introduction
Polyurethane materials, vital due to their versatile properties, are found
in many applications in everyday life [1]. They are most generally prepared
from the reaction of polyols with isocyanates [2]. However, today, researchers
focus more and more on environmentfriendly chemistry [3,4]. One modification
deals with the development of an isocyanate-free route to polyurethanes that
would prevent the use of isocyanates and therefore of highly toxic phosgene
involved in their synthesis. A possible reason for this is the decrease of fossil
feedstock and the possibility of the use of natural products [5] as renewable raw
chemicals. Among them, vegetable oils constitute an important feedstock,
already used for the synthesis of biodiesel and as a source of green chemicals
[6-9]. Glycerol, a by-product of both the biodiesel production and the
saponification of animal fat is obtained in large amounts and needs to be better
valorized as raw material. Its transformation into glycerol carbonate, aldehydes,
ketones, and carboxylic acids [10], as well as epichlorohydrin (ECH) [11] and
allylglycidyl ether [12] (AGE), were reported.
Production
of
ECH
from
glycerol
via
dichlorination
and
dehydrochlorination has been recently industrialized [13, 14]. AGE can be

synthesized by the reaction of ECH with allyl alcohol, the latter being obtained
by heating glycerol in the presence of formic acid. ECH and AGE possess two
functional groups, which make these monomers of interest for the preparation
58

of reactive polymers even if the first one is toxic. Polyepichlorohydrin (PECH)
can be readily modified by chemical substitution of the chlorine atoms to yield
a broad series of functional side chain polymers [15,16] and more particularly
to the synthesis of poly(glycidylazide) used as precursor for energetic
polyurethanes in the field of propellants [17].
The microstructure of PECH obtained from CROP depends on the type
of initiator employed. Literature has reported three microstructures obtained
from utilizing different initiators [18-21]. First, cationic initiators such as Lewis
acids or tertiary oxonium salts, often complexed with water, alcohol or ether,
result in an atactic low molecular weight polymer (Mn<4000) with hydroxyl
end groups when polymerization is quenched with water or alcohol [22].
Second, telechelic polymers of molecular weight up to 15 000 can be obtained
where 1,4-butanediyl ditriflate is used as initiator [23]. The important industrial
method is the Vandenberg process, based on the use of organometallic
initiators, which yields polymers of high molecular weight (rubber) that are
often fractionated into atactic and isotactic components [25].
Current reduced-vulnerability explosives use cured binder systems that
possess adequate dimensional stability and required energy absorbing
properties, but are ultimately difficult to recover or recycle either during
manufacture or demilitarisation. One such binder, hydroxyl terminated
polybutadiene, HTPB [26] has excellent physical properties, but it is an inert
binder. The binder dilutes the overall energy output of the composition leading
to a lowering of explosive performance characteristics. As such, recent
advances in propellant research are aimed at developing high energy binders
which give better performance than the commonly used binder Hydroxyl
terminated Polybutadiene (HTPB) [27, 28] and which are compatible with ecofriendly oxidizers, ammonium nitrate (AN), hydraziniumnitroformate (HNF) or
59
Chapter 2
ammonium dinitramide (ADN) [29-32]. Polymeric azides that include
GlycidylAzide Polymer (GAP) and its copolymers contain azide groups along
the polymer chain as pendent groups, which make them highly energetic. These
polymers [33-35] can therefore be used as energetic binders having minimum
smoke, reduced pollution and sensitivity. In addition to being fuel rich, these
propellants liberate large amounts of Hydrogen, Nitrogen, CO and gaseous
hydrocarbons on burning and provide high burning rate.
Not surprisingly, this has brought a shift in direction from inert to
energetic binders. Energetic binders contain energetic chemical groups known
as explosophores, typically nitro (CNO2) [1], nitramine (NNO2) [36-41],
difluoroamine (-NF2), azido (-N3), and nitrate ester groups (ONO2). Such
energetic binders impart to PBXs an increase in energy output, lower
vulnerability and potential environmental benefits such as recovery and
possible reuse of munitions [42-44]. In addition, it is expected that these new
energetic binders will lend themselves well to insensitive munitions, where a
lowering of vulnerability with incorporation of an energetic binder occurs.
2.2 Results and Discussion

This section includes a description of the results obtained from the
synthesis andcharacterization of PECH-diol, GlycidylAzide Polymer (GAP),
poly(dinitropropanoxy)oxirane (PDNPO) and poly(bistrifluoroethoxy)oxirane
(PBTEO).
2.2.1 Cationic ring-opening polymerization of epichlorohydrin

Polymerization of ECH by cationic ring-opening polymerization using a
combination ofborontrifluorideetherate (catalyst) and low molecular weight diol
(initiator) is reported toyield polymers with low cyclic oligomer formation. The
use of a diol also affordsthe possibility of producing linear telechelics, when the
60

polymerization is terminated withan alcohol or water. In this study,
polymerization of ECH proceeded to a high conversion (90%) and yielded a
polymer with a narrow polydispersityindex(1.1).
The ring-opening polymerization of epichlorohydrin monomer was
carried out accordingto the published procedure described by Ivin [22]. Scheme
2.1is a representation of theprocedure followed for the cationic ring-opening
polymerization of ECH monomer.
Scheme 2.1:Synthesis of PECH diol

A typical GPCprofile of a PECH-diol is shown in Figure 2.1. High
yields and low molecular weightdistributions (MWD) could be an indication
that polymerization proceeded in a reasonablycontrolled manner [13].
Figure 2.1:GPC trace of PECH-diol, Mn = 2224 and polydispersity index 1.1.

The UV-Vis spectrum of PECH-diol is shown in Figure 2.2. UV-Vis
spectrum did not show anyabsorption peak for PECH-diol in the range of 600200 nm, which indicates that thechloromethyl pendant groups do not have strong
absorption at this UV-Vis range and it is transparent to UV-Vis region [9, 13].
61
Chapter 2
Figu
ure 2.2:UV-Vis spectrum of PECH-diol
The FTIR specctrum is shown in Figure 2.3. The FTIR spectrum of
PECH-diolcontains peeaks indicative of important features of PECH-diol,
namely absorption peaksat
p
745, and 1150 cm-1, which corrrespond to
chloromethyl group annd polyether linkage,respectively. The absorpption around
2850 and 3450 cm-1 could
c
be attributed to methyland ethyl groups and the
hydroxyl groups, respectively.
Figure 2.3:FTIR spectrum of PECH-diol

62

In an attempt to understand the microstructure of PECH-diol produced
via CROP, NMRanalyses using1H-NMR and
1
13
C-NMR were performed. The
H-NMR spectrum ofPECH-diol is shown in Figure 2.4, while Figure 2.5shows
the
13
C-NMRspectrum.The important feature of 1H-NMR spectrum is the
signals around 1.6 and 3.1ppm, which correspond to the CH2 protons of the 1,
4-butanediol included in the PECHdiol,and the hydroxyl group proton,
respectively. The peaks between 3.6 and 4.0 ppmcorrespond to the PECH
protons. The assignments of the PECH-diol structure areillustrated in Figure
2.5.Significant peaks of
13
C-NMR spectrum of PECH-diol are around 26-28
and at 75ppm. These peaks correspond to the CH2 of the 1, 4-butanediol. Peaks
around 43-46ppm is attributed to the chloromethyl group of PECH. The
polyether linkage OCH2peaks appear around 69-71 ppm. On the other hand,
solvent absorption appears at 77ppm and peak around79 ppm is attributed to the
OCH. The assignments of PECHdiolstructure are indicated in Figure 2.5.
Fig. 2.4:1H NMR spectrum of PECH-diol
63
Chapter 2
Fig. 2.5:13C NMR spectrum of PECH-diol

The PECH-dioliscolourless, viscous liquid with a glass transition temperature
(Tg)below room temperature. The thermal analysis of PECH-diolusing DSC
wasperformed and Figure 2.6shows the result. The PECH-diol shows a glasstransition
temperature around -39oC, which is in agreement with the literature [9].
Fig. 2.6: DSC curve of PECHdiol

These results show that polymerization of poly(epichlorohydrin) via
cationic ringopeningpolymerization using borontrifluorideetherate(catalyst) and
1,4butanediol(initiator) was successful and reproducible. The yield was about 90%
and polydispersity index (1.1). The cationicpolymerization of epichlorohydrin
without a diol is reported to yield a wide range ofproducts with varying molecular
weights [4, 10].
64
2.2.2 Synthesis and characterization of PECH-THF diol

The present investigation emphasises on the synthesis and characterization
of PECH-THFdiol(polyepichlorohydrin-tetrahydrofuran) diol (Scheme 2.2),
synthesized by classical monomer polymerization technique using THF, BF3Et2O
(borontrifluorideetherate) and ECH (epichlorohydrin) without any low molecular
weight polyhydroxy alcohols.
Scheme 2.2 Synthesis of PECH- THF diol

A typical GPCprofile of PECH-diol is shown in Figure 2.7. High yields
and narrow molecular weightdistributions (MWD) could be achieved compared
to PECH-THF diol.
Figure 2.7:GPC trace of PECH-THF diol, Mn = 4493 and polydispersity index 1.3
The PECH-THF diol iscolourless, viscous liquid with a glass transition
temperature (Tg)below room temperature. The thermal analysis of PECH-THF
diol was carried out using DSC. The PECH-THF diol showed a glasstransition
temperature around -37 oC.
65
Chapter 2
Figg 2.8: DSC curve of PECH-THF diol

The UV-Vis speectrum, IR spectrum, 1H &13C NMR spectra are same as
that of PECH diol sincce the structural pattern is same. High moleccular weight
and slight change in glaass transition temperature is observed for the PECH-THF
diol which was synthessized through classical cationic polymerizatioon.
In the study on the effect of THF on the polymerization, inn which THF
to ECH ratio of 1:2 gave maximum yield with PDI of 1.38. But higher
o ECH and
molecular weight and PDI was observed for higher mole ratios of
THF, especially 1:1.
Table 1: Polymerization studies of PECH-THF doils
THF(mmol)
PECH-THF
diol
10
10
Polymer
yield
(%)a
87
PECH-THF
diol
10
7.5
91
4450
56696
1.28
PECH-THF
diol
10
95
4463
55579
1.25
PECH-THF
diol
10
2.5
90
4435
53366
1.21
PECH-THF
10
1.25
86
4478
5195
1.16
Polymer
66
PECH-THF
F Molecular
Weight by GPC
Mn
M
Mw
PDIb
4493
5886
1.31
ECH
(mmol)
Sl.No.

diol
6
PECH-THF
10
0.625
78
4430
4962
1.12
diol
a
Polymer yield= (weight of the polymer/(weight of THF + weight of ECH) x
100;bPolydispersityIndex (PDI) = Mw/Mn
The polymerization is believed to occur through the classical cationic
polymerization in which the THF forms a complex with BF3etherate which in

turn attacks the ECH and induces the ring opening polymerization (ROP). The
polymerization can be terminated by the addition of water and forms the
hydroxyl terminated polymer. The end hydroxyl groups present in the polymer
is confirmed by characteristic signal in the NMR spectra.
Scheme 2.3:The classical cationic ring-opening polymerization

ofepichlorohydrin and THF in the presence of borontrifluorideetherate
(catalyst).
2.2.2.1 Effect of using different solvents
The use of either toluene or dichloromethane had very little effect on the
product.However, when dichloromethane was used as the solvent, viscosity
increased to such an extent thatstirring with a magnetic stirring bar was found
to be difficult. If toluene was used as the solvent it was found to be difficult in
removing the trace amount of solvent as compared to dichloromethane.
2.2.2.2 Hydroxyl value of the polymer
The polymer was treated with standard acetylating agent comprising of
acetic anhydride and pyridine. Each sample containing unreacted acids and
67
Chapter 2
blanks were titrated with standard NaOH solution. The difference between
sample and blank was used to calculate the hydroxyl value of the copolymer.
Table 2: Hydroxyl value of PECH diol and PECH-THF diol

Sl. No.
Hydroxyl Value
(mg KOH/g)
62
Polymer
PECH diol
PECH- THF copolymer
83
2.2.3 Synthesis and characterization of poly(glycidylazide-THF)diol

Section 2.2.3 includes results from the synthesis of glycidylazide
polymer and estimation of hydroxyl groups in the polymer backbone terminal.
Glycidylazide polymer [45-52] was synthesized by the azidation of
PECH-THF diol with sodium azide in DMF at 1200C. In this study, azidation of
PECH-THF proceeded to a high degree of nucleophilic substitution and yielded
a polymer with a polydispersityindex (1.38).Scheme 2.4is a representation of
thereaction scheme for the azidationof PECH-THF diol.
Scheme 2.4:Synthesis of GAP-THF diol

The density of the GAP-diol was determined using a pyknometer, and
found to beabout 1.3 g/ml which is comparable with values reported in the
literature [23].
68

The GPC profile of the GAP-THF diol is shown in Figure 2.9 below. In
theazidation reaction of PECH-THF diolwith sodium azide, chlorine was replaced
byazide groups, which led to an increase in the molecular weight. Usually,
themolecular weight of the GAP-THF diol was higher than the PECH-diol used in
theazidation process. This could be attributed to the difference in the nature of
azidegroups as opposed to chloromethyl groups (hydrodynamic volume and
interactionwith polystyrene stationary phase).In any case, the polydispersity index
was not affectedconsiderably by the azidation process. On the other hand, it is
reported
that
highmolecular
weight
poly(epichlorohydrin)
(rubber)
or
poly(epichlorohydrin-co-ethyleneoxide) azidation reactions lead to a decrease in

molecular weight due to degradationof some PECH chains duringazidation
reaction. This was not noticed in anyof the experiments carried out in this study.
Figure 2.9:GPC trace of GAP-THF diol, Mn = 6228 and polydispersityindex

1.38.
The UV-Vis spectrum of GAP-THF diol is shown in Figure 2.10. The
UV-Vis spectrum showed absorption peakfor GAP-diolaround300 nm where as
UV-Vis spectrum of PECH-THF did not show anyabsorption peak in the 600-
69
Chapter 2
200 nm region, which indicated that theazide group was substituted in the
polymer backbone.
1.0
0.8
Absorbance
0.6
0.4
0.2
0.0
-0.2
300
400
500
600
700
800
Wavelength (nm)
Figure 2.10:UV-Vis spectrum of GAP-THF diol.

The FTIR spectrum of the GAP-diol is shown in Figure 2.11. The
importantcharacteristic peaks are the absorption peaks around 1140 and 2100
cm-1, whichcorrespond to the polyether linkage and azide groups, respectively.
Absorptionpeaks around 2850 and 3450 cm-1 are attributed to the methylene
and terminalhydroxyl groups, respectively. In the IR spectrum, the
disappearance of the peak around 745 cm-1 and the formation of the peak
around 2100 cm-1are attributed to thereplacement of chlorine atoms of PECHdiol with the azide groups of GAP-diol. Ithas been reported that the azidation
reaction slow down after reaching about 90% conversion[23]. For this reason, it
is preferable to carry out the reaction with an excess ofsodiumazide.
70

100
80
60
%T
40
20
4000
3500
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
-1
Wavenumber (cm )
Figure 2.11:FTIR spectrum of GAP-THF diol

The GAP-THF diol was characterized by 1H-NMR, as shown in Figure
2.12. The important feature of this spectrum is the signal around 3.2 ppm,
which is assigned tomethylene protons of the pendant azidomethyl groups
(CH2N3), and the signal around 3.45-3.8 ppm, which is assigned to the main
chain methylene and CH protons. The proton NMR spectrum also exhibited a
peak at 1.5 ppm due to CH2 of THF.
The 13C-NMR spectrum of GAP-THF diol is shown in Figure 2.13. The
major assignments on this spectrum are the signal around 50-53 ppm, which is
attributed totheazide attached carbon. The absence of a signal around 43-45 ppm,
which is associatedwith the chloromethyl group of PECH-diol (see Figure 2.6),
means that most of thechlorine atoms located on the chloromethyl pendant
groups of PECH have beensubstituted with azide groups. The signal around 6971 ppm is associated with thepolyether linkage (OCH2). Solvent peak appears
at 77 ppm and the signal around79 ppm is attributed to the (HOCH). The
strong resonance peaks of methylene protons of THF in GAP-THF diol were
visible around 25 ppm.
71
Chapter 2
Figure.2.12:1H NMR spectrum of GAP-THF diol
Figure.2.13:13C NMR spectrum of GAP-THF diol

GAP-THF diol wasan amper colored liquid. Thermal behavior at low
temperature representsan important feature for polymeric materials used in
propellant formulation.Thethermal analysis of GAP-THF diol was performed
by DSC and Figure 2.14shows theresults for a low temperature scan. The GAPTHF diol showed glass transition temperature around -35oC.
72
Figure.2.14: DSC curve of GAP-THFdiol

It is essential to study the decomposition behavior of polymeric
propellant materials,especially in the case of such materials being used in space
technology applications,where thermal decomposition of the propellant binder
plays a crucial role in thecombustion of the composite solid propellants. It was
therefore necessary to study thethermal decomposition behavior of the GAPTHF diol produced. The decompositiontemperature of the GAP-THF diol was
determined from a DSC thermogram at hightemperature. Results are recorded
in Figure 2.15. The DSC scan of GAP-THF diol showed an exothermic peak in
the temperature range 180-273oC, with the maximum around 2485oC. The
exothermic decomposition was attributed to the scission of the azide bonds
from the azide pendant groups of the glycidylazide polymer.
73
Chapter 2
Figure 2.15: DSC thermogram of GAP-THF diol

The polymerizaation studies were carried out using different mol
m ratios of
THF and maximum yieeld was obtained in which THF to ECH ratio was 1:2 and
with PDI of 1.38. Buut higher molecular weight and PDI was observed
o
for
higher mole ratios off ECH and THF especially 1:1. The ressults of the
polymerization studies are given in the Table 3.
Table 3: Polymerizzation studies of PECH-THF diol and GAP-T
THF diol
87
PECH-THF
Molecular
Weightby GPC
Mn
Mw
PIb
4493 5886 1.31
GAP-THF
G
M
Molecular
Weeightby GPC
Mn
Mw PDI
62400 8861 1.42
7.5
91
4450
5696
1.28
61200
8568
1.40
10
95
4463
5579
1.25
62288
8595
1.38
PECH-THF diol
10
2.5
90
4435
5366
1.21
60400
7731
1.28
PECH-THF diol
10
1.25
86
4478
5195
1.16
63800
7911
1.24
PECH-THF diol
10
0.625
78
4430
4962
1.12
6445
7799
1.21
Polymer
ECH
E
(m
mmol)
THF
(mmol)
Polymer
yield
(%)a
PECH-THF diol
10
10
PECH-THF diol
10
PECH-THF diol
Sl.
No.
Polymer yield= (weightt of the polymer/(weight of THF + weight of ECH) x

100;bPolydispersityIndex (P
PDI) = Mw/Mn
74

2.2.3.1 Effect of using different solvents
The use of either DMF or DMSO had a very little effect on the
product.However, ease of removal of solvent from the reaction medium was
found to be operative when DMF was used as the solvent over DMSO. The use
of water as solvent was also studied, but the poor solubility of the polymer,
requirement of large amount of phase transfer catalyst and increased reaction
time ruled out this method.
2.2.3.2 Effect of using different catalyst
The effect of catalyst on the azidation reactions was checked by varying
the amount of NaN3 to catalyst and using the same solvent and fixed
temperature. The reaction was optimized and found that TBAB was the
effective catalyst for azidation of PECH-THF diol and maximum yield was
obtained for the NaN3 to TBAB ratio 37:0.1. Table 4presents the effect of
catalyst on reaction time.
Table 4: Effect of catalyst on reaction time
Polymer
PECHTHF
(mmol)
Catalyst
12.2
Sl.
No.
NaN3/Catalyst
mol ratio
Solvent
Reaction
Time(h)
Temperature
(0C)
LiCl TBAB
TBAB
74:0.1
DMF
60
120
12.2
TBAB
37:0.1
DMF
48
120
12.2
TBAB
25:0.5
DMF
48
120
12.2
LiCl
74:0.1
DMF
156
120
12.2
LiCl
37:0.1
DMF
144
120
12.2
LiCl
2.5:0.5
DMF
120
120

75
Chapter 2
The results are given in Table 5.
Table 5: Hydroxyl value of GAP-THF diol
Sl. No.
Polymer
GAP-THFdiol
Hydroxyl Value
(mg KOH/g)
62
2.2.4 Synthesis of poly(dinitropropan-1-oxy)oxirane (PDNPO)

Synthesis of the polymer PDNPO was done in two steps.First step was
the substitution of sodium salt of glycidol in the precursor PECH-THFdiol
followed by nitration using 90% HNO3. In this study, substitution of PECHTHF followed by nitration yielded a polymer with a polydispersity index (1.3).
Scheme 2.5:Synthetic route to the polymerPDNPO

The density of the PDNPO was determined using a pyknometer, and was
found to be1.2 g/ml.
The GPC profile of the PDNPO is shown in Figure 2.16. In the nitration
reaction, the glycidol was ring opened and got nitrated, which led to an increase in
the molecular weight.The number average molecular weight was found out using
GPC and it was found to be 5124 with polydispersityindex 1.3.
76
Synnthesis and Characterization of Oxirane Based Energ

rgetic Polymers
Figure 2.16:GPC traace of PDNPO, Mn= 5124 and polydispersity index 1.3.
The UV-Vis spectrum is shown in Figure 2.17. The UV-V
Vis spectrum
shows absorption peakkfor PDNPOaround450 nm. This absorptioon could be
attributed to the nitratoogroup, it was not observed in the UV-Vis spectrum of
PECH-THF diol.
0.4
Absorbance
0.2
0.0
-0.2
300
0
400
500
600
700
800
Wavelength (nm)
Figu
ure 2.17:UV-Vis spectrum of PDNPO.
Department of Applied Chem

mistry
77
Chapter 2
The FTIR spectrum of the PDNPO is shown in Figure 2.18. The
importantcharacteristic peaks are the absorption peaks around 1140, 1634 and
1277 cm-1, which corresponded to the polyether linkage andnitrato group
asymmetric and symmetric stretching vibrations, respectively. Absorptionpeaks
around 2850 cm-1was attributed to the methylene group. The peak at 3450 cm-1
was found to disappear and it would be due to the complete nitration including
the terminal hydroxyl groups, since 90% HNO3 was used. In the IR spectrum,
the disappearance of the peak around 745 cm-1 and the formation of the peak
around1634 and 1277 cm -1, were attributed to the replacement of chlorine by
nitrato groups.
120
100
80
60
%T
40
20
0
4000
3500
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
-1
Wavenumbers (cm )
Figure 2.18:FTIR spectrum of PDNPO

The important features of the 1H NMR spectrum (Fig.2.19) are the
signals at 5.5 ppm, as multiplet which correspond to the -CH2 protons in CH2ONO2, 3.8 ppm due to OCH2 protons, 3.5 ppm CH protons and at 1.5
78

ppm of CH2protons of THF respectively. The proton NMR spectrum also
exhibited a peak at 1.5 ppm due to CH2 of THF.
Figure2.19:1H NMR spectrum of PDNPO

The
13
C-NMR spectrum of PDNPO is shown in Figure 2.20. The
importantassignment on this spectrum is the signal around 92-95 ppm, which is

attributed tothenitrato group attached carbon. The absence of a signal around
43-45 ppm, which is associatedwith the chloromethyl group of PECH-THF diol
(Figure 2.6), means that most of thechlorine of the chloromethyl pendant
groups of PECH have been fully substituted. The signal around 69-71ppm is
associated with thepolyether linkage (OCH2). The signal around 70-74 ppm
is associated to the group (OCH2CH-).Solvent peak appears at 77 ppm, the
signal around 93 ppm is attributed to the (CHONO2)and the signal around 79
ppm is attributed to the (HOCH). The strong resonance peaks of methylene
protons of THF in PDNPO were visible around 25 ppm.
79
Chapter 2
Figu
ure 2.20:13C NMR spectrum of PDNPO
PDNPO was ann yellow viscous liquid with a glass transitionn temperature
below room temperaturre. The thermal analysis of PDNPO using DS
SC (Fig.2.21)
was performed and the glass
g
transition temperature was found to be -388 0C.
F
Figure
2.21:DSC curve of PDNPO
The evaluation of
o the thermal stability of energetic polymers is vital since it
decides whetherthe polyymers are suitable for use in energetic formulatioon [53-57]. It
80

was therefore necessary to study thethermal decomposition behavior of PDNPO
produced. The decompositiontemperature of PDNPO was determined from a DSC
thermogram at hightemperature. Results are recorded in Figure 2.22. The DSC scan
of PDNPO shows asingle exothermic peak in the temperature range 160-240oC, with
the maximumofthepeakaround 2105oC. This result is in agreement with the
literatureand the exothermic decomposition is attributed to the elimination of -ONO2
by thescission of the -ONO2 bonds from the nitrato pendant groups of the PDNPO.
Figure 2.22:DSC thermogram of PDNPO

The effect of catalyst and substituent on the synthesis of PDNPO was
studied by varying the amount of substituent and catalysts. It was found that,
the maximum yield was obtained in the case where the sodium glycidate and
PECH-THF diol in the ratio (1.5:1) and for that 0.122 mmol of TBAB was
used. The effect of substituent and catalyst on the synthesis of PDNPO is shown
below (Table 6).
81
Chapter 2
Table6: Effect of catalyst and substituent on the synthesis of PDNPO
Polymer
(PECHTHF diol)
mmol
6.1
6.1
6.1
0.061
67
48
6.1
12.2
0.122
70
48
6.1
9.15
0.122
72
48
Sl.No.
Sodium salt
of Glycidol
(mmol)
Catalyst
(TBAB)
(mmol)
Polymer
yield (%)
Reaction
Time
(h)
6.1
0.122
68
48
2.2.5 Synthesis and characterization of poly(bistrifluoroethoxy)diol

(PBTEO)
PBTEO diol polymer was synthesized by the substitution of sodium salt
of trifluoroethanol in dark under reflux in THF for 60 h. In this study,
nucleophilic substitution of sodium trifluoroethanolate yielded PBTEO polymer
with a polydispersity index of 1.4.Scheme 2.6is a representation of thereaction
scheme for the substitution of trifluoroethoxy group on PECH-THF diol.
Scheme 2.6:Synthesis of PBTEO diol

The density of the PBTEO diol was determined using a pyknometer, and
found to beabout 1.8 g/ml.
The GPC profile of the PBTEO diol is shown in Figure 2.23. The
substitution reaction of PECH-THF diol with trifluoroethanolleads to an increase in
the molecular weight.The number average molecular weight was found out using
GPC and it was found to be 6580 with polydispersityindex 1.48.
82
Figure 2.23:GPC trace of PBTEO diol, Mn = 6580 and polydispersity index 1.48.
The FTIR spectrum of the PBTEO diol is shown in Figure 2.24. The
importantcharacteristic peaks are the absorption peaks around 1100 and 1350 cm-1,
whichcorrespond to the polyether linkage and CF3groups, respectively.
Absorptionpeaks around 2850 and 3450 cm-1 are attributed to the methylene and
terminalhydroxyl groups, respectively. In the IR spectrum, the disappearance of the
peak at 745 cm-1 and the formation of the peak at 1120 cm-1, are attributed to the
replacement of chlorine of the PECH-THF diol with OCH2CF3 groups.
Figure 2.24:FTIR spectrum of PBTEO diol

The polymer was characterized by 1H-NMR spectrum, as shown in
Figure 2.25. The important feature of this spectrum is the signal at 4.5 ppm,
83
Chapter 2
which is assigned tomethylene protons of the -CH2CF3 group, and the signal
around 3.45-3.8 ppm, which is assigned to the main chain methylene andCH
protons. The proton NMR spectrum also exhibited a peak at 1.5 ppm for CH2 of
THF. The terminal OH group showed a signal at 3.1 ppm.
Figure 2.25:1H NMR spectrum of PBTEO diol

The
13
C-NMR spectrum of PBTEO diolis shown in Figure 2.26. The
importantassignment on this spectrum is the signal around 61-63 ppm, which is

attributed tothe -CH2 of the CH2CF3 groups. The absence of a signal around
43-45 ppm, which was associated with the chloromethyl group of PECH-diol
(see Figure 2.6), means that most of thechlorine of the chloromethyl pendant
groups of PECH have beensubstituted with CH2CF3 groups. The signal at 123
ppm which appears as a quartet is attributed to the CF3 carbon atom of the
CH2CF3. The signal around 69-71ppm is associated with thepolyether linkage
(OCH2). Solvent peak appears at 77 ppm and the signal at 79 ppm is
attributed to the (HOCH). The strong resonance peaks of methylene protons
of THF in PBTEOdiol were visible around 25 ppm.
84
Figure 2.26:The 13C-NMR spectrum of PBTEO diol

PBTEO diol was a pale yellow coloured liquid. Thermal behavior at low
propellant formulation.Thethermal analysis of PBTEO diol was performed by
DSC and Figure 2.27shows theresults for a low temperature scan. The PBTEO
diol showed glass transition temperature around -49oC, which is suitable for
binder applications.
Figure 2.27:DSC curve of PBTEO diol

85
Chapter 2
The decompositiontemperature of the PBTEO diol was determined from
a DSC thermogram at hightemperature. Results are recorded in Figure 2.28.
The DSC scan of PBTEO diol shows single exothermic peak in the temperature
range 310-360oC, with the maximum of the peak around 3405oC.The
exothermic decomposition is attributed to the scission of the CF3 bonds from
the CH2CF3 groups of the PBTEO diol.
Figure 2.28:DSC thermogram of PBTEO diol

The effect of catalyst and the substituent on the synthesis of PBTEO diol
was studied by varying the amount of substituent and catalysts. It was found
that the maximum yield was obtained in the case where 1.2 times of the
substituent (7.32 mmol) has been used against the polymer amount (6.1 mmol)
and where 0.122 mmol of TBAB was used. The effect of substituent and
catalyst on the synthesis of PBTEO diol is shown in Table 7.
86

Table 7: Effect of substituent and catalyst on the synthesis of PBTEO diol
Polymer
(PECH-THF
diol) (mmol)
6.1
Sodium
trifluoroethanolate
(mmol)
6.1
Catalyst
(TBAB)
(mmol)
0.122
Polymer
yield (%)
52
Reaction
Time
(h)
72
6.1
6.1
0.061
55
72
6.1
12.2
1.22
64
72
6.1
7.32
1.22
72
60
Sl.No.

The results are given in TABLE 8.
Table 8: Hydroxyl value of PBTEO diol
Sl. No.
Polymer
PBTEO diol
Hydroxyl Value
(mg KOH/g)
58
2.3 Conclusion
The main objective of this part of the study was achieved by applying
cationic ringopeningpolymerization of ECH monomers in reactions, using low
molecular weightdiol as initiator and BF3etherate as catalyst to yield PECHdiol
and PECH-THF diol copolymer. The products werecharacterized using
different characterization techniques such as GPC, UV-Vis, FTIR,proton and
carbon NMR, and DSC. The molecular weight of the polymer was found to be
2224 and 4439 and thepolydispersityindex 1.1 and 1.3 respectively, based on
polystyrenestandards. The thermal analysis using DSC showed glass transition
temperature in the range (-40 to -35oC). The nature of PECH-diolendgroups
87
Chapter 2
have been studied after esterification reaction of hydroxyl groups with standard
acetylating agent. Effect of different solvents on the product has been
investigated. We have optimized the polymerization reaction using different
mole ratios of the THF and keeping the ECH amount constant and observed
significant difference in the polymerization yield and product properties such
asmolecular
weight
and
polydispersityindex.
Thus
PECH
diol
was
successfullyproduced and was utilized in the next phase of the study.

The synthesis and characterization of glycidylazidepolymer was also
discussed here. This polymer was prepared by the azidationreactionof PECHTHF copolymer. The GAP-THF diol had molecular weight (Mn) of 6000-9000
and polydispersity index of 1.3-1.4, asdetermined by GPC. The polymer was
characterized by UV-Vis, FT-IR and NMR spectroscopic technique which
confirmed the structure of the polymer. Thermal analysis of the polymer was
studied byDSC. It showed a glass transition temperature at -35oC and
thedecomposition took place around 248 oC. The polymer PDNPO was
prepared by the nucleophilic substitution of sodium salt of glycidol on the
PECH-THF copolymer followed by the nitration with 90% HNO3. The polymer
formed had a molecular weight (Mn)in the range 5000- 6000 with a
polydispersityindex of 1.3 and a glass transition temperature at -38oC.Thermal
decomposition of the polymer took place at 210oC and confirmed with DSC.
The polymer PBTEO diol was prepared by the substitution of sodium salt of
trifluoroethanol on the PECH-THF copolymer.
The polymer formed had a molecular weight (Mn)in the range 6000- 7000
with a polydispersityindex of 1.4. The presence of trifluoroethanol group was
confirmed by FT-IR spectroscopy which showed absorption peak at 1350 cm -1.
The proton and carbon NMR spectroscopy techniques were used to confirm the
structure of PBTEO diol. Thermal analysis of the polymer was studied by DSC.
88

The glass transition temperature was around -49 oC and thedecomposition took
place around340 oC for the polymer PBTEO.
2.4 Experimental
2.4.1 Synthesis of PECH diol
To a dry 250-mL three-necked, round-bottom flask, placed in a
temperaturecontrolled water bath, fitted with a condenser with a calcium chloride
guard tube inthe top, and an efficient magnetic stirrer bar, 1.8 ml of 1,4butanediol (0.02mol) dissolved in 20 mL ofpolymerization solvent (either toluene
or dichloromethane) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred for about 15
min
in
order
to
ensure
homogeneity
of
the
mixture.
5.0
ml
borontrifluorideetherate(0.04mol) was added, using a dropping funnel. The

reaction mixture changed from a clear, colorless liquid, into a cloudy, white
liquid. The reaction mixturewas stirred for another 1 h. To this mixture, 12.5 ml
of ECH (0.16 mol) dissolved in 20 mL ofpolymerization solvent was added drop
wise over a period of 1h using adropping funnel. The reaction was carried out at
room temperature for 3 h before beingquenched by adding 50 mL of distilled
water and vigorously stirring for about 30 min.The polymerization was
terminated by adding distilled water and vigorously stirring for about 30 min.The
crude reaction product was transferred to a separatingfunnel and the organic layer
was washed three times with distilled water in order to remove all un-reacted
monomer, diol, and borontrifluoride. The organic layer was transferred to aroundbottom flask and dried over magnesium sulphate. Finally, the organic layer
andproduct was filtered and the solvent was removed by vacuum distillation. In
order toremove the solvent, vacuum drying was applied to the product. The
polymer was further purified by precipitation from methanol using small quantity
of dichloromethane. Theyield was found to be about 90%.
89
Chapter 2
2.4.2 Synthesis of PECH-THF diol

A mixture of 0.82 ml of THF (10 mmol) and 100 ml dichloromethane was
added to a 50 ml 3 necked RB flask equipped with a temperature controlled water
bath, fitted with a condenser with calcium chloride guard tube in the top, nitrogen
inlet and a magnetic stirrer bar. The mixture was allowed to stir for 30 minutes. To
this mixture,0.5 ml (4mmol) borontrifluorideetherate wasadded, using a dropping
funnel and the mixture was cooled to 0to 5 0C for 1 h. To this mixture, 0.78 ml (10
mmol) of ECH dissolved in 10 ml of solvent was added drop wise over a period of
1h using a dropping funnel. Exothermic reactions occurred during ring opening
process and the ice-salt mixture was removed after 1h. The resulting mixture was
warmed to ambient temperature to ensure the completion of the reaction. The
polymerization was terminated by adding distilled water (4 mmol) and vigorously
stirring for about 30 min. The crude reaction product was transferred to a
separating funnel and the organic layer was washed three times with distilled water
in order to remove all unreacted monomer, THF and catalyst. The organic layer
was transferred to a round-bottom flask and dried over magnesium sulfate. Finally,
the organic layer and product was filtered and the solvent was removed by vacuum
distillation. In order to remove the solvent, vacuum drying was applied to the
product. The polymer was further purified by precipitation from methanol using
small quantity of dichloromethane. The yield was found to be about 70%.
2.4.3 Synthesis of GAP-THF diol

Synthesis of the GAP-THF diol was based on the azidation reaction of the
precursor PECH-THF, using sodium azide salt and DMF as solvent. In a typical
experiment, a clean and dry 250 mL two necked round-bottom flask, immersed in
an oil bath at room temperature, was connected to a condenser with a calcium
chloride guard tube on the top,a dropping funnel and with magnetic stirrer bar
90

was used in the preparation of GAP. PECH-THF (2 g) (12.2 mmol) was
dissolved in dimethylformamide (5 mL) and introduced into the flask. The
reaction mixture was heated slowly until the polymer was dissolved in the
solvent.About 0.378g of NaN3 (37mmol) was transferred in small portions within
an hour and TBAB 0.039g (0.1mmol) was also added to the reaction
mixture.The mixture was heated for 48 h at 1200C. The polymer solution was
diluted to twice the volume of DMF with dichloromethane. The mixture was
filtered to separate the unreacted sodium azide and the formed sodium chloride.
The dichloromethane solution was removed under vacuum and the resulting
viscous liquid was transferred to a separating funnel and washed several times
with hot water to remove traces of DMF. Two layers appeared in the separation
funnel and dichloromethanewas added to extract the polymer. A solution of
polymer in dichloromethane was dried over magnesium sulfate and the pure
polymer was obtained by removing the solvent by rotary evaporator. The
polymer formed was an ampercolored viscous liquid with yield 75%.
2.4.4 Synthesis of poly(dinitropropan-1-oxy)oxirane (PDNPO)

To a stirred solution of NaH 2.2 g (24.4 mmol) in THF, 6.8 g (9.15
mmol) of Glycidol dissolved in tetrahydrofuran was added over a period of 1h.
A solution of PECH-THF (1g, 6.1mmol) in THF was added after 3h. The
reaction mixture was heated to reflux in the dark for 3 days in the presence of
tetrabutylammonium bromide (0.040 g, 0.122 mmol) phase transfer catalyst.
The reaction mixture was cooled, filtered and the solvent was removed under
vacuum.5ml concentrated nitric acid (95%) taken in round bottom flask was
cooled to 00C and glycidol substituted PECH in dichloromethane was added
drop wise. The mixture was stirred for 15 minutes, during the reaction the
temperature was maintained at 0 to 5oC. The reaction mixture was poured into
ice cold distilled water and dried under vacuum. Yield was found to be 60%.
91
Chapter 2
2.7.5Synthesis
and
characterization
of
poly(bistrifluoroethoxy)
oxiranediol
To a stirred solution of NaH,(1.1 g,12.2 mmol) in THF, (0.81 g,9.15
mmol) of trifluoroethanol dissolved in tetrahydrofuran was added over a period
of 1h. A solution of PECH-THF diol(1g,6.1mmol) in THF was added after 3h.
The reaction mixture was heated to reflux in the dark for 60 h in the presence of
tetrabutylammonium bromide (0.040 g, 0.122 mmol) phase transfer catalyst.
The reaction mixture was cooled, filtered and the solvent was removed under
vacuum.The product was washed with distilled waterand the product was dried
under vacuum. Yield was found to be 72%.
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Recent
Advances2000.www.dsto.defence.gov.au/corporate/reports/DSTO-TR0966.pdf (accessed on15/6/2004)

[27] Hendel, F. J. Review of solid propellants for space exploration. NASA
Technical Memorandum No: 33254, Jet Propulsion Laboratory,
Pasadena, California, 1965.
[28] Perrson, P. A.; Holmberg, R.; Lee, J. Rock Blasting and Explosives
Engineering, CRC Press, 1993, 67.
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[29] Davenas, A. Development of modern solid propellants. J. Propul.
Power.2003, 19, 1108.
[30] Moore, T. L. Assessment of HTPB and PBAN propellant usage in the
United States. 33rd AIAA/ASME/SAE/ ASEE. Joint Propulsion
Conference, Seattle, Washington, 1997.
[31] Daniel, M. A. Polyurethane binders for polymer bonded explosives.
DSTO-GD-0492. 2006.
[32] Cesaroni, A. J. Thermoplastic polymer propellant compositions. US
Patent 6,740,180, 2004.
[33] Hunley, J. D. History of solid propellant rocketry. What we do and
do not know. 35th AIAA/SAE/ASME Joint Propulsion Conference and
Exhibit, Los Angeles, California. June 2024, 1999.
[34] Urbanski, T. Chemistry and Technology of Explosives, Vol. IV,
PergamonPress; New York, 1984.
[35] Redecker, K. H; Hagel, R. Military High Explosives. Prop. Explos.
Pyro., 1987, 12, 196.
[36] Backof, E. Polyvinylnitrat - Eine Komponente fur Treib- und
Explosivstoff, 12th Int. Ann. Conf. ICT, Karlsruhe, Germany, 1-3rd
July, Fraunhofer Institut fr Chemische Technologie, 67-84, 1981.
[37] Day, R. W.; Hani, R. Nitramine Containing Polyether Polymers and
a Process for the Preparation Thereof.US Patent 5 319 068, 1994.
[38] Jain, S. R.; Amanulla, S. New Energetic Epoxy Binders, Mat. Res.
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[39] Jain, S. R.; Amanulla, S. Synthesis and Chararcterisation of N,NAliphatic Dicarboxylbis(hydrazones), J. Indian Chem. 1997,36B,
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Improved Poly(Glycidyl Nitrate).US Patent 5 017 356, 1992.
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[42] Bunyan, P. F.; Clements, B.W.; Cunliffe, A.V.; Torry, S.A.; Bull, H.
Stability Studies on End-Modified polyGLYN, Insensitive Munitions
and Energetic Materials Technology Symposium, Orlando, FL, 6-9th
October, NDIA, 16, 1997.
[43]
Desai, H. J.; Cunliffe, A. V.; Millar, R. W.; Paul, N .C.; Stewart, M.

J.; Amass, A. J. Synthesis of narrow molecular weight , hydroxytelechelic poly(glycidyl nitrate) and estimation of theoretical
heat of explosion, Polymer, 1996. 37, 3476.
[44] Vandenburg, E. J. Polymers Containing Azidomethyl Side Chains.

US Patent 3 645 917, 1972.
[45] Frankel, M. B.; Grant, I. R.; Flanagan, J. E. Historical Development
of GlycidylazidePolymer.J. Prop. Power, 1992, 8, 560.
[46] Frankel, M. B.; Flanagan, J. E. Energetic Hydroxy Terminated Azide
Polymer.US Patent 4 268 450, 1981.
[47] Lavigne, J.; Lessard, P.; Ahad, E.; Dubois, C., Correlation of
Propellant Mechanical Properties and Branched GAP Synthesis
Parameters, International Symposium of Energetic Materials
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Technology, Orlando, FL, 21-24th March, American Defense
Preparedness Association, 1994, 271.
[48] Frankel, M.B.; Witucki, E.F.; Woolery, D. O. Aqueous Process for
the Quantitative Conversion of Polyepichlorohydrin to Glycidylazide
Polymer. US Patent 4 379 894, 1983.
[49] Earl, R. A. Use of Polymeric Ethylene Oxides in the Preparation of
Glycidylazide Polymer. US Patent 4 486 3351, 1984.
[50] Ampleman, G. Synthesis of a New Class of Glycidylazide Polymers.
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Kubota, N. Combustion Mechanism of AzidePolymer.Prop. Explos.

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98
Synthesis and Characterization of Copolymers of Oxetanes and Oxiranes
Abstract
Energetic Thermoplastic Elastomers (ETPEs) have wide range of applications as novel
materials for binder application in insensitive munitions and rocket propellants. They form
three dimensional networks which absorb and dissipate energy from hazardous stimuli.
Advantage of the ETPE is that, it comprises of both soft and hard segments, which will
maintain the mechanical properties of the polymeric binder and these are recyclable. BAMOGLYN copolymer was prepared by the ring opening polymerization using borontrifluoride
etherate (BF3-etherate) as catalyst and 1, 4-butanediol as initiator in which polyBAMO region
serves as hard segment and polyGLYN part as soft segment. The copolymer BAMO-NMMO
was also synthesized by the copolymerization reaction between BAMO (hard segment) and
NMMO (soft segment). GAP-BAMO copolymer was synthesized in two step process. Firstly,
poly(epichlorohydrin)-THF copolymer was prepared by the classical cationic ring opening
polymerization between Epichlorohydrin (ECH), THF and Bischloromethyl oxetane (BCMO)
and in the second step, azidation was done in DMF with sodium azide. The copolymers
obtained were characterized using different analytical techniques. Conversion of the
chloromethyl groups to azide groups and formation of copolymers were confirmed using FTIR
and NMR spectroscopy. Thermal analysis using DSC showed a glass transition temperature of
-62 0C, -86 0C and -42 0C for BAMO-GLYN, BAMO-NMMO and GAP-BAMO copolymers
with major exothermic decomposition at 242 oC and 210 0C. The terminal hydroxyl groups of
the polymers were estimated by acetylating them using acetic anhydride and pyridine and
analysing the remaining acid by titration.
Keywords: Thermoplastic Elastomers, PolyBAMO, Glycidyl azide polymer, Oxiranes
and Oxetanes.
99
Chapter 3
3.1 Introduction
Modern solid explosive compositions [1] like propellants, generally
consist of particulate solids such as fuel material (metal powders), oxidizers and
explosives, which are held together by an elastomeric binder matrix. In this
binder matrix the energetic solid [5] filler composition is embedded and
immobilized to achieve desired combustion characteristics and also to keep the
propellant in a fixed geometry. Conventional binder systems consist of liquid
prepolymers that are crosslinked by chemical curing agents. These systems
have to be cast within a short time frame after adding the curative, which sets
some restriction for the industrial processing. Additionally, the once cured
binder material cannot be reused or recycled because, the curing reaction is
irreversible.
Energetic thermoplastic elastomers [2-4] provide one possibility to
overcome all these disadvantages. Thermoplastic elastomers are block
copolymers that exhibit rubber-like elasticity without requiring chemical
crosslinking, which present ABA, AB, or (AB)n structure, where A and B are
the hard and soft segments respectively. The hard segment (glassy or semi
crystalline at room temperature) gives its thermoplastic behavior, whereas the
soft segment (rubbery at room temperature) gives the elastomeric behavior [610]. Thermoplastic behavior [11-24] results from the formation of rigid
domains by chain association due to reversible interaction such as dipole-dipole
interactions, hydrogen bonding etc. The soft segments are incompatible with
hard segments, hence leading to a microphase separation. Therefore, a
thermoplastic elastomer behaves like a rubber because it is crosslinked in the
same manner as conventional elastomer, but with reversible physical crosslinks
[25-33], instead of chemical ones. For explosive formulations, these elastomers
are amenable to injection moulding or twin screw extrusion.
100

This section discusses the results obtained from the synthesis and
characterization of BAMO-GLYN copolymer, BAMO-NMMO copolymer and
GAP-BAMO copolymer. The estimation of hydroxyl groups in the polymer
backbone terminal is also discussed.
3.2.1 BAMO-GLYN copolymer

BAMO-GLYN copolymer was synthesized from the copolymerization
reaction between BAMO and GLYN using BF3Et2O as catalyst and 1,4butanediol as initiator.
3.2.1.1 Synthesis of BAMO
BAMO was synthesized as per reported methods in which azidation of
BCMO (Bischloromethyl oxetane) with NaN3 was done in the presence of
catalyst, where BCMO was synthesized from pentaerythritol using Vilsmeier
reagent followed by cyclisation with NaOH. Yield was found to be 56% and
85% respectively for BCMO and BAMO.
Scheme 3.1: Synthesis of BCMO
Scheme 3.2: Synthesis of BAMO

101
Chapter 3
3.2.1.2 Synthesis of GLYN
GLYN monomer was synthesized from glycerine by nitration using 90%
HNO3. The nitration products comprising of both 1,3-dinitroglycerine and 1,2dinitroglycerine were subjected to cyclisation with NaOH. The yield was found
to be 70%.
Scheme 3.3: Synthesis of GLYN

3.2.1.3 Synthesis of BAMO-GLYN
BAMO-GLYN polymer was synthesized from the copolymerization
reaction between BAMO and GLYN using BF3Et2O as catalyst and 1,4-butanediol
as initiator. The polymerization of BAMO was initiated through activated
monomer polymerization followed by the addition of GLYN monomer to the
reaction mixture and terminated by the addition of saturated brine solution.
Scheme 3.4: Synthesis of BAMO-GLYN copolymer

The density of the BAMO-GLYN copolymer was found out by using a
pyknometer, and found to be1.3 g/ml.
102

The GPC profile of the BAMO-GLYN copolymer is shown in Figure
3.1. The number average molecular weight was found out using GPC and it was
found to be 2612 with polydispersity index 1.15.
Figure 3.1: GPC trace of BAMO-GLYN copolymer, Mn = 2612 and

polydispersity index 1.15.
The FTIR spectrum is shown in Figure3.2. The FTIR spectrum of
BAMO-GLYN shows absorption peaksat 3450, 2100, 1640, 1280 and 1150
cm-1, which correspond to hydroxyl groups, azide groups, nitrato groups and
polyether linkage,respectively. The absorption at 2850 cm-1 was due to
methylgroups.
Figure 3.2: FTIR spectrum of BAMO-GLYN copolymer
103
Chapter 3
The 1H-NMR spectrum of BAMO-GLYN is shown in Figure 3.3, while
Figure 3.4shows the
13
C-NMR spectrum.The 1H-NMR spectrum exhibited
signals around 1.3 and 2.2 ppm, which corresponded to the CH2 protons of the
1,4-butanediol and the hydroxyl group proton, respectively. The peaks between
3.6 and 4 ppm correspond to the -CH2N3 and OCH2 protons of the polymer
backbone and peaks in the range 4.5 to 5 ppm are of CH2ONO2 protons in the
branch. The major assignment on 13C NMR spectrum is the signal around 52-55
ppm, which is attributed to the azide attached carbon and the signal around 8287 ppm, which is attributed to the nitrato group attached carbon. The signal
around 69-71ppm is associated with the polyether linkage (OCH2). Solvent
peak appears at 77 ppm and the signal around 79 ppm is attributed to the (O
CH). The strong resonance peaks of methylene protons of 1,4-butanediol in
BAMO-GLYN were visible around 25 ppm.
Fig. 3.3: 1H NMR spectrum of BAMO-GLYN copolymer
104
Fig. 3.4: 13C NMR spectrum of BAMO-GLYN copolymer

The BAMO-GLYN copolymer is an yellow, viscous liquid with glass
transition temperature (Tg) below room temperature. The thermal analysis of
BAMO-GLYN copolymer by using DSC was performed and Figure 3.5
presents the result. The polymer exhibited glass transition temperature of -62 oC
and two exotherms are found at 210 and 240 0C, which are attributed to the
scission of azide and nitrato groups from the polymer backbone.
Fig. 3.5: DSC curve of BAMO-GLYN copolymer

105
Chapter 3
The effect of diols on the polymerization reaction was studied by using
ethylene glycol (EG) and butanediol (BD) as intiator with different mole ratios.
There was not much difference in the polymerization yield. Altering the ratio of
reactive monomers to the initiators was also studied and the results obtained are
tabulated below. The maximum yield was obtained for the monomer to initiator
ratio 1:0.02.
Table 1: Polymerization studies of BAMO-GLYN copolymer
Sl.N
o
BAMO
(in mmol)
GLYN
(in mmol)
Type of
Diol
Diol
(in mmol)
Monomer/
Initiator
Ratio
Yield
(%)a
Mn
PDI
EG
0.1
10
85
2412
1.19
EG
0.1
40
84
2680
1.21
BD
0.02
50
86
2612
1.15
BD
0.02
200
85
2840
1.72
Polymer yield= (weight of the polymer/(weight of BAMO+ weight of GLYN) x 100;

Polydispersity Index (PDI) = Mw/Mn
3.2.2 BAMO-NMMO copolymer

BAMO-NMMO copolymer was synthesized from the copolymerization
reaction between BAMO and NMMO using BF3Et2O as catalyst and 1,4butanediol as initiator.
3.2.2.1 Synthesis of NMMO
NMMO (3-nitratomethyl-3-methyloxetane) monomer was synthesized from
HMMO (Hydroxyl Methyl MethylOxetane) by acetyl nitrate nitration using 90%
HNO3 and acetic anhydride mixture. The yield was found to be 74%.
Scheme 3.5: Synthesis of NMMO
106

3.2.2.2 Synthesis of BAMO-NMMO copolymer
BAMO-NMMO copolymer was synthesized from the copolymerization
reaction between BAMO and NMMO using BF3Et2O as catalyst and
1,4-Butanediol as initiator. The polymerization of BAMO was initiated through
activated monomer polymerization followed by the addition of NMMO
monomer to the reaction mixture in equal mole ratios and the polymerization
was terminated by the addition of saturated brine solution.
Scheme 3.6: Synthesis of BAMO-NMMO copolymer

The density of the BAMO-NMMO was found out using a pyknometer,
and was found to be1.26 g/ml.
The GPC profile of the BAMO-NMMO is shown in Figure 3.6. The
number average molecular weight was found out using GPC and it was found to
be 2880 with polydispersity index 1.21.
Figure 3.6: GPC trace of BAMO-NMMO copolymer, Mn = 2880 and

107
Chapter 3
The FTIR spectrum is shown in Figure 3.7. The FTIR spectrum of
BAMO-NMMO copolymer shows major absorption peaksat 2100, 1640, 1280
and 1150 cm-1, which correspond to azide groups, nitrato groups and polyether
linkage, respectively. The absorption around 2850 and 3450 cm-1 could be
attributed to methyland ethyl groups and the hydroxyl groups, respectively.
Figure 3.7: FTIR spectrum of BAMO-NMMO copolymer

The 1H-NMR spectrum of BAMO-NMMO is shown in Figure 3.8, while
Figure 3.9 shows the
13
C-NMR spectrum. The 1H-NMR spectrum exhibited
signals at 1.0, 1.3 and 2.2 ppm, which correspond to the CH3 protons, CH2
protons of the 1, 4-butanediol included in the polymer and the hydroxyl group
proton, respectively. The peaks between 3.6 and 4 ppmcorrespond to the -CH2
and OCH- protons of the polymer backbone and peaks in the range 4.5 to 5
ppm are of CH2ONO2 protons in the branch.
Significant peaks in the13C-NMR spectrum of BAMO-NMMO are
around 26-28 and at 75ppm. These peaks correspond to the CH2 of the 1, 4butanediol. The major assignments on this spectrum are the signal around 52-55
ppm, which is attributed to the azide attached carbon and the signal around 8287 ppm, which is attributed to the nitrato group attached carbon. The polyether
linkage OCH2signals appear at 69-71 ppm. On the other hand, solvent
108

signal appears at 77ppm and the signalaround 79 ppm is attributed to the O
CH. The peak at 17 ppm is due to the methyl group in the branch of the
polymer backbone.
Fig. 3.8: 1H NMR spectrum of BAMO-NMMO copolymer
Fig. 3.9: 13C NMR spectrum of BAMO-NMMO copolymer
109
Chapter 3
The decomposition behavior of BAMO-NMMO copolymer was
determined from DSC thermogram at hightemperature. Results are presented in
Figure 3.10. The DSC scan of BAMO-NMMO shows exothermic peaks in the
temperature range 160-240 oC, with exothermic peak maximum around 2505 oC
and 2005 oC which are due to the scission of nitrato and azide groups in the
polymer.
Fig. 3.10: DSC thermogramof BAMO-NMMO copolymer

The effect of diols on the polymerization reaction was studied using
ethylene glycol (EG) and butanediol (BD) as intiators with different mole
ratios. There was not much difference in the polymerisation yield. Altering the
ratio of reactive monomers to the initiators was also studied and the results
obtained are tabulated below. The maximum yield was obtained for the
monomer to initiator ratio 1:0.02.
110

Table 2: Polymerization studies of BAMO-NMMO copolymer
Sl.No
BAMO
(in mmol)
NMMO
(in mmol)
Type of
Diol
Diol
(in mmol)
Monomer
/ Initiator
Ratio
Yield
(%)a
Mn
PDIb
EG
0.1
1:0.1
78
2520
1.15
EG
0.1
3:0.1
76
3412
1.37
BD
0.02
1:0.02
82
2880
1.21
BD
0.02
3:.02
81
2840
1.47
Polymer yield = (weight of the polymer/(weight of BAMO+ weight of NMMO) x 100;

Polydispersity Index(PDI) = Mw/Mn
3.2.3 GAP-BAMO copolymer

GAP-BAMO copolymer was synthesized by two step process. In the
first step, classical cationic polymerization between epichlorohydrin and 3,3bischloromethyl oxetane was carried out to form a copolymer. In the second
step, azidation was carried out with NaN3 in DMF to form GAP-BAMO
copolymer. The copolymerization reaction between ECH and BCMO using
BF3Et2O and THF is depicted in scheme 3.7.
Scheme 3.7: Synthesis of GAP-BAMO copolymer

The density of the GAP-BAMO copolymer was found out using a
pyknometer, and was found to be1.38 g/ml.
111
Chapter 3
The GPC profile of the GAP-BAMO is shown in Figure 3.11. The
number average molecular weight was found out using GPC and it was found to
be 5224 with polydispersity index 1.42.
Figure 3.11: GPC trace of GAP-BAMO copolymer, Mn = 5224 and

The FTIR spectrum is shown in Figure 3.12. The FTIR spectrum of
GAP-BAMO copolymer showsmajor absorption peaksat 2100, and 1150 cm-1,
which correspond to azide groups, nitrato groups and polyether linkage,
respectively. The absorption around 2850 and 3450 cm-1 could be attributed to
methyland ethyl groups and the hydroxyl groups, respectively.
Figure 3.12: FTIR spectrum of GAP-BAMO copolymer
112

The 1H-NMR spectrum of GAP-BAMO is shown in Figure 3.13, while
Figure 3.14 shows the
13
C-NMR spectrum. The 1H-NMR spectrum exhibited
signals at 1.3 and 2.2 ppm, which correspond to the CH2 protons of the ring
opened THF included in the polymer and the hydroxyl group proton,
respectively. The peaks between 3.6 and 4 ppmcorrespond to the -CH2, - CH2N3
and OCH- protons of the polymer backbone. Major peaks of
13
C-NMR
spectrum of GAP-BAMO copolymer appears around 26-28 ppm and at 75ppm

and these peaks correspond to the CH2 carbon of the ring opened THF. The
major assignments on this spectrum are the signal around 52-55 ppm, which is
attributed to the azide attached carbon and the polyether linkage OCH2peaks
appear at 69-71 ppm. On the other hand, solvent absorption appears at 77ppm
and a peak around 79 ppm is attributed to the OCH.
Fig. 3.13: 1H NMR spectrum of GAP-BAMO copolymer
113
Chapter 3
Fig. 3.14: 13C NMR spectrum of GAP-BAMO copolymer

The DSC analysis was carried out at high temperature to study the
decomposition behavior of GAP-BAMO copolymer. Results are recorded in
Figure 3.15. The DSC scan of GAP-BAMO shows exothermic peaks in the
temperature range 160-240 oC, with a maximum peak around 2005 oC which
is indicative of the scission of azide groups.
Fig. 3.15: DSC thermogramof GAP-BAMO copolymer

114

Here also
the effect of diols on the polymerization reactions were
studied by using ethylene glycol (EG) and butanediol (BD) as intiators with
different mole ratios. There was not much diffrence in the polymerisation yield.
Altering the ratio of reactive monomers to the initiators was also studied and
the results obtained are tabulated in Table 3. The maximum yield was obtained
for the monomer to initiator ratio 1:0.02.
Table 3: Polymerization studies GAP-BAMO copolymer
Sl.No.
BCMO
(in mmol)
ECH
(in mmol)
Type
of
Diol
Diol
(in mmol)
Monomer/
initiator
Ratio
Yield
(%)a
Mn
PDIb
EG
0.1
1:0.1
77
3260
1.25
EG
0.1
2:0.1
72
4420
1.37
BD
0.02
1:0.02
84
5224
1.42
BD
0.02
2:.02
81
4980
1.44
Polymer yield= (weight of the polymer/(weight of

100;bPolydispersity Index(PDI) = Mw/Mn
ECH+ weight of BCMO) X
3.2.1.4 Hydroxyl value of the polymers

Table 4: Hydroxyl value of Polymers
BAMO-GLYN copolymer
Hydroxyl Value
(mg KOH/g)
58
BAMO-NMMO copolymer
52
GAP-BAMO copolymer
61
Sl. No.
Polymer
115
Chapter 3
3.3 Conclusion
Thermoplastic elastomers based on both oxetane and oxirane have been
synthesized and characterized. The copolymers BAMO-GLYN, BAMONMMO and GAP-BAMO could be synthesized successfully. The spectroscopic
techniques such as FT-IR, 1H NMR and
13
C NMR and DSC are used to
characterize the polymers. Hydroxyl values of the synthesized polymers were

also evaluated.
3.4 Experimental
3.4.1 Synthesis of BCMO
Pentaerythritol 50 g (0.37 mol) was added to a mixture of DMF and
SOCl2, 27 ml (0.23 mol). During the addition, the temperature was maintained at
55 0C for 1 hour. The solution was slowly heated to 120 0C for a period of 90
minutes. Thionylchloride 58 ml (0.49mol) was added to the reaction mixture over
a period of 3 h while the temperature was maintained at 120 0C. The reaction
mixture was stirred for a period of 6 h and allowed to cool to about 80 0C.
Thereafter, 250 ml of 1.2 M NaOH was added to the cooled reaction mixture, the
first 50 ml being added slowly due to the exothermic nature of the reaction. The
resulting solution was stirred under reflux condition for 3 h. This mixture was
steam distilled in order to separate the 3, 3-bischloromethyloxetane as bottoms.
The distillate was extracted with methylenechloride, the extract was combined
with the distillation bottoms. The fraction was concentrated and fractionated
(80 0C at 10 mm of Hg) to obtain BCMO. The yield was found to be 56%.
3.4.2 Synthesis of BAMO

Sodiumazide 12.7 g (0.195 mol) was taken in 50% aqueous NaOH solution
and BCMO 13.86 g (0.09 mol) was added to it along with a small amount of 0.61 g
116

(0.0019 mol) phase transfer catalyst, tetraethylammoniumbromide. The biphasic
mixture was heated at 95-100 0C for 24 h. The mixture was cooled, the organic
layer was separated and washed with water and passed through a column packed
with neutral alumina. The eluent was vacuum dried to yield BAMO of 85%.
3.4.3 Synthesis of GLYN

In a 300 ml, 3 necked R.B flask equipped with a magnetic stirrer,
thermometer, dropping funnel and nitrogen purge line, glycerin 70 g (0.76 mol)
was added, diluted with methylenechloride (50 ml). The flask was immersed in
ice bath and cooled to 5 0C. 150 ml of HNO3 (90%) was added drop wise over
30-45 min period and allowed to stir at room temperature for 5-6 h. 30%
NaOH solution was added to the nitrated glycerol solution while cooling to
maintain the temperature of the mixture to below 25 0C. When the mixture was
observed to have a pH of 14, additional 30% NaOH solution 275 g (6.88 mol)
was added slowly to maintain the temperature below 25 0C.The mixture was
allowed to stand for about 0.5 h, and extracted 3 times with ether. The organic
phase was combined, dried with MgSO4, filtered and evaporated under vacuum,
providing approximately 44 g of pure glycidylnitrate. The yield was found to be
70%.
3.4.4 Synthesis of BAMO-GLYN copolymer

In a double necked R.B flask fitted with a condenser and a magnetic stirrer,
5 ml of methylenechloride was taken. 1,4-butanediol 0.11 ml (1.2 mmol) and BF3
etherate 0.30 ml (2.4 mmol) in the ratio (1:2) was added. This was allowed to react
for 1h. BAMO 10 g (60 mmol) dissolved in 100 ml methylenechloride was added
and kept to react for 1 h. GLYN 7 g (60 mmol) was added dissolved in 100 ml
methylenechloride slowly. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 36 h.
50 ml NaCl solution was added to terminate the polymerization. The organic layer
117
Chapter 3
was separated and washed with 100ml saturated NaHCO3 solution. The organic
layer was dried over MgSO4 and filtered off the MgSO4. The resulting solution was
added to excess of cold ethanol. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure
to yield 85% of a highly viscous liquid.
3.4.5 Synthesis of NMMO

In a 100 ml, 3 necked R.B flask equipped with a magnetic stirrer,
thermometer and a dropping funnel, along with acetyl nitrate solution was added
which was prepared by stirring, 1.4 ml of 90% HNO3 to 6.2 ml (0.06 mol) of acetic
anhydride at 20 0C.The solution was cooled to 5 0C. To this mixture a solution of 3
g (0.029 mol) of HMMO diluted with 8 ml of CHCl3 was added drop wise. The
temperature was maintained at -10 0C during the addition and for a further 15-30
min. The reaction was quenched by pouring over 6.2 g of NaHCO3 followed by the
addition of water and very rapid stirring. After the mixture was determined to have
a pH 7 or 8, the organic layer was washed with distilled water and dried over
MgSO4. The required product was obtained in polymerizable purity by passing it
through
basic
alumina
column
and
eluting
with
50/50
vol/vol
CHCl3/hexane.Yield of NMMO was found to be 90%.
3.4.6 Synthesis of BAMO-NMMO copolymer

In a double necked R.B flask fitted with a condenser and a magnetic stirrer,
5 ml dichloromethane was taken.1,4-butanediol and BF3etherate in the ratio (1:4)
(0.01ml (0.1 mmol) 1,4-butanediol and 0.76 ml (0.4 mmol) BF3etherate) were
taken. This was allowed to react for 1h. 0.5 g (2.98 mmol) of BAMO and 0.44 g
(2.98 mmol) of NMMO was dissolved in 10 ml methylenechloride was added at
one time. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 48 h. 0.2 ml saturated
NaCl solution was added to terminate the polymerization. The phases were
separated and the aqueous phase was extracted with 5 ml of CH2Cl2. The combined
118

organics were dried over MgSO4 and filtered off the MgSO4. The solvent was
removed under reduced pressure to afford 92% of a pale yellow oil product.
3.4.7 Synthesis of GAP-BAMO copolymer

In a double necked R.B flask fitted with condenser and a magnetic stirrer,
100 ml dichloromethane was taken with 0.82 ml of THF (10 mmol). To this
mixture, drops of 0.5 ml (4 mmol) BF3etherate were added, using a dropping
funnel and the mixture was cooled to 0 to 5 0C for 1 h and 0.78 ml (10 mmol) of
ECH dissolved in 10 ml of polymerization solvent was added drop wise over a
period of 1h using a dropping funnel. After one hour 1.7 g (10 mmol) of BCMO in
DCM was added drop wise to the reaction mixture over a period of two hours. The
resulting mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 72 h. The polymerization
was terminated by adding distilled water and vigorously stirring for about 30 min.
The crude reaction product was transferred to a separating funnel and the organic
layer was washed three times with distilled water in order to remove all unreacted
monomer, diol, and catalyst. The organic layer was transferred to a round-bottom
flask and dried over magnesium sulfate.
PECH-BCMO 2 g (12.2 mmol) was dissolved in dimethylformamide (5
mL) and introduced into the flask. The reaction mixture was heated slowly until the
polymer was dissolved in the solvent (maximum temperature 60 oC). About 0.378
g of NaN3 (37 mmol) was transferred in small portions within an hour and
TBAB 0.039 g (0.1 mmol) was also added to the reaction mixture.The mixture was
heated for 48 h at 120 0C. The polymer solution was diluted to twice the volume of
DMF with dichloromethane. The mixture was filtered to separate the unreacted
sodium azide and the formed sodium chloride. The DCM solution was removed
under vacuum and the resulting viscous liquid was transferred to a separating
funnel and washed several times with hot water to remove traces of DMF. Two
119
Chapter 3
layers appeared in the separating funnel and DCM was added to extract the
polymer. A solution of polymer in dichloromethane was dried over magnesium
sulfate and the pure polymer was obtained by removing the solvent by rotary
vacuum evaporator. The polymer formed was an amper colored viscous liquid with
yield 90%.
3.5 References
[1] Miller, R. S. Research on New Energetic Materials, Mater. Res.Soc.
Symp. Proc. 1996, 3, 418.
[2] Murphy, E. A.;Ntozakhe, T.; Murphy, C. J.; Fay, J. J.;Sperling, L. H.
Characterization of Poly(3,3-bisethoxymethyl oxetane) and Poly(3,3bisazidomethyl oxetane) and their Block Copolymers.J. Appl. Polym.
Sci. 1989, 37, 267.
[3] Ampleman, G.;Marois, A.;Brochu, S.Approaches to Energetic
Thermoplastic Elastomers using GlycidylAzide Polymers.Recent Res.
Developments Macromolecules Res.1998, 3, 355.
[4] Ampleman,
G.;
Marois,
A.
Desilets.Energetic
Thermoplastic
Elastomers Based on GlycidylAzide Polymers with Increased

Functionality. 27th Int. Annual Conference of ICT, Karlsruhe,
Germany, June 2528, 1996, 132.
[5] Chan, M. L.; Reed, R.;Ciaramitaro, D. A. Advances in Solid Propellant
Formulations, in: Progress in Astronautics and Aeronautics.Solid
Propellant Chemistry, Combustion, and Motor Interior Ballistics
(Eds.: T. B. Brill, W. Z. Rey), 2000, 185.
[6] Talukder,
M.
A.
H.Synthesis
of
Hydroxy-terminated
Poly
(DinitropropylVinyl Ether).Office of Naval Research (ONR) Polymeric
120

Energetic Materials Synthesis and Characterization Workshop,
Chestertown, MD, October 2931, 1986.
[7] Kennedy, J. P. Cationic Polymerization of Olefins: A Critical
Inventory.Wiley, New York, 1975.
[8] Alex, L. K. Cationic Polymerization and Related Processes.6th
International Symposium (Ed.: E. J. Goethals), Gent, Belgium, August
30September 2, 1983, Academic Press, London, 1984.
[9] James, E. M. Ring-Opening Polymerization-Kinetics, Mechanisms and
Systems (Ed.: J. E. McGrath).J. Am. Chem. Soc., Washington, DC,
1985, 145.
[10] Talukder, M. A. H.; Lindsay, G. A. Synthesis and Preliminary
Analysis of Block Co-polymers of 3,3-Bis(azidomethyl) oxetane and
3-Nitratomethyl-3-methyl Oxetane. J. Polym. Sci. A. 1990, 28, 2393.
[11] Kawasaki, H.; Anan, T.; Kimura, E.;Oyumi, Y. BAMO/NIMMO
Copolymer with Polyester Initiation. J. Prop. Explo. Pyro. 1997, 22, 87.
[12] Xu, B.L.;Chien, Y.G.; James, C. W. Energetic ABA and (AB)
Thermoplastic Elastomers. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 1992, 46, 1603.
[13] Kawamoto, A. M.; Oliveira, J. S.;Rezende, L. C;Keicher, T.; Krause, H.
Synthesis and Characterization of Energetic Thermoplastic Elastomers for
Propellant Formulations. J. Aerosp. Technol. Manag. 2009, 1, 35.
[14] Cannizzo, L. F.; Wardle, R. B.;
Hamilton, R. S.; Edwards, W.
W.Poly(BAMO/AMMO) TPE Composite Propellant, American Defence

Preparedness Association (ADPA).Meeting on International Symposium
on Energetic Materials Technology, Phoenix, Arizona, USA, September
1995, 24, 186.
121
Chapter 3
[15] Nair, J. K.; Reddy, T. S.;Satpute, R. S.;Mukundan, T.; Asthana, S. N.
Synthesis and Characterization of Energetic Thermoplastic Elastomers
(ETPEs) based on
3,3-Bis (azidomethyl)oxetane (BAMO) 3-
Azidomethyl-3-methyl Oxetane (AMMO) Copolymer. J. Polym.

Mater.2004, 21, 205.
[16] Kimura, E.; Oyumi, Y. Effects of Copolymerization Ratio of
BAMO/NMMO and Catalyst on Sensitivity and Burning Rate of HMX
Propellant. J. Prop. Explo. Pyro. 1995, 20, 215.
[17] Kimura, E.;Oyumi, Y. Insensitive Munitions and Combustion
Characteristics of BAMO/NMMO Propellants. J. Energ. Mater.1996,
14, 201.
[18] Kimura, E.;Oyumi, Y. Sensitivities of Azide Polymer Propellants in
Fast Cook-off, Card Gap and Bullet Impact Tests. J. Energ.Mater.
1997, 15, 163.
[19] Oyumi, Y. Mechanical Properties of Plateau Burn Azide Composite
Propellants. J. Prop. Explo. Pyro. 1999, 24, 249.
[20] Oyumi, Y.;Nagayama, K. Development of High Burn Rate Azide
Polymer Propellant. J. Energ. Mater. 1997, 15, 59.
[21] Oyumi, Y. Thermal Decomposition of Azide Polymers. J. Prop. Explo.
Pyro. 1992, 17, 226.
[22] Chen, J. K.; Brill, T. B. Thermal Decomposition of Energetic Materials,
Kinetics and Near-surface Products of Azide Polymers AMMO, BAMO
and GAP in Simulated Combustion. J. Combust. Flame. 1991, 87, 157.
[23] Oyumi, Y.; Anan, T.;Bazaki, H.; Harada, T. Plateau Burning
Characteristics of AP based Azide Composite Propellants. J. Prop. Explo.
Pyro.1995, 20, 150.
122

[24] Reddy, T. S; Nair, J. K.; Satpute, R. S.; Gore, G. M.; Sikder, A. K.
Rheological Studies on Energetic Thermoplastic Elastomers (ETPEs),
J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2010, 118, 2365.
[25] Piraino, S.;Kaste, P.; Snyder, J.; Newberry, J.;Pesce-Rodriguez, R.
Chemical and Structural Characterization of Energetic Thermoplastic
Elastomers: BAMO/AMMO Copolymers.35th Int. Annual Conference
of ICT, Karlsruhe, Germany, June 29July 2, 2004, 131.
[26] Hsiue, G. H.; Liu, Y. L.; Chiu, Y. S.Triblock Copolymers based on
Cyclic Ethers: Preparation and Properties of Tetrahydrofuran and 3,3Bis(azidomethyl)oxetaneTriblock Copolymers. J. Polym. Sci. A.1994,
32, 2155.
[27] Braithwaite, P.; Edwards, W.; Sanderson, A. J.; Wardle, R. B. The
Synthesis and Combustion of High Energy Thermoplastic Elastomer
Binders. 32nd Int. Annual Conference of ICT, Karlsruhe, Germany, July
36, 2001, 91.
[28] Barbieri, U.;Polacco, G.; Keicher, T.;Massimi, R. Preliminary
Characterization of Propellants based on p(GA/BAMO) and pAMMO
Binders. J. Prop. Explo. Pyro.2009, 34, 427.
[29] Kawamoto, A. M.; Diniz, M. F.; Lourenco, V. l.; Takahashi, M. F.
K.;Keicher, T.; Krause, H.; Menke, K.;Kempa, P. B. Synthesis and
Characterization of GAP/BAMO Copolymers Applied at High Energetic
Composite Propellants.J. Aerosp. Technol. Manag. 2010, 2, 307.
[30] Pisharath, S.;Ang, H. G. Synthesis and Thermal Decomposition of GAPpoly(BAMO) Copolymer.J. Polym. Degrad. Stab. 2007, 92, 1365.
123
Chapter 3
[31] Jayakumar, K. K.; Reddy, T. S.; Nair, J. K.;Satpute, R. S.;.Mukundan,
T. Development of Green Thermoplastic Binder: Chain Extended Poly
BAMO. J. Polym. Mater. 2007, 24, 7.
[32] Ampleman, G.;Beaupr, F.Synthesis of Linear GAP based Energetic
Thermoplastic Elastomers for Use in HELOVA Gun Propellant
Formulations. 27th Int. Annual Conference of ICT, Karlsruhe,
Germany, June 2528, 1996, 241.
[33] Diaz, E.; Brousseau, P.;Ampleman, G.; Prudhomme, R. E. Heats of
Combustion
and
formation
of New Energetic Thermoplastic
Elastomers based on GAP, polyNIMMO and polyGLYN. J. Prop.

Explo. Pyro. 2003, 28, 101.
124
Synthesis and Characterization of Polyphosphazene Based Energetic Polymers
Abstract
Polyphosphazene based energetic polymers can act as new class of binders for both rocket
propellants and insensitive munitions, which practicallybeat conventional carbon-based
systems in terms of their energy-densities and glass transition temperatures.
Polyphosphazenes are well known for their mechanical properties especially linear
polyphosphazenes are found to exhibit low Tg and molecular weight. Energetic groups in
linear polyolyphosphazene make them energetic polyphosphazenewhich will bind the
explosive formulations. Energetic polymers based on polyphosphazene such as
poly(bistrifluoroethoxy)
(PDNPP),
phosphazene
(PTEP),
poly(dinitropropanoxy)
phosphazene
Poly [bis(4-nitrobenzenamine)] phosphazene (PNBP) and Poly[bis(3,5-
dinitrobenzenamine)] phosphazene (PDNBP) would replace the conventional binder

systems.
PTEP
was
synthesized
by
the
nucleophilic
substitution
of
sodiumtrifluoroethanolate on the polydichlorophosphazene (PDCP) back bone. PDNPP was

prepared in two steps, first step was the substitution of sodium salt of glycidol in the PDCP
and second step was the nitration of the resulting polymer with 90% HNO3. The polymer
PNBP and PDNBP was synthesized by the reaction of PDCP with 4-nitroaniline and 3,5dinitroaniline using triethylamine in THF. The synthesized polymers were characterized by
GPC for molecular weight determination, FTIR and NMR spectroscopy for structural
confirmation. Thermal analysis using DSC showed a glass transition temperature around
-63 0C and exothermic decomposition around 350
oC
for PTEP, a glass transition
temperature around -60 0C and exothermic decomposition around 220 oC for PDNPP. But
the polymers PNBP and PDNBP, exhibited a glass transition temperature at -20 0C and -5
0C with an exothermic decomposition at 230 oC was observed.
Keywords: Energetic Polyphosphazene, PDCP, Energetic Binder.
125
Chapter 4
4.1 Introduction
There is no weapon system or type of weaponry that doesnt rely on
energetic materials-either in the form of an explosive fill or as a propellant. In
addition, energetic materials are used in a multitude of critical defense
components ranging from shaped charges, actuators and delay lines to
detonators. The need for increased mobility, enhanced range and lethality,
reduced or modified signatures, reduced collateral damage, and the capability to
destroy hardened and buried targets combine to increased demand for enhanced
conventional energetics. Crystalline high energy density materials such as RDX
(1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazacyclohexane) and HMX (1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7tetraazacyclooctane) possess very high melting point which renders them
difficult to shape for use in explosive charges. They are sensitive to shock and
mechanical stimuli due to their crystallinity coupled with high energy density,
thus diminishing their handling utility and general safety in manufacturing and
service environments.
Present days energetic binders like polyBAMO (poly (Bisazidomethyl
oxetane),
polyNMMO[poly(nitratomethyl
methyl)
oxetane],
polyGLYN
[poly(glycidyl nitrate)] etc. are more widely used. The energetic polymer
binders such as polyBAMO, polyNMMO, polyGLYN etc may be used in
conjugation with high explosives such that the energy of the explosive itself is
not overlay diminished by the presence of binder in the combined material. The
difficulty with this approach is in obtaining energetic polymers, which when
used as binders have an adequate combination of both desirable physical
properties such as malleability and shock insensitivity, in addition to high
energy density. Even the best energetic binders have energy densities that are
significantly lower than that of the crystalline explosive material for which they
are required to bind. This has the effect of reducing the energetic performance
126

of the explosives. In an attempt to solve this problem, current practice is to use
a high loading of explosive relative to binder which in turn diminishes the
desirable physical properties of the binder/explosive mixture. Energetic
polyphosphazenes [1-5] containing energetic functional groups such as azide
(-N3), nitrato (-ONO2), can function as novel binding material for EM
formulations.
The energetic polyphosphazene [6-14] as thermoplastic elastomeric
binder is an emerging field of research. The energetic polyphosphazenes have
potential use over conventional systems and indeed not just as explosive
binders, but also for use in propellant and pyrotechnic formulations. The
materials possess high energy density and are highly amenable to chemical
modification thereby allowing for modification of the physical properties of the
material [15-21]. In particular the tacky and rubbery nature of these materials
makes them ideal for shaping co-binder materials.

This section deals with the results obtained from the synthesis
andcharacterization of hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene (HCCTP) monomer,
polydichlorophosphazene (PDCP) polymer precursor, poly (bistrifluoroethoxy)
phosphazene (PTEP), poly(dinitropropanoxy) phosphazene (PDNPP), poly [bis(4nitrobenzenamine)] phosphazene (PNBP) and poly[bis(3,5-dinitrobenzenamine)]
phosphazene (PDNBP).
4.2.1 Synthesis and characterization of poly(dichlorophosphazene)

(PDCP)
Section
4.2.1
includes
results
of
the
synthesis
of
hexachlorocyclrotriphosphazene, the monomer, and its polymerization for the

synthesis of PDCP and the solvent free synthesis of PDCP.
127
Chapter 4
4.2.1.1 Synthesis of Hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene (HCCTP)
Hxachlorocyclotriphosphazene (HCCTP) was synthesized by reacting
phosphorous pentachloride (PCl5) and ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) in
chlorobenzene solvent at elevated temperature in the presence of ZnO and
quinoline catalyst. It was obtained as colorless crystal with melting point
115 0C and the yield was found to be 80%.
Scheme 4.1: Synthesis of HCCTP

The FTIR spectrum of the HCCTP is shown in Figure 4.1. The important
characteristic peaks are the absorption peaks at 1312 and 1216cm-1, which
correspond to the phosphorous nitrogen bond (-P=N-). Absorptionpeak around
874 cm-1 is attributed to the -P-N- stretching vibrations. In the IR spectrum, the
peak around1194 cm-1 is due to the-P-N-hexatomic ring frame vibration. The
peaks at 523 and 600 cm-1 are due to the P-Cl vibration. From comparison with
the infrared spectrum of HCCTP from literature, it is observed that all the
characteristic peaks are found in the IR spectrum of the product which ensures
that the product of the synthetic reaction is hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene.
128

100
80
%T
60
40
4000
3500
3000
2500
2000
Wavenumbers cm
1500
1000
500
-1
Figure 4.1: FTIR spectrum of HCCTP

HCCTP was characterized by
31
P-NMR spectrum, as shown in Figure
4.2. The important feature of this spectrum is the singlet around 21 ppm, which
is assigned to three equivalents of phosphorous in the ring and it is confirmed
from the literature.
Figure 4.2: 31P NMR spectrum of HCCTP

129
Chapter 4
The effect of ratio of NH4Cl and PCl5 in the reaction yield was studied
and found that the reaction yield wasmaximum for the ratio 1.3:1. Above this
ratio it was found that the reaction yield was lowered. The results of these
studies are tabulated below (Table 4.1).
Table 4.1: Effect of reactant mole ratio on the reaction
Sl.No
1
PCl5 to NH4Cl mol ratio

0.9:1
Solvent
C6H5Cl
Yield (%)
35
1:1
C6H5Cl
46
1.2:1
C6H5Cl
64
1.3:1
C6H5Cl
72
1.4:1
C6H5Cl
62
1.5:1
C6H5Cl
55
The effect of reaction time on the yield of the reaction was also studied.
It was found that, after the addition of catalyst and PCl5 the reaction gave
maximum yield, if it was continued for 3.5 to 4.0 hours.
Table 4.2: Effect of reaction time on the reaction
Sl.No
1
Reaction Time (in h)

3
Solvent
C6H5Cl
Yield
66
3.5
C6H5Cl
72
C6H5Cl
68
4.5
C6H5Cl
62
C6H5Cl
52
5.5
C6H5Cl
44
4.2.1.2 Synthesis of poly(dichlorophosphazene) (PDCP)

PDCP was prepared from HCCTP by high temperature ring opening in
inert atmosphere at 225 0C for 1 h and then at 250 0C for 16 h. The polymer was
130

isolated as a colourless rubbery material upon precipitation into an excess of
anhydrous hexane from THF.The number average molecular weight of the
polymer was found to be 4250 with polydispersityindex 1.2.
Scheme 4.2 Synthesis of PDCP

4.2.1.3 Solid state synthesis of poly(dichlorophosphazene) (PDCP)
PDCP was synthesized by reacting (NH4)2SO4 and PCl5 at 165 0C and
distilling off the POCl3 over a temperature of 225 0C to yield a viscous
colourless rubbery material. The polymer yielded linear low molecular weight
with yield 70%. The number average molecular weight was found to be 2420
with polydispersityindex 1.1 (Figure. 4.3).
O
9PCl5
2(NH 4)2SO4
1650C
-POCl 3
2 Cl
Cl
N
Cl
n Cl
P
Cl
Cl
Cl
N
P
Cl
O
Cl
(n-1) POCl3
2250C
Oligomers
Cl
Cl
Cl
N
Cl
n
Cl
Cl
Scheme 4.3 Synthesis of PDCP

The advantage of this method is that PDCP can be synthesized in a short
period of time and it produces low molecular weight linear polymers.
131
Chapter 4
Figure. 4.3: GPC trace of PDCP, Mn = 2420 and polydispersity 1.1.

The FTIR spectrum of the PDCP is shown in Figure 4.4. The important
characteristic peaks are the absorption peaks around1312 and 1216 cm-1, which
correspond to the phosphorous nitrogen bond (-P=N-). Absorption peak around
774 cm-1 is attributed to the -P-N- stretching vibration. The peaks at 584 and
524 cm-1 are due to the P-Cl vibration.
80
%T
60
40
20
0
1600
1400
1200
1000
800
600
400
-1
Wave number (cm )
Figure 4.4: FTIR spectrum of PDCP
132

The formation of the polymer was confirmed by analysing the 31P NMR
spectrum in CDCl3(Figure 4.5). The NMR spectrum gives a signal at -20ppm
which is the characteristic peak of the PDCP and it showed a low glass
transition temperature of -84 0C (Figure 4.6).
Figure 4.5: 31P NMR spectrum of PDCP
Figure 4.6: DSC curve of PDCP
133
Chapter 4
4.2.2 Synthesis of poly(bistrifluoroethoxy)phosphazene (PTEP)
PTEP was prepared in the same way as that of poly(bistrifluoroethoxy)
oxirane (PBTEO)was synthesized and the only difference is in the mole ratio of
the reactants taken and the reaction time. Sodium salt of trifluoroethanol on
reaction with PDCP in THF under inert atmosphere yielded PTEP as tacky offwhite polymer with molecular weight 4872 and polydispersityindex
1.21(Figure.4.7).
Scheme 4.4: Synthesis of PTEP
Figure 4.7: GPC trace of PDCP, Mn = 4872 and polydispersity 1.21.

The polymer PTEP was characterized by FT-IR Spectroscopy. FT-IR
spectrum of the PTEP is shown in Figure 4.8. The importantcharacteristic peaks
are the absorption peaks around 1314 and 1216 cm-1, which correspond to the
134

phosphorous nitrogen bond (-P=N-). Absorption peak around 874 cm-1 is
attributed to the -P-N- stretching vibration. In the IR spectrum, the peaks at 523
and 600 cm-1 due to the P-Cl absorption are absent which indicates that the
substitution was successfully carried out. The peaks around 1100 and 1350 cm-1,
correspond to the polyether linkage and CF3groups, respectively. Absorption
peaks around 2850 cm-1 is attributed to the methylene group.
Figure 4.8: FTIR spectrum of PTEP

The formation of the polymer was confirmed by analysing the
1
31
P and
31
H NMR spectra in acetone d6. The P NMR gives a broad signal at -7.5 ppm
which is the characteristic peak of the PTEP and the 1H NMR spectrum showed
a broad signal at 4.5 ppm attributed to CH2CF3 and the signal at 2.0 ppm is the
solvent peak. The
13
C-NMR spectrum of PTEP showed a signal around 61-63
ppm, which is attributed tothe -CH2 of the CH2CF3 groups. The signal around
124 ppm which appears as a quartet is attributed to the CF3 carbon atom of the
CH2CF3.
135
Chapter 4
Figure 4.9: 31P NMR spectrum of PTEP
Figure 4.10: 1H NMR spectrum of PTEP

PTEP is an off-white tacky material and its thermal behavior at low
propellant formulation and it can be used as precursor for the generation of
novel energetic polyphosphazenes. The thermal analysis of PTEP was
performed by DSC and Figure 4.11 shows the results for a low temperature
scan. The PTEP showed glass transition temperature around -63 oC, which is
suitable for a binder. The decomposition temperature of the PTEP was
136

determined from a DSC thermogram at high temperature. Results are recorded
in Figure 4.12. The DSC scan of PTEP shows an exothermic peak in the
temperature range 310-360 oC, with a maximum around 3505 oC and it was
due to the scission of the CF3 bonds from the CH2CF3 groups of the
PTEPpolymer.
0
-1
mW
Tg =-63 C
-2
-3
-4
-100
-80
-60
-40
-20
20
40
Temperature C
Figure 4.11: The DSC curve of PTEP
Figure 4.12: DSC thermogram of PTEP

137
Chapter 4
The effect of catalyst and solvent on the conversion of PDCP to PTEP
was investigated by varying the amount of catalyst and solvent used. It was
found that, THF was the solvent of choice and it gave maximum yield in a short
period of time compared to diglyme. The amount of phase transfer catalyst
plays a crucial role in the reaction. The amount of catalyst for the current
reaction was optimized. The table 4.3 describes the effect of catalyst and the
solvent on the conversion of PDCP to PTEP.
Table 4.3: Effect of catalyst and solvent on the reaction
Sl.No.
Polymer
PDCP
(mmol)
Sodium
trifluoroethanolate
(mmol)
Catalyst
(TBAB)
(mmol)
Solvent
(THF/Diglyme)
Polymer
yield
(%)
Reaction
Time
(h)
8.62
17.24
1.72
THF
75
60
8.62
17.24
0.86
THF
67
60
8.62
17.24
0.86
Diglyme
54
72
8.62
17.24
1.72
Diglyme
58
72
4.2.3 Synthesis of poly(dinitropropanoxy) phosphazene (PDNPP)

Synthesis of the polymer PDNPP was done in two steps. The first step
was substitution of sodium salt of glycidol in the polymer PDCP and nitration
of the same using 90% HNO3. In this study, substitution of PDCP followed by
nitration yielded a polymer with a polydispersity 1.4.
Scheme 4.5: Synthesis of PDNPP

The density of PDNPO was determined by using a pyknometer, and was
found to be1.25 g/ml.
138

The GPC profile of the PDNPO is shown in Figure 4.13. In the nitration
reaction, the glycidol ring was opened and got nitrated, which led to an increase
in the molecular weight.The number average molecular weight was found out
using GPC and it was found to be 5342 with polydispersity index 1.4.
Figure 4.13: GPC trace of PDNPP Mn= 5342 with polydispersity 1.4.
The FTIR spectrum of the PDNPP is shown in Figure 4.14. The
absorption peaks around 1640 and 1264 cm-1, correspond to asymmetric and
symmetric stretching vibrations, respectively of the nitrato groups. Absorption
peaks around 2852 cm-1 is attributed to the methylene group. In the IR
spectrum, the disappearance of the peak around 745 cm-1 and the formation of
the peaks at 1634cm-1 and 1264 cm -1 are attributed to thereplacement of chloro
groups of PDCP with the nitrato groups. The other importantpeaks are the
absorption peaks around 1314 and 1216 cm-1, which correspond to the
phosphorous nitrogen bond (-P=N-). Absorption peak around 874 cm-1 is
attributed to the -P-N- stretching vibration. In the IR spectrum, the peaks at 523
and 600 cm-1 due to the P-Cl absorption are absent which indicates that the
substitution was successfully carried out.
139
Chapter 4
Figure 4.14: FTIR spectrum of PDNPP

31
P, 1H
and 13C NMR spectra recorded in CDCl3. The 31P NMR spectrum gives a broad
signal at -6.5 ppm which is the characteristic peak of the PDNPP. The
important features of the 1H NMR spectrum are the signal around 5.2 ppm, as
multiplet which corresponds to the -CH2ONO2 protons and 3.8 ppm of OCH2
and 3.5 ppm of CH respectively. The 13C-NMR spectrum of PDNPP, gives the
signal around 92-95 ppm, which is attributed tothe nitrato groups attached
carbon. The signal around 69-71 ppm is associated with thepolyether linkage
(OCH2) and solvent peak appears at 77 ppm.
Figure 4.15: 31P NMR spectrum of PDNPP

140

Poly (dinitropropan-1-oxy)phosphazene (PDNPP) is an yellow highly
viscous liquid. The thermal analysis of PDNPP was performed by DSC and
Figure 4.16 shows the results for a low temperature scan. The PDNPP showed
glass transition temperature around -60 oC, which is suitable for a binder. The
decomposition temperature of the PDNPP was determined from a DSC
thermogram at high temperature. The DSC scan of PDNPP shows an exothermic
peak in the temperature range 190-240 oC, with a maximum at 2205 oC and it was
due to the elimination of ONO2 by the scission of the CH2ONO2 groups from the
PDNPP polymer.
Figure 4.16: DSC curve of PDNPP

The effect of phase transfer catalyst and solvents in the synthesis of
PDNPP was investigated. The yield of the polymer obtained was maximum
when THF was used as the solvent. Fully substituted polymer was obtained in
the case when the sodium salt of glycidol used was more than 1.5 times that of
PDCP. The results of the studies are given in the table 4.4.
141
Chapter 4
Table 4.4: Effect of catalyst and solvent in the synthesis of PDNPP
Sl.No.
Polymer
PDCP)
(mmol)
8.62
Sodium
salt of
Glycidol
(mmol)
8.62
8.62
3
4
Catalyst
(TBAB)
(mmol)
Solvent
(THF/Diglyme)
Polymer
yield (%)
Reaction
Time
(h)
0.122
Diglyme
40
48
8.62
0.061
Diglyme
35
48
8.62
17.2
0.122
THF
79
48
8.62
12.9
0.122
THF
77
48
4.2.4 Synthesis of Poly[bis(4- nitrobenzenamine)] phosphazene (PNBP)

PNBP was synthesized by the substitution reaction of PDCP with
4-nitroaniline in THF, in the presence of triethylamine under inert atmosphere.
Polymer was obtained as a tacky pale yellow polymer with molecular weight
5742 and polydispersity index 1.42 (Figure.4.17).
Scheme 4.16: Synthesis of PNBP
Figure 4.17: GPC trace of PNBP

142

The polymer PNBP was characterized by FT-IR Spectroscopy. FT-IR
spectrum of the PNBP is shown in Figure 4.18. The major peaks are the
absorption peaks around 1314, 1216 and 3200 cm-1, which correspond to the
phosphorous nitrogen bond (-P=N-) and NH- of the aromatic amine. Absorption
peak around 874 cm-1 is attributed to the -P-N- stretching vibration. In the IR
spectrum, the peaks at 523 and 600 cm-1 due to the P-Cl absorption are present
with less intensity which indicates that the substitution has not completely
occurred and it may be due to the bulky nature of the substituent. Absorption
around 1530 and 1380 cm-1 are of vibrations of the NO2 group. Absorption
peaks around 2850 cm-1 is attributed to the methylene group.
Figure 4.18: FTIR spectrum of PNBP

The formation of the polymer was confirmed by analyzing the 31P and 1H
NMR spectrum recorded in CDCl3. The 31P NMR gives a broad signal at 12 ppm
which is the characteristic peak of the PNBP and it showed a broad signal at
-16 ppm which is attributed to the partially substituted phosphorous with nitro
143
Chapter 4
aniline in the polymer chain.The 1H NMR spectrum of PNBP showed signals
around 3.6, 6.2 and 7.5 ppm, which corresponded to the NH- and aryl protons
respectively. 13C NMR spectrum exhibited chemical shifts at 113.4, 126.3, 139.0
and 152.5 ppm attributed to the various carbon atoms in the aromatic ring.
Figure 4.19: 31P NMR spectrum of PNBP
Figure 4.20: 1H NMR spectrum of PNBP
144
Figure 4.21: 13C NMR spectrum of PNBP

The thermal analysis of PNBP was performed by DSC and Figure 4.22
shows the results for a low temperature scan. The PNBPP showed glass
transition temperature around -20 oC and the presence of bulky aromatic moiety
restricted the segmental motion of the polymer chain and Tg moved to more
positive value. The decomposition temperature of the PNBP was determined
from a DSC thermogram at high temperature. The DSC scan of PNBP showed
an exothermic peak in the temperature range 190-240 oC, with peak maximum
at 2305 oC and the exothermic decomposition is attributed to the elimination
of NO2 group from the aromatic moiety.
145
Chapter 4
Figure 4.22: The DSC scan of PETFE
4.2.5 Synthesis of Poly [bis(3,5-dinitrobenzenamine)] phosphazene

(PDNBP)
PDNBP was synthesized by the substitution reaction of PDCP with
3,5dintroaniline in THF, in the presence of triethylamine under inert
atmosphere. The substituent dinitroaniline was prepared from 3,5 dintrobenzoic
acid by Schimidt reaction using oleum and sodium azide. Polymer was obtained
as a tacky yellow polymer with molecular weight 3880 and polydispersity index
1.66 (Fig.4.23).
Scheme 4.6: Synthesis of PDNBP

146
Figure 4.23: GPC trace of PDNBP

The polymer PDNBP was characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy. FT-IR
spectrum of the PDNBP is shown in Figure 4.24. The major peaks are around
1314, 1216 and 3200 cm-1, which correspond to the phosphorous nitrogen bond
(-P=N-) and NH- of the aromatic amine. Absorption peak around 874 cm-1 is
attributed to the -P-N- stretching vibrations. In the IR spectrum, the peaks at 523
and 600 cm-1 due to the P-Cl absorption are present with less intensity which
indicates that the substitution has not completely occurred and it may be due to
the bulky nature of the substituent. Absorption around 1530 and 1380 cm-1 are
attributed to the asymmetric and symmetric stretching vibrations of the NO2
group. Absorption peaks around 2850 cm-1 is attributed to the methylene group.
147
Chapter 4
Figure 4.24: FTIR spectrum of PDNBP

1
H NMR and
13
C NMR spectra recorded in CDCl3. The
31
31
P,
P NMR spectrum
gives a broad signal at 11 ppm which is the characteristic peak of the PDNBP
and it showed a broad signal at -16 ppm which is attributed to the partially
substituted polymer with dinitroaniline in the polymer chain. The 1H NMR
spectrum of PDNBP showed signals around 8.3, 7.68 and 4.4 ppm, which
corresponded to the aryl protons and NH- protons respectively.
13
C NMR
spectrum showed signals of aryl carbon atoms at 156, 146, 114 and 112 ppm
which confirmed the presence of aromatic moiety.
148
Figure 4.25: 31P NMR spectrum of PDNBP
Figure 4.26: 1H NMR spectrum of PDNBP
149
Chapter 4
Figure 4.27: 13C NMR spectrum of PDNBP

PDNBP is an yellow tacky and rubbery polymer. The thermal analysis of
PDNBP was performed by DSC and Figure 4.28 shows the results for a low
temperature scan. The PDNBPP showed glass transition temperature around
-5 oC and it may be due to the restricted segmental motion of the polymer chain
with bulky aromatic group. Here Tghas moved to more positive value and the
DSC scan of PDNBP showed anexothermic peak in the temperature range
190-240 oC, with a maximum at 230 5 oC and the exothermic decomposition
is attributed to the elimination of nitro group from the aromatic moiety.
Figure 4.28: The DSC curve of PDNBP

150
4.3 Conclusion
Polyphosphazene with aliphatic and aromatic energetic groups in the
side chain are successfully synthesized. Polyphosphazene based energetic
polymers such as PTEP, PDNPP, PNBP and PDNBP were synthesized and
characterized. Characterization technique such as 1H NMR,
13
C NMR,
31
NMR, FT-IR, GPC and DSC were used.
4.4 Experimental
4.4.1 Synthesis of HCCTP
In a 250ml, 3 necked R.B flask equipped with a magnetic stirrer,
thermometer, dropping funnel, 32.96 g (292 mmol) monochlorobenzene, 2.72g
(50.8 mmol) of ammonium chloride, 0.0890 g (1.8 mmol) of zinc oxide and
1.073 g (8.31 mmol) of quinoline was taken. A solution of 13.74 g (66 mmol)
phosphorus pentachloride in 32.96 g of monochlorobenzene which was heated
to 100 0C was added over a period of 5 h to the flask at a temperature of
125-133 0C keeping solvent under refluxing. The reaction mixture was stirred
under reflux for additional 2 h and cooled. The unreacted ammonium chloride
was filtered off and the filtrate was distilled under reduced pressure to distil off
the solvent and quinoline. The residue was extracted with hexane and the
solvent was removed under vacuum to yield 85% HCCTP crystals.
4.4.2 Synthesis of PDCP

Freshly sublimed HCCTP 1 g (8.62 mmol) was placed in a dry pyrex
tube and sealed under vacuum. The tube was placed in an oven and heated to
225 0C for 1 h and then at 250 0C for 16 h after which time, the molten material
inside the tube almost ceased to flow. The tube was allowed to cool to room
temperature, the contents was dissolved in a minimum amount of anhydrous
151
Chapter 4
THF. The product, consisting of poly(dichlorophosphazene), was isolated as a
colourless rubbery material upon precipitation into an excess of anhydrous
hexane.
4.4.3 Solid state synthesis of PDCP

Under dry nitrogen atmosphere, 25 g (0.12 mol) PCl5 powder was mixed
with 3.53 g (0.027 mol) (NH4)2SO4 in a one litre round bottomed flask equipped
with a spin bar, a gas inlet and a reflux condenser.The reflux condenser was
equipped with Tygon tubing which was immersed in a water bubbler at the
other end.Under nitrogen atmosphere, the reaction vessel was placed in an oil
bath pre-heated to 165 0C.Within 20 minutes all of the solid reactants liquefied
signaling the completion of phase I of the overall polymerization reaction.The
water bubbler was disconnected and the dry nitrogen atmosphere was
re-established. The condenser was replaced with simple distillation head and
temperature was raised gradually to 250 0C.The pale yellow product was stirred
at this temperature for one hour, during which phosphoryl chloride liquid was
distilled over and leaving behind a viscous, colourless liquid.The product was
allowed to cool and purified by dissolving in minimum quantity of dry toluene
and precipitation in dry hexane.The viscous liquid thus obtained was the
product of polydichlorophosphazene. The yield of the polymer was found to be
70%.
4.4.4 Synthesis of PTEP

To a stirred solution of NaH, 0.62 g (25.8 mmol) in THF, 1.17 g (17.24
mmol) of trifluoroethanol dissolved in tetrahydrofuran was added over a period
of 1h. A solution of PDCP 1 g (8.62 mmol) in THF was added after 3h. The
reaction mixture was heated to reflux in the dark for 60 h in the presence of
tetrabutylammonium bromide 0.5 g, (1.72 mmol) phase transfer catalyst. The
152

reaction mixture was cooled, filtered and the solvent was removed under
vacuum. The reaction mixture was poured into distilled water and the product
was dried under vacuum. The polymer was dissolved in minimum quantity of
dry acetone and precipitated in dry hexane and dried in vacuum. The polymeric
product was isolated as a tackyoff white material withan yield of 75%.
4.4.5 Synthesis of PDNPP

To a stirred solution of freshly synthesized polydichlorophosphazene,
1.0 g (8.62 mmol)) in THF (20 ml), under an inert gas atmosphere, was added a
solution of sodium salt of glycidol 1.66 g (17.2 mmol) in 10 ml THF along with
catalyst TBAB 0.04 g (0.122 mmol).The mixture was heated to reflux and
stirred for 18 h. Up on cooling to ambient temperature, the volume of THF was
reduced and the concentrated solution was added to anhydrous hexane drop
wise, with stirring. The precipitated polymer was dissolved in dichloromethane
(50 ml) and washed with saturated brine solution (2 x 30 ml) and finally with
water before drying over anhydrous MgSO4. The MgSO4 was filtered off and
solvent was removed under vacuum. The polymer was dissolved in minimum
quantity of dry acetone and precipitated in dry hexane and dried in vacuum. The
polymeric product was isolated as a pale yellow viscous liquid with yield of
79%.
95% nitric acid (5 ml) was cooled, with stirring, to 0-5 0C in an ice/water
bath. Glycidol substituted polyphosphazene (200 mg) in 2 ml dichloromethane
was added drop wise and the reaction mixture was stirred for 15 minutes,
maintaining the temperature below 5 0C. The solution was added drop wise
with stirring, to cooled, distilled water yielding the nitrated product as a pale
yellow oily precipitate. The precipitate was washed with several aliquots of
153
Chapter 4
distilled water and dried in vacuum at 50 0C for 2-3 h. The product was
obtained as yellow viscous liquid and the yield was found to be 80%.
4.4.6 Synthesis of PNBP

To a stirred solution of freshly synthesized polydichlorophosphazene,
1.0 g (8.62 mmol) in THF (20 ml), under an inert gas atmosphere, was added a
solution of 1.43 g (10.34 mmol) 4-nitroaniline in 10 ml THF. The mixture was
heated to reflux and 1.44 ml (10.34 mmol) triethylamine was added and stirred
for 18 h. Up on cooling to ambient temperature,the product was filtered through
Whatman No.1 filter paper and the volume of the THF was reduced. The
concentrated solution was added to 100 ml water with stirring. The precipitated
polymer was dissolved in THF and was precipitated with dry hexane and dried
in vacuum. The polymer isolated was an yellow, highly viscous liquid with an
yield of 65%.
4.4.7 Synthesis of PDNBP

To a stirred solution of freshly synthesized polydichlorophosphazene 1.0 g
(8.62 mmol) in THF (20 ml), under an inert gas atmosphere, was added a
solution of 1.74 g (9.54 mmol) 3,5-dinitroaniline in 10 ml THF. The mixture
was heated to reflux, 1.33 ml (9.54 mmol) triethylamine was added and stirred
for 18 h. Up on cooling to ambient temperature, the product was filtered
through Whatman No.1 filter paper and the volume of the THF was reduced.
The concentrated solution was added to 100 ml water with stirring. The
polymer was purified by precipitation from dry hexane and dried in vacuum.
The polymer was isolated as a yellow highly viscous liquid with anyield of
60%.
154
4.5 References
[1] Allcock, H. R. Recent Advances in Phosphazene (Phosphonitrilic)
Chemistry. Chem.Rev. 1972, 72, 315.
[2] Allcock, H. R. PhosphonitrilicPolymers. Encyclopedia of Polymer Sci.
and Technol. 1969, 10, 139.
[3] Allcock, H. R. PolyphosphazeneElastomers.Encyclopedia of Science
and Engineering, Pergamon Press. 1986, 3787.
[4] Allcock, H. R.; Angelo. G. S. Carboranyl methylene substitutesd
phosphazene and polymers thereof. US patent 4444 972, 1984.
[5] Contini, A. E.; Bellamy, A. J.; Ahad, L. N. Development of a bomb
calorimetric technique for sensitive explosives.New Trends in
Research of Energetic Materials, Proceedings of the Seminar, 13th,
Pardubice, Czech Republic, Apr. 21-22, 2010.
[6] Golding, P; Trussell, S. Novel Energetic Polyphosphazenes.US Patent
No.20080108784, 2008.
[7] Bellamy, A, J.; Contini, A, E.; Golding, P.; Trussell, S, J. Bomb
calorimetric study of a series of energetic linear polyphosphazene.Central
European Journal of Energetic Materials.2005, 2, 23.
[8] Bellamy, A. J.; Bolton, P.; Callaway, J. D.; Contini, A. E.; Davies, N.;
Golding, P.; Till, M. K.; Towing, J. N.; Trussell, J. S. Energetic
polyphosphazenes- a new category of binders for pyrotechnic
formulations. International Annual Conference of ICT2005, 36th
(Energetic Materials), 2/1-2/11.
[9] Bellamy, A. J.; Contini, A. E.; Golding, P.; Trussell, S. J. Bomb
calorimetric study of a series of energetic linear polyphosphazene. New
155
Chapter 4
Trends in Research
of Energetic Materials, Proceedings of the
Seminar, 8th, Pardubice, Czech Republic, Apr. 19-21, 2005, 1, 134.

[10] Golding, P.; Trussell, S.; papers presented at National Defense
Industrial Association Insensitive Munitions and Energetic Materials
Technology Symposium,San Francisco, CA, USA.2004.
[11] Colclough, M.E. Studies on the Synthesis of Energetic Phosphazenes,
Paper presented at the International Symposium on Energetic Materials
Technology, 1995, Phoenix.
[12] Dave, P.R.; Forohar, F.; Axenrod, T.; Bedford, C. D.; Chaykovsky,
M.;
Gilardi,
R.;
Anderson,
F.;
George
C.
Preparation
of
CyclotriphosphazenePolynitramines, Paper presented at the Joint

International Symposium on Energetic Materials, American Defence
Preparedness Association, New Orleans, 1992.
[13] Botton, P. R.; Golding, P.; Till, M. K.; Trussell, S. J. Enhanced
Energetic
Polyphosphazene.Insensitive
Munition
and
Energetic
Materials Technical Symposium (IMEMTS), 24-28 April, 2006,

Bristol.
[14] Ratz, R.; Schroeder, H.; Ulrich, G.; Kober, E.; Grundman, C.A New
Class
of Stable Phosphonitrilic
Acid
Esters.
Polyfluoroalkyl
Phosphonitrilate.J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1962, 84, 551.

[15] Allcock, H. R.; Suszko, P. R.; Evans, T. L. Phosphazenes with Olefinic
Side Groups:
Proton Abstraction Reactions of Fluoroalkoxy
Derivatives. Organometallics. 1982, 1, 1443.

[16] Allcock, H. R.; Fuller, T. J. The Synthesis and Hydrolysis of Hexa
(imidazolyl) cyclotriphosphazenes). J.Am. Chem. Soc. 1981, 103, 2250.
156

[17] Hagnauer, G. L.; Schneider, N. S. Dilute solution characterization of
polyfluoroalkoxyphosphazenes. J. Polym. Sci., Part A. 1999, 10, 699.
[18] Singler. R. E.; Hagnauer. G. L.; Schneider. N. S.;Laliberte. B. R.;
Sachjer, E.Y.; Matton, R. W. Synthesis and characterization of
polyaryloxyphosphazenes. J. Poly. Sci. 1974, 12, 433.
[19] Allcock. H. R. Small-Molecule Rings as Models for High Polymeric
Chains.Acc. Chem. Res. 1979. 12. 351.
[20] Das, S. K.; Keat, R.; Shaw, R. A.; Smith, B. C. Phosphorusnitrogen
compounds.
Part
XXII.
The
reactions
of
Hexachlorocyclotriphosphazatriene with Isopropylamine. J. Chem.

Soc. 1965, 5032.
[21] Allcock, H. R. Structural Effects in Heteroatom Systems. The
Influence of Steric Effects on Oligomer-Polymer Interconversionsin
the Phosphazene (Phosphonitrile) Series. A Semi empirical Approach.
J. Inorg. Chem. 1966, 5, 1320.
157
Chapter 4
158
Binder Properties of the Synthesized Polymers
Abstract
Selection of energetic polymers as binders in rocket propellants and insensitive
munitions is very important as it reflects in the final performance of the formulation.
Heat of formation, glass transition temperature, molecular weight and oxygen
balance etc. are key factors which ascertain the usefulness of polymers for binder
applications. The heat of formation of both carbon based and phosphazene based
energetic polymers were evaluated using bomb calorimeter. Oxygen balance of the
polymers was calculated according to standard method. Glass transition temperature
and molecular weights of the polymers were determined and correlated.
Keywords: Heat of formation, glass transition temperature, oxygen balance, binder
properties.
5.1 Introduction
Modern high energy density materials such as RDX, HMX etc. are
crystalline in nature and it is very difficult to make them as explosive charges in
desired shapes. Hence energetic binders find application in explosive
formulations. Apart from inert binders, currently energetic binders play a major
role in rocket propellants and insensitive munitions. Main objectives of the use
of binders are to make energetic formulation as insensitive munitions and also
help them to get molded for explosive charges. An energetic polymer can act as
excellent binder when it could meet certain criteria such as molecular weight
control during synthesis, low glass transition temperature, energetic substituents
in the polymer backbone, sufficient oxygen balance and heat of formation.
159
Chapter 5
Obviously, apart from aforesaid qualities, mechanical properties also play vital
role in the selection of energetic polymers as binders.
Azido polymers had received attention of researchers due to their
positive heat of formation. But the carbon based energetic polymers had poor
mechanical properties. To improve the mechanical properties, they were used in
conjugation with energetic plasticizers of the same type. If curing was needed
for the final matrix to improve mechanical properties and if the plasticizer was
also hydroxyl terminated, it could further stiffen the matrix. The above
problems could be solved by the use of polyphosphazene based energetic
polymers, because polyphosphazenes are well known for their mechanical
properties. Linear polyphosphazenes are synthesized which have are in low
molecular weight and low glass transition temperature. Binder properties such
as heat of formation, glass transition temperature, molecular weight and oxygen
balance are determined.

Several polymeric binders have been synthesized in the past years to
meet the specific requirements in aerospace and defense applications. Apart
from mechanical properties, these polymers have to fulfill certain requirements
such as
a) Low molecular weight
b) Low glass transition temperature
c) Good oxygen balance
d) Sufficient heat of formation.
160
5.2.1 Heat of Formation

The raw data obtained from the bomb calorimeter was used for the
calculation of standard enthalpies of combustion and heat of formation [1-4].
The steps involved in these calculations are same for all the polymers. In
general, this section includes an example of calculation for both oxetane and
oxirane based energetic polymers [5-8] and polyphosphazene based energetic
polymers [9-11].
Energetic polymers do not require any kindling agents as they undergo
very neat combustion under high oxygen pressure, leaving negligible residue
[12, 13]. The calorimetric determination was done on automatic Anton Parr
static adiabatic Bomb Calorimeter. The calorimeter was calibrated using Parr
thermochemical grade benzoic acid [14-17]. The steps involved in the
calorimetric analysis are as such adopted for the evaluation of heat of formation
of energetic polymers. Calculations were carried out on the assumption that
100% substitution of energetic groups occurred in the polymer backbone. To
find out the standard heat of formation of products, NIST data key values [18]
for thermodynamics were used (Table 1).
Table 1: NIST data key values for thermodynamics
-1
Ideal combustion product
-H0f kJmol
CO2(g)
393.510.13
H2O(l)
285.830.04
N (g)
2
H PO (aq)
3
4
1299.01.5
HF(aq)
335.350.65
161
Chapter 5
5.2.1.1 Heat of formation of GAP-THF diols
First step in the calculation after bomb calorimeter analysis was
establishment of balanced equation for the empirical formula of the polymer
monomeric unit. For GAP-THF diols, the balanced equation is,
n = (28+6) 37 = 3
n = 0.170/171 = 0.001
The enthalpy of combustion is derived from the following equation,
Hco = Uco + nRT
Where cUo is the standard internal energy of combustion,n is the
difference in number of moles of gaseous products and reactants. R is universal
gas constant and T is the absolute temperature.
q = C x T
Where C is the heat capacity of bomb calorimeter and T is the
temperature increase in the calorimeter.
q = 8.456 2 x 2.2
Uco = -q/n;
= -18.6032 4.4 / 0.001
= -18603.2 4.4
So, n = (28+6) 37 = 3 mol and
nRT = 3 x 0.008314 x 298
= 7.43
Therefore, Hco = (-18603.2 4.4) + 7.43
= -18595.76 4.4 kJ/mol
162

In the next step, using the standard enthalpies of formation of the
combustion products which are taken from the NIST data,Hfoof polymer was
calculated as follows,
Hfo Polymer =
Hfo (products)- Hco Polymer
= (26 x -285.8)+ (28 x -393.5) (-18595.76 4.4)

= 146.96 = 147 4.4 kJ/mol
For oxetane and oxirane based polymers, the same method was used to
evaluate the heat of formation (Table 2.)
Table 2: Enthalpy of formation of the synthesized polymers
Sl. No.
Polymer
Heat of formation
in kJ/mol
147
Heat of formation
in kCal/mol
35
GAP-THF
PDNPO
-1560
-373
PETEH
-3660
-875
BAMO-GLYN copolymer
87
21
BAMO-NMMO copolymer
25
GAP- BAMO copolymer
404
97
5.2.1.2 Heat of formation of PTEP

First step in the calculation after bomb calorimeter analysis was the
establishment of a balanced equation for the empirical formula of the polymer
monomeric unit. For the polymer PTEP, the balanced equation is,
n = (16+2) 15 = 3
n = 0.2452/243.04 = 0.001
The enthalpy of combustion is derived from thefollowing equation,
163
Chapter 5
Hco= Uco + nRT
Where Ucois the standard internal energy of combustion, n is the difference
in number of moles of gaseous products and reactants. R is universal gas
constant and T is the absolute temperature.
q = C x T
Where C is the heat capacity of bomb calorimeter and T is the temperature
increase in the calorimeter.
q = 8.456 2 x 2.3
= 19.45 4.6
Uco = -q/n;
= -19.45 4.6/ 0.001
Uco = -19277.23 4.6
So, n = (16+2) 15 = 3 mol and
nRT = 3 molx 0.008 x 298 x 298
= 7.43
Therefore cHo = (-19277.23 4.6) + 7.43
= 19269.80 4.6 KJ/mol
In the next step, using the standard enthalpies of formation of the
combustion products which are taken from the NIST data, Hfoof polymer was
calculated as follows,
HfoPolymer =
Hfo(products)- Hco Polymer
= (10 x -285.8) + (16 x -393.5) + (4 x -1299)
164

+ (24 x -335.35) (-19269.80)
= 3130.04 kJ/mol
For the remaining polyphosphazene based polymers, the same method
was used to evaluate the heat of formation (Table 3).
Table 3: Enthalpy of formation of the synthesized polymers
PTEP
-3130
Heat of
formation
in kCal/mol
-748
PDNPP
-1480
-353
PNBP
-2856
-683
PDNBP
-2212
-529
Sl. No.
1
Polymer
Heat of formation
in kJ/mol
From the bar diagram it is clear that the polymers which contain azide
groups have positive heat of formation and the polymer GAP-polyBAMO
shows highest positive heat of formation among them. Apart from azide
165
Chapter 5
containing polymers, PDNPO and PDNPP have good heat of formation among
the carbon based and phosphazene based polymers.
5.2.2 Oxygen Balance

Since most of the energy release comes from oxidation reactions, the
amount of oxygen available is a critical factor. If there is insufficient oxygen to
react with the available carbon and hydrogen, the explosive is considered to be
oxygen deficient. The converse is considered oxygen rich. If an explosive
molecule contains just enough oxygen to form carbon dioxide from carbon,
water from hydrogen , sulfur dioxide from sulfur, and all metal oxides from
metals with no excess, the molecule is said to have a zero oxygen balance [1920]. The molecule is said to have a positive oxygen balance if it contains more
oxygen than is needed and a negative oxygen balance if it contains less oxygen
than is needed; the combustion will then be incomplete and large amount of
toxic gases like carbon monoxide will be present.
The oxygen balance is calculated from the empirical formula of a
compound in percentage of oxygen required for complete conversion of carbon
to carbon dioxide, hydrogen to water, and metal to metal oxide.
The procedure for calculating oxygen balance [21] in terms of 100 grams
of the explosive material is to determine the number of moles of oxygen that are
excess or deficient for 100 grams of a compound.
Where X = number of atoms of carbon, Y = number of atoms of

hydrogen, Z = number of atoms of oxygen, and M = number of atoms of metal
(metallic oxide produced).
166

As a general rule, the oxygen balance should be near zero to get the
maximum amount of energy release. Other concerns like stability or volatility
often limit the oxygen balance for chemical compounds. TNT is an example of
a relatively powerful explosive that is oxygen deficient.
Some explosives are mixtures of chemicals that do not react and are
known as composites. A common example is composite B-3 which is made up
of a 64/36 mixture of RDX (C3H6N6 O6) and TNT. If written in the same
notation, it would be C6.851H8.750N7.650O9.300 and would have an oxygen balance,
OB = -40.5%. ANFO which is a 94/6 mixture of ammonium nitrate and fuel oil
has a -0.6% oxygen balance. Composite explosives generally have oxygen
balances that are closer to the ideal case of zero.
In the case of TNT (C6H2(NO2)3CH3),
Molecular weight = 227.1
X = 7 (number of carbon atoms)
Y = 5 (number of hydrogen atoms)
Z = 6 (number of oxygen atoms)
Therefore
OB% = -74% for TNT

One area in which oxygen balance can be applied is in the processing of
mixtures of explosives. The family of explosives called amatols are mixtures
of ammonium nitrate and TNT. Ammonium nitrate has an oxygen balance of
+20% and TNT has an oxygen balance of 74%, so it would appear that the
mixture yielding an oxygen balance of zero would also result in the best
167
Chapter 5
explosive properties. In actual practice a mixture of 80% ammonium nitrate and
20% TNT by weight yields an oxygen balance of +1%, the best properties of all
mixtures, and an increase in strength of 30% over TNT.
Examples
of
materials
with
negative
oxygen
balance
are
e.g. trinitrotoluene (-74%), aluminium powder (-89%), sulfur (-100%), or carbon

(-266.7%). Examples of materials with positive oxygen balance are ammonium
nitrate (+20%), ammonium perchlorate (+34%), potassium chlorate (+39.2%),
sodium chlorate (+45%), sodium nitrate (+47%), tetranitromethane (+49%),
lithium perchlorate (+60%), or nitroglycerine (+3.5%).
Commercial explosive materials should have oxygen balance close to
zero, in order to minimize the production of nitrogen oxides and carbon
monoxide; the gaseous products of incomplete combustion are especially
dangerous in confined spaces.
5.2.2.1 Oxygen balance of PDNPO
Molecular formula of the repeating unit is C10H18O9 N2

Molecular weight = 274
Oxygen Balance = -1600 / 274 (2 x 10 + (18/2) -9)
= -117 %
168

5.2.2.2 Oxygen balance of PDNPP
Molecular formula of the repeating unit is C6H10O14 N5P

Molecular weight = 407
Oxygen Balance = -1600 / 407 (2 x 6 + (10/2) -14)
= -12 %
Table 4: Oxygen balance of the synthesized polymers
Sl.No.
1
Polymer
GAP-THF
Oxygen Balance (%)

-173
PDNPO
-117
PETEH
-158
BAMO-GLYN Copolymer
-127
BAMO-NMMO Copolymer
-143
GAP-BAMO Copolymer
-149
PTEP
-53
PDNPP
-12
PNBP
-125
10
PDNBP
-81
169
Chapter 5
The polymer PDNPP has higher oxygen balance nearing to zero among
others, which is an essential criterion for the new generation enrgetic polymers
or plasticizers for binder applications. If the polymers have substantial oxygen
balance, the amount of oxidiser used in the final formulation can be reduced
there by improving the mechanical properties of the final formulation. Currently
used oxidisers such as ammonium nitrate in combination with ammonium
perchlorate in high ratio is found to exhibit tailing while combustion, which is a
major drawback. So by the use of energetic polymers with significant oxygen
balance, the ratio to the explosive formaion can be increased since these
polymers have good oxygen balance and energy content.
170
5.2.3 Glass transition temperature

Tg is the temperature at which an amorphous polymer passes fromthe
glassy state to rubbery state. The glass transition temperature is a function of
chain flexibility [22-25]. The glass transition occurs when there is enough
vibrational (thermal) energy in the system to create sufficient free-volume to
permit sequences of polymer chain to move together as a unit. At this point, the
mechanical behavior of the polymer changes from rigid and brittle to a tough
and leathery.
Actually, the glass transition temperature is more important in plastic
applications than is the melting point, because it gives an idea about how the
polymer behaves under ambient conditions. The melting temperature is often
referred to as the first-order transition --- thats where the polymer changes
state from solid to liquid. Technically, only crystalline polymers have a true
melting point; thats the temperature at which the crystallites melt and the total
mass of plastic becomes amorphous. Amorphous polymers do not have a true
melting point, however, they do have a second-order transition where their
mechanical behaviorchanges from a glassy nature to viscous rubbery flow.
If the Tg is well below room temperature, the material is what is
commonly termed as a rubber or elastomer which is soft and easily stretched;
[26-29] and those materials whose Tg is reasonably close to the ambient
temperature will exhibit plastic material behavior which is strong and tough
with good impactresistance.
171
Chapter 5
Glass Transition Temperature
-100
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
-80
-60
-40
-20
0
1
GAP-THF
PDNPO
PETEH
BAMO-GLYN
BAMO-NMMO
GAP-polyBAMO
PTEP
PDNPP
PNBP
PDNBP
10
Glass Transition Temperature
It is clear from the above graph that Tg values of the polymers gradually
decreased with increasing the size of the substituent on the backbone. Inclusion
of aromatic energetic groups in polyphosphazene changed the Tg values to
more positive than others. Apart from the size of the substituent, the percentage
of substitution and molecular weight also has great influence on Tg values. This
may be the reason why some polymers exists as tacky material at ambient
temperature while others exist as viscous liquid. From the density
measurements also it is clear that bulky group substituted polymers and higher
molecular weight polymers have high densities where the segmental motion is
restricted.
172

5.2.4 Molecular weight
Molecular weight of the polymers was determined by GPC using THF as
mobile phase and is shown in Table 4. Mn , the number average molecular
weight, which is the ratio of the total weight of the polymer to the total number
of molecules present. But Mw , the weight average molecular weight is the
mean value of the weight distribution of molecular sizes. Mn can be determined
easily and it has become the more often used molecular weight average [30].
Number average molecular weight is important in the case of low
molecular weight species because Mn counts the number of molecules present
rather than the weight of the polymer. In the case of polymer mixtures, low
molecular weight polymer contributes little to Mw and high molecular weight
to large extent. Polydispersity index is a measure of the width of molecular
weight distribution (MWD) and is theoretically important.
A well-defined narrow molecular weight distribution is obtained if PDI
is close to 1. The incorporation of monomer units in to the growing polymer
chain during polymerization obeys certain statistical principles. As a result the
reaction is heterogeneous at its molecular level and molecular properties vary
throughout the polymer sample with corresponding frequencies of molecules
bearing those property values.
In the present case majority of the synthesized polymers have low
molecular weight, preferably, Mn below 5000 and are amenable for the binder
applications, since glass transition temperature of the polymers depended on the
molecular weights. Due to low molecular weights, the polymers either exist as
highly viscous liquid or as tacky material which avoids the chemical
crosslinking agents in the final energetic formulations. The following bar
173
Chapter 5
diagram shows the number average molecular weights of the synthesized
polymers and it can be observed that most of the polymers have molecular
weights within 2500- 5500 range which are either oligomers or polymers.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
GAP-THF
PDNPO
PETEH
BAMO-GLYN
BAMO-NMMO
GAP-polyBAMO
PTEP
PDNPP
PNBP
PDNBP
5.3 Conclusion
Binder properties, which are crucial for the selection of energetic
polymers and plasticizers in binder applications, such as heat of formation,
molecular weight, and glass transition temperature and oxygen balance were
evaluated and discussed.
174
5.4 References
[1] Atkins, P. W.; de Paula, J. Physical Chemistry (7th ed.).Oxford
University Press, Oxford, UK, 2002.
[2] Silbey, R. J.; Alberty, R. A.;Bawendi, M. G. Physical Chemistry
(4thed.). Wiley, New York, 2004.
[3] Shoemaker, D. P.; Garland, C. W.; Nibler, J. W. Experiments in
Physical Chemistry, 5th Edition. McGraw-Hill, New York, 1989. 153.
[4] Noggle, J. H. Physical Chemistry, 3rd ed, Harper Collins, 1996, 272.
[5] Walters R.N. Hackett S.M., Lyon R.E., Heats of Combustion of High
Temperature Polymers, Fire Mater. 2000, 24, 245.
[6] Walters R. N. Molar Group Contributions to the Heat of Combustion,
Fire Mater. 2002, 26, 131.
[7] Girdhar H.L., Peerzada G.M., Handoo D., Specific Enthalpies of
Combustion ofSome Acrylic Polymers, Fuel, 1985, 64, 1013.
[8] Diaz E., Brousseau P., Ampleman G., Prudhomme R.E., Heats of
Combustionand
Formation
of
New
Energetic
Thermoplastic
Elastomers Based on GAP, PolyNMMO and PolyGLYN, Propellants

Explos. Pyrotech. 2003, 28, 101.
[9] Golding P., Trussell S.J., Novel Energetic Polyphosphazenes Useful
for ExplosiveBinding, Patent application 2006, WO 032882A-1.
[10] Contini A.E. Calorimetric Investigations of a Series of Energetic
Polyphosphazenes, PhD Thesis, Cranfield University, 2005. Document
available online at https://dspace.lib.cranfield.ac.uk/handle/1826/2997.
[11] Bellamy A. J. Contini A. E. Golding P. Trussell S. J. Bomb
Calorimetric Study of a Series of Energetic Linear Polyphosphazenes,
175
Chapter 5
New Trends Res. Energ. Mater.,Proc. Semin., 8th, Pardubice, Czech
Republic, 2005, 134.
[12] Thornton, W. The Role of Oxygen to the Heat of Combustion of Organic
Compounds, Philosphical Magazine and J. of Science, 1917, 33, 194.
[13] Van Krevlen, D. W. Thermochemical Properties: Calculation of the
Free Enthalpy of Reaction from Group Contributions, in Properties of
Polymers, 3rd Ed., Elsevier, Amsterdam, 1990, 20, 629.
[14] Huggett, C. Estimation of Rate of Heat Release by Means of Oxygen
ConsumptionMeasurements, Fire and Materials, 1980, 58.
[15] Bensen, S. W. Thermochemical Kinetics, Methods for the Estimation of
Thermochemical Data and Rate Parameters. John Wiley, New York,
1968.
[16] Salzberg, H. W.; Morrow, J. I.; Green, M. E. Physical Chemistry
Laboratory: Principles and Experiments, Macmillian, New York, NY,
1978. 66.
[17] Krech M., Price S.J.W., Yared W.F., Determination of the Heat of
Formation ofHexafluorobenzene, Can. J. Chem., 1972, 50, 2935.
[18] Cox J.D.;Wagman D.D.; Medvedev V.A.;CODATA Key Values for
Thermodynamics,Hemisphere Publishing Corporation, New York,
1989.
[19] Dowding, C. H.; Aimone, C. T. Rock breakage and explosives. In:
Hartman (edt.): SMEMining Engineering Handbook. SMME, Colorado,
2000, 722.
[20] Ganpathy, B.Advance course on rock blasting, IDL, Hyderabad, India,
Nov. 1978.
176

[21] Matti, H.Rock Excavation Handbook. Sandvik Tamrock, 1999, 100.
[22] Fox, T. G.; Flory, P. J. Second-order transition temperatures and
related properties of polystyrene.J. Appl. Phys. 1950, 21, 581.
[23] Fox, T. G.; Flory, P. J. The Glass Temperature and Related Properties of
Polystyrene - Influence of Molecular Weight.J. Polym. Sci. 1954,14, 315.
[24] Fox, T. G.; Loshaek, S. Influence of molecular weight and degree of
crosslinking on the specific volume and glass temperatures of polymers.
J. Polym. Sci, 15, 371, 1955.
[25] Bueche, F. Derivation of the WLF Equation for the Mobility of Molecules
in Molten Glasses. J. Chem. Phys.1953, 21, 1850; 1956, 24, 418.
[26] Gibbs, J. H.; Dimarzio, E. A. Nature of the Glass Transition and the
Glassy State.J. Chem. Phys. 1958,28, 373,;J. Polym. Sci. lA.1963, 1417.
[27] Wunderlich, B.; Bodly, D. M.; Kalpan, M. H. Theory and
Measurements of the GlassTransformation Interval of Polystyrene. J.
Appl. Phys. 1964, 35, 95.
[28] Wunderlich, B.; Bodly, D. M. Polymer Microscopy. J. Polym. Sci.
1964, 137.
[29] Jenckel, E.; Ueberreiter, Z. The Elastic Range of Polymers and Its
Change by Plasticization. J. Phys. Chem. Leipzig A. 1938, 182, 361.
[30] Billmeyer, F.W. Text book of Polymer Science, John Wiley & Sons,
New York, 1971, 56.
177
Chapter 5
178
Summary and Conclusions
Abstract
Current technology utilizes cast cured polymer bonded explosives (PBX) for military
applications with energetic polymers, plasticizers, fillers, oxidizers and energetic
materials. The energetic polymers and plasticizers form chemical crosslinks with
explosives and for that, curing is needed, which stiffens the matrix and renders them
difficult to manipulate. Practice of twin screw extrusion or injection molding
technology for solid energetic materials with novel energetic binders which do not
require chemical crosslinking helps to overlay the aforesaid difficulties. Both carbon
based and polyphosphazene based energetic polymers were synthesized, among these
carbon based polymers are low molecular weight polymers and are hydroxyl
terminated which needs chemical crosslinking to wrap explosive charges. But the
polyphosphazene based energetic binders are tacky or rubbery in nature which do not
require any chemical crosslinking agents. Here the essential requirements of polymers
for binder applications have been discussed along with future outlook also.
Keywords: Energetic Polymers, Energetic Plasticizers, Polyphosphazene.
6.1 Introduction
Modern weapon systems and rocket propellants are being developed
world wide in these days. These energetic materials are envisaged to perform as
insensitive materials with enhanced energy output, comply with safety and
environmental aspects and low cost of production. The use of energetic
polymers and plasticizers as energetic additives as well as binder is one of the
179
Chapter 6
practical ways to get insensitive munitions and high energy output during
demilitarization.
The present work has emphasized on the synthesis and characterization
of both carbon based and polyphosphazene based energetic polymers. Binder
properties such as molecular weight, glass transition temperature, oxygen
balance and heat of formation of these polymers were evaluated and discussed.
6.2 Summary
The thesis was divided in to six chapters and chapter wise arrangement
of the thesis is as follows.
First chapter depicted the brief history of energetic polymers and the
brief literature survey of energetic polymers based on oxetanes and oxiranes. It
also dealt with the history of energetic plasticizers and energetic
polyphosphazenes. Various characterization techniques adopted for the current
study and the main objectives of the present work were discussed in chapter 1.
Second chapter included the synthesis and characterization of oxetane
based energetic polymers. It also included the synthesis of PECH diol and
PECH-THF diol and their characterization. The synthesis of GAP-THF diols,
poly(dinitropropanoxy)oxirane (PDNPO) and poly(bistrifluoroethoxy)oxirane
(PBTEO) by attaching energetic groups such as azido, nitrato and fluoro to the
polymer backbone and their characterization were discussed.
Third chapter has emphasized on the synthesis and characterization of
copolymers of both oxetanes and oxiranes. Here three copolymers such as
BAMO-GLYN copolymer, BAMO-NMMO copolymer and GAP-BAMO
copolymer were synthesized and characterized. BAMO-GLYN copolymer was
synthesized by the cationic ring opening polymerization between the monomer
180

BAMO and GLYN and BAMO-NMMO copolymer was synthesized by the
copolymerization between BAMO and NMMO. But GAP-BAMO was
synthesized by the ring opening polymerization between epichlorohydrin
(ECH) and bischloromethyloxetane (BCMO) followed by azidation. These
polymers were also characterized.
Fourth chapter has dealt with the synthesis and characterization of novel
energetic polyphosphazenes. The precursor polydichlorophosphazene was
synthesized and fluoro, nitrato, mono nitroaromatic amines and dinitroaromatic
amines were attached to get the polymers PTEP, PDNPP, PNBP and PDNBP.
All the polymers were characterized.
Fifth chapter has focused on the binder properties of the synthesized
polymers. The binder properties such as heat of formation, glass transition
temperature, molecular weight and oxygen balance were evaluated and
discussed.
Last chapter is the summary of the investigations and the conclusions
drawn from the earlier chapters and future outlook.
6.3 Conclusion
The major conclusions that were drawn from the present work are the
following:
1) Synthesis of high molecular weight PECH-THF diol with low Tg could
be achieved with classical cationic polymerization technique without a
polyol which would help to avoid unwanted crosslinking during curing.
2) Successfully incorporated energetic moieties such as fluoro, nitrato and
azido groups in to the polymer which was obtained by ring opening
polymerization of oxiranes.
181
Chapter 6
3) Achieved the synthesis of low molecular weight copolymers of both
energetic oxirane and oxetane monomers. These polymers were
energetically rich as it contained both azido and nitrato groups when
compared to energetic homo polymers.
4) Synthesized novel polyphosphazene based energetic polymers having
nitrato and fluoro energetic groups which were rubbery and tacky in
nature. Achieved the synthesis of polyphosphazene having nitroaromatic
amines by the condensation reaction between mononitramine and
dintramine with polydichlorophosphazene. This made them suitable for
use effectively in injection moulding or twin screw extrusion with solid
energetic materials.
5) Ascertained which polymer would perform as a good binder in rocket
propellants and explosive formulation based on the heat of formation,
glass transition temperature, oxygen balance and molecular weight of
the polymers.
From the oxirane based energetic polymers synthesized, GAP-THF was
found to exhibit positive heat of formation with substantial molecular weight
and PDNPO was also a good candidate since it has good oxygen balance and
energy content.
Among the copolymers, BAMO-GLYN copolymer showed good
capability to act as a binder because it was energy rich, had average oxygen
balance, low Tg and good number average molecular weight.
Among polyphosphazene based energetic polymers, the polymer PDNPP
could be the best to be used as energetic binder. It has good heat of formation,
low Tg, low molecular weight and better oxygen balance.
182
6.4 Future Outlook

Development of high energy materials is an emerging field. But most of
these materials are solids and in order to make them act as insensitive
munitions, efficient binder has to be used. So large extent of research is going
on in the field of energetic polymers and plasticizers in order to develop
effective binders. Polyphosphazene based energetic polymers are the entry level
polymers to act as binders. Polyphosphazenes are well known for their
mechanical properties and when they become energetic, they will be the better
ones compared to other binders which are currently used. So the design of
future weapon system having solid energetic materials would be wrapped with
energetic polyphosphazene for better and safe performance. If we could
introduce more energetic groups in the polyphosphazene, it can be used as
insensitive munitions itself and can be added in to explosive charges where we
need fillers, oxidisers or binders. If highly energetic aromatic moiety can be
incorporated in to the polyphosphazene having amino or hydroxyl functional
groups will be a great breakthrough. Similarly, introduction of energetic
oligomers as branches in polyphosphazene will perform well in future explosive
charges.
183

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ENERGETI C POL YME RS

Cochin University of Science and Technology

DEPARTMENT OF APPLIED CHEMISTRY

Department of Applied Chemistry

God, our Creator, has stored within our minds and

A.P. J. Abdul Kalam

First, I thank my guide, Prof. K. Sreekumar, for his constant support,

It is beyond the words to express my sincere gratitude to my family members

3. Energetic Polymers ....................................................................... 10

3.2 Oxetane Polymers .................................................................................17

3.3 Fluorinated Polymers............................................................................21

5.1 High Performance Elastomers ..............................................................32

5.1.1 Phosphazene Elastomers ................................................... 32

7 Main Objectives of the present work .............................................. 44

2.1 Introduction .........................................................................................58

2.2.3 Synthesis and characterization of poly(glycidyl azide-THF) diol ........ 68

2.2.4 Synthesis of poly(dinitropropan-1-oxy)oxirane (PDNPO) ................... 76

2.5 References .............................................................................................92

Chapter 3 Synthesis and Characterization of Copolymers of Oxetanes and

3.2.2 BAMO-NMMO copolymer .................................................................. 106

3.2.3 GAP-BAMO copolymer........................................................................ 111

3.5 References .............................................................................................120

Chapter 4 Synthesis and Characterization of Polyphosphazene Based

4.2.2 Synthesis of poly(bistrifluoroethoxy) phosphazene (PTEP) ................. 134

4.4.1 Synthesis of HCCTP ............................................................................. 151

4.5 References .............................................................................................155

Chapter 5 Binder Properties of the Synthesized Polymers .............................. 159

5.2.2 Oxygen Balance .................................................................................... 166

5.2.3 Glass transition temperature ................................................................ 171

Chapter 6 Summary and Conclusions ............................................................ 179

demilitarization it was difficult to recover and recycle these binders [2].

Conventional Binder System

Cochin University of Science and Techhnology

Cochin University of Science and Technology

2. History of Energetic Polymers

Department of Applied Chemistry

2.2 Polybutadienes (PBAA, PBAN, and CTPB)

Cochin University of Science and Technology

Department of Applied Chemistry

2.4 Hydroxyl Terminated Polybutadiene

Cochin University of Science and Technology

Figure 6: Hydroxyl Terminated Polybutadiene

2.5 Thermoplastic Elastomers

Department of Applied Chemistry

Cochin University of Science and Techhnology

3.1 Oxirane Polymers

Department of Applied Chemistry

Scheme 1: Synthesis of GAP Triol

Cochin University of Science and Technology

The energetic properties of GAP are not a consequence of its oxidation

Department of Applied Chemistry

Scheme 2: Synthesis of polyGLYN

Cochin University of Science and Technology

Scheme 3: Active Monomer Polymerization of GLYN

Department of Applied Chemistry

Heat of formation, Kcal/mol

Hydroxy value (mg KOH/g)

3.1.2.2 Stability of PolyGLYN Rubber

Scheme 4: Uncured and Cured PolyGLYN