摘要 |
The present invention provides an improved method of carrying out cationic polymerization of cyclic ether monomers substituted with high-energy, electron-withdrawing pendant groups (e.g., BAMO and NMMO). Such cyclic ether monomers are polymerized with an initiator precursor (i.e., an alcohol) and boron trifluoride tetrahydrofuranate (BF3.THF). It has been discovered that when boron trifluoride tetrahydrofuranate is used as a catalyst in the cationic polymerization of cyclic ether monomers substituted with high-energy, electron-withdrawing pendant groups (e.g., BAMO and NMMO), polymers are produced that have improved functionality and low poly-dispersity. The polymers formed using the method of the present invention are useful for forming cross-linked elastomers which, in turn, are useful for forming elastomeric binders for high-energy compositions, such as propellants, explosives, gasifiers or the like.
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