Chapter 7: Natural and Renewable Resources for New Inert and Energetic Polymeric Binders – Hazard Properties

The hazard properties of new energetic binders based on β-cyclodextrin (βCD) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) units were assessed following laboratory and Energetic Materials Testing and Assessment Policy (EMTAP) protocols. Samples from 20 mg scale (single batches) to 10 g scale (multiple batches), were mixed with 1% and 2% EC stabiliser and chemically and thermally characterised. For single batches, the Rotter impact test indicated a figure of insensitiveness (FoI) of 22.7 (1% w/w EC) and 25.4 (2% w/w EC) with an average release of 1.5 cc gas in “Go” responses while the FoI of for multiple batches was 29.8, with an average release of 1.1 cc gas in “Go” responses. No ignition was recorded for single and multiple batches in any combination of mallet and anvil and no vulnerability to Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) stimuli (4.5 J). The temperature of ignition for the multiple batches were between 154.3 °C and 154.9 °C, while in train test, the multiple batches ignited and supported train (30 cm in length) steadily throughout. The nitrated βCD-PEG binders exhibited thermal stability up to 190 oC comparable to nitrocellulose and good ageing at 70 oC for 21 days in presence of 2% w/w of stabiliser. The βCD-PEG energetic binders made from green and sustainable precursors and environmentally friendly process offer innovative solutions for energetic formulations.