Studies on structure property correlation of cross‐linked glycidyl azide polymer

Glycidyl azide polymer (GAP) has been evaluated for use as binder for solid propellants. The effects of various parameters like cross‐linking conditions, concentration of crosslinker, and the ratio of isocyanate to hydroxyl functional groups (NCO/OH ratio) on the mechanical properties were studied in detail. It was observed that the type of curing agent and the NCO/OH ratio have a strong influence on the gum‐stock properties. Similar impact was seen for cross‐linker concentration also. The swelling characteristics of the cross‐linked binder prepared with different NCO/OH ratios were evaluated with toluene and tetrahydrofuran (THF). The polarity and the solubility parameter of the solvents were found to influence the swelling of GAP. The NCO/OH ratio and cross‐linker concentration of the polymer were also found to affect the swelling characteristics. The sol fraction determined for the polymer was found to follow a similar pattern. The cross‐link density and average molecular weight between crosslinks (Mc) were determined from the swelling studies and also from the stress–strain relationship. The Mc values were found to be influenced by the NCO/OH ratio. Finally, the Mc values determined from the swelling data were correlated to the gum‐stock properties, and the model parameters were estimated. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009