Composite Rocket Propellants Based on Thermoplastic Elastomer Binders

The objective of this paper is to present new binder systems that can be applied in composite rocket propellants, to improve properties of these propellants not only for better performance, but also to reduce waste and pollution. These novel systems are based on the thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) binders, which consists of copolymers with the addition of a plasticizer, and additives. The effect of the novel TPE binder systems on the burning rate and mechanical properties of AP based propellants was studied. The results show that propellants based on the novel TPE binders have a better energy performance than today's workhorse hydroxyl terminated polybutadine/ammonium perchlorate propellant, exhibit a similar range of burning rate, possess appropriate mechanical properties, and exhibit good processing and aging characteristics at low cost.