Surface inhibition of double base rocket propellants with photocurable unsaturated esters

Inhibition of a double base propellant surface with a good percentage of nitro bodies in the propellant composition is a rather difficult process. One of the methods of inhibiting the surface is to use unsaturated polyesters with free radical cure having high exotherm as a barrier coating. This system has been improved by using a 1:1 mix of photocurable vinyl ester with pendant —OH groups and unsaturated polyester that underwent room temperature free radical cure. Adhesion of the barrier coat to the propellant surface through its —OH groups was stronger than the propellant strength itself. Additional layers of commercially available unsaturated polyester could be easily grafted on to the barrier coat through chemical cure.