Tetra-alkyl titanates as bonding agents for thermoplastic propellants

摘要

A process is disclosed for improving the mechanical properties and processability of thermoplastic composite propellants achieved by incorporation in the propellant of from about 0.1% to 1.0% of an organic titanate of the general formula Ti(OR)4, where R represents a common alkyl group. The process comprises dissolving in an excess amount of a volatile organic solvent a thermoplastic elastomer which consists of hard segments having substantially crystalline properties and soft segments having substantially amorphous properties. The hard segments impart rigid properties to a solid propellant composition with which it is combined, and the soft segments imparting rubbery properties to a solid propellant composition with which it is combined. The Ti(OR)4 functions as a medium between the surface of the ammonium perchlorate (AP) oxidizer and the thermoplastic elastomer to improve processability and to provide a bonding substrate to enhance the adhesive bond between the AP and the thermoplastic elastomer. After solvent removal, the propellant pellets are heat formed in a mold, the mold is cooled, and the molded product is released in the form of a solid propellant grain.