MECHANICAL AND SWELLING PROPERTIES OF HTPB-BASED COPOLYURETHANE NETWORKS

Copolyurethanes of hydroxy terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) and ISRO-Polyol (ISPO), an indigenously developed castor-oil based polyol, have been prepared using toluene diisocyanate and hexamethylenediisocyanate. The mechanical strength and swelling characteristics of the copolyurethanes cured with trimethylol propane and triethanolamine have been studied to evolve improved solid propellant binders. By varying the ratios of the two hydroxy pre-polymers, chain extenders, and crosslinkers, copolyurethanes having a wide range of tensile strength and elongation could be obtained. Many of these systems are desirable for their use as propellant binders. The results have been explained in terms of the measured crosslink densities and other swelling properties.