A study on the effect of microstructural parameters on the mechanical properties of HTPB-based propellants

The difference in polymerization method and conditions leads to the formation of Hydroxylterminated polybutadiene (HTPB) with different microstructural parameters. The difference in microstructural parameters strongly effect on the curing behavior and mechanical properties of the binder system and composite propellants based on thisprepolymer. It should be noted that the mechanical properties requirement of composite propellant is very stringent. Therefore, many articles have investigated the effect of HTPB microstructural parameters on the mechanical properties of binder system and composite propellants. By properly understanding how these parameters affect mechanical properties, propellants with optimal mechanical properties, high solid load and low viscosity can be prepared. In this article, a comprehensive overview of the effect of these parameters on mechanical properties has been tried to be expressed in a simple way. The results show that the most important parameter affecting the mechanical properties of HTPB is the functionality distribution and functionality type of hydroxyl. The effect of all microstructural parameters has been investigated in thisarticle.

Keywords:

“Microstructure” , “HTPB” , “Propellant” , “Mechanical properties” , “Aerospace”.