Viscoelastic properties of hydroxyl-terminated poly(butadiene) based composite rocket propellants

Abstract

In the present study, the viscoelastic response of three composite solid propellants based on hydroxyl-terminated poly(butadiene), ammonium perchlorate and aluminum has been investigated. The investigation was surveyed by dynamic mechanical analysis over a wide range of temperatures and frequencies. The mechanical properties of these materials are related to the macromolecular structure of the binder as well as to the content and nature of solid fillers. The storage modulus, loss modulus, loss factor and glass transition temperature for each propellant sample have been evaluated. The master curves of storage (log G' vs log ω) and loss modulus (log G'' vs log ω) were generated for each propellant. A comparison of logaT vs temperature curves for all propellants indicate conformance to Williams-Landel-Ferry equation. Choosing the glass transition as the reference temperature, WLF equation constants are determined. Fractional free volume at the glass transition temperature and thermal coefficient of free volume expansion values are in accordance with the consideration that Al is reinforcing filler.

Keywords

• composite propellant
• hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB)
• dynamic mechanical analysis
• viscoelastic properties