Triblock copolymers based on cyclic ethers: Preparation and properties of tetrahydrofuran and 3,3‐bis(azidomethyl) oxetane triblock copolymers

Novel energetic thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) based on tetrahydrofuran (THF) and 3,3‐bis (azidomethyl) oxetane (BAMO) were prepared in this present study by cationic living polymerization. A bifunctional catalyst, triflic anhydride [(CF 3 SO 2 ) 2 )O] was selected to be an initiator for the polymerization THF and BAMO. The resulting polymers were characterized by IR, NMR, and DSC, which demonstrated that triblock copolymers with A‐B‐A type were formed. The polymers were indicated from thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to have decomposed at approximately 243°C. The decomposition enthalpies were determined by DSC. These enthalpies were varied with the poly‐BAMO contents of the copolymers. The synthesized polymers exhibited relatively good mechanical properties and thermoplastic characteristics at room temperature.