Polymer–filler interactions in hydroxy-terminated polybutadiene–ammonium perchlorate system in the presence of a bonding agent

Abstract

Bonding between ammonium perchlorate (AP) and hydroxy-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB), constituting a nonreinforcing filler system, has been studied in the presence of a unique bonding agent (BA)–a switter ion molecule, 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazone derivative of 1,1'-bisacetylferrocene (DNPHD AF). Extensive conjugation and a permanent ionic character makes the DNPHD AF to bond strongly with the ionic oxidizer AP. Through its terminal -OH group, HTPH bonds with the NO₂ groups of DNPHD AF. Bonding sites in the molecules have been located from IR studies and from the first-order rate constant measurements of the bonding of DNPHD AF and other model BAs with HTPB and AP. The bonding ability of DNPHD AF is further evidenced from SEM micrographs.