Structure‐property relationship of HTPB‐based propellants. I. Effect of hydroxyl value of HTPB resin

Composite propellants based on hydroxyl‐terminated polybutadience (HTPB) resin are the most common contemporary solid propellants for launch vehicle and missile applications. A series of HTPB resins, manufactured by free‐radical polymerisation using a peroxide initiator, with varying molecular weights and hydroxyl values, was used in propellant formulation experiments with a view to studying the resin production variables and their influence on the resultant propellant properties. It is seen that HTPB resins with a wide range of hydroxyl values could be effectively utilized in propellant formulations. Also, propellants with higher strain capability and chain flexibility could be produced from lower hydroxyl value resins.