Radiation curing of AP/HTPB-based energetic composites. I. Effect on physico-mechanical properties

The use of gamma radiation has been successfully demonstrated as it powerful tool for curing of formulations or ammonium perchlorate and hydroxy-terminated polybutadiene. This is not possible by conventional methods. The porosity observed in the composite is attributed to the shrinkage of matrix. localized around surface of AP particles which creates voids in the bulk. Occurence of shrinkage is in the interphase zone and is due to, excessive crosslinking Of polybutadiene caused by radiolytic products of Ap. Incorporation of toluene diisocyanate and ferric acetyl acetonate showed loss of radiation induced porosity ind increase in density, tensile strength and elongation.