Morphological Studies of an Inert Polymer Binder Subjected to Shock Loading

To improve the dimensional stability of a solid rocket propellant or a plastic bonded explosive (PBX) and to allow it to deform under stress a rubbery polymeric network is incorporated in the composition. The rubbery binder used in this investigation was hydroxy terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) crosslinked with a polyisocyanate. The cured polymer was then subjected to shock loading and its resulting morphology investigated. The results indicate that there is no significant change in the morphology of the shocked polymer which agrees with the results from the mechanical response.