Influence of bismuth complex catalysts on the cure reaction of hydroxyl-terminated polyether-based polymer bonded explosives

The kinetics of catalyzed urethane-forming reactions of hydroxyl-terminated polyether (HTPE) with toluene di-isocyanate (TDI) in the presence of bismuth complex catalysts was investigated by non-isothermal differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was employed to monitor the chemical interactions of relevant groups. The kinetic parameters, including the apparent activation energy (E_a) and reaction rate constants (k) at typical temperatures calculated by the Kissinger and Crane methods, were used to evaluate the catalytic activities of triphenylbismuth (TPB) and tris(3-ethoxyphenyl)bismuthine (TEPB). The variations of E_a were studied to obtain an insight into the consistency of catalytic mechanism for the bismuth complex catalysts. The viscosity build-up of HTPE-based polymer bonded explosive (PBX) slurry was then measured to verify the catalytic activity and the pot-life during an actual manufacturing process, which fitted with the kinetics of the catalyzed cure reaction. The cure process was evaluated by the hardness of the PBX grains maintained at a temperature below typical manufacturing conditions. The results showed that TEPB is an effective catalyst, reducing the E_a of the cure reaction and the manufacturing temperature and time with an acceptable pot-life. The mechanical, thermal characteristics and compatibility of the HTPE-based PBXs were also investigated. The results suggest that TEPB is compatible with HTPE-based PBXs and contributes to improving the mechanical properties and thermal safety.