Catalyst-free preparation of Polytriazole Polyethylene Oxide-Tetrahydrofuran and its plasticizer-containing elastomer preparation and performance analysis

Highlights: • Polytriazole Polyethylene Oxide-Tetrahydrofuran curing method without catalyst is designed by alkynyl terminated polyethylene oxide-tetrahydrofuran reacts and a new energetic curing reagent GAP (M_n = 4000 g/mol, f = 38) to form elastomer. • The best ratio under the preparation conditions was obtained by this approach. • The plasticizer A3 and Bu-NENA (60 ~ 140 wt%) were added to prepare the PTPET elastomer. Remarkably, PTPET elastomer of Bu-NENA was prepared for the first time. • This new curing GAP opens a promising prospect for the catalyst-free preparation of PTPET high-energy plasticized elastomer and composite solid propellant. One of the major difficulties regarding the current composite solid propellant is to find a new binder curing system. Currently, most commonly used polyurethane is easily affected by moisture, causing polyurethane to generate bubble and thus affecting the overall performance of the propellant. Herein, a new Polytriazole Polyethylene Oxide-Tetrahydrofuran curing method without catalyst is designed: alkynyl terminated polyethylene oxide-tetrahydrofuran reacts with big GAP (M_n = 4000 g/mol, f = 38) to form elastomer. At the same time, TGA, DMA, equilibrium swelling and LF-NMR methods are combined to evaluate the comprehensive properties, and obtain the best ratio under the preparation conditions. Then, the plasticizer A3 and Bu-NENA (60 ~ 140 wt%) were added to prepare the product whose comprehensive performance was tested by mechanical tensile machine and LF-NMR methods. Remarkably, PTPET elastomer of Bu-NENA was prepared for the first time. The mechanical strength, mechanical elongation and cross-linked network of A3 plasticized PTPET elastomer are higher than Bu-NENA plasticized PTPET elastomer. This new curing GAP opens a promising prospect for the catalyst-free preparation of PTPET high-energy plasticized elastomer. This method is simple in design and easy to manufacture, which lay a foundation for the design of the next generation of high-energy composite solid propulsion.