Stabilization of polyether-urethane binder in solid propellant

The stabilization effect of four typical stabilizers (2,6-di-t-butyl-4-methyl phenol (BHT), phenothiazine, triphenyl phosphite and centralite II) was evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis of their performance on EO/THF co-polyether and polyether-urethane. Phenothiazine was the most efficient stabilizer for both co-polyether and polyether-urethane, however, a self-restraining effect was observed at high temperature. Triphenyl phosphite was less effective for both co-polyether and polyether-urethane when it was used alone; when used in combination with other stabilizers, however, it manifested evident stabilization. Centralite II showed no effect on EO/THF co-polyether, but protected polyether-urethane to some extent. BHT resulted in good stability for both co-polyether and polyether-urethane, and was the best choice for use in combination with centralite II.