Novel Energetic Azido Polymer

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI), and its team member Aerojet, propose to synthesize and evaluate a novel energetic azido polymer with high energy and low sensitivity and good density. The proposed prepolymer is a candidate that is expected to perform better (higher Isp, density, oxygen balance, and heat of formation) than the currently used energy-releasing prepolymers. The PSI-Aerojet team has developed a synthetic approach to produce the PGDNMA polymer in 2 stages: monomer synthesis followed by polymerization. PSI will investigate the physical and chemical properties of the novel azido polymer. Aerojet will test the PGDNMA polymer for its energetic and thermal properties. PSI will provide 10 grams of the azido polymer to the appropriate US Government Laboratory. On a potential Phase II program, PSI will scale up the synthesis, and deliver 1 pound of the PGDNMA polymer to the appropriate US Government Laboratory. Aerojet will formulate the polymer in a propellant mixture and provide enhanced properties characterization.