Photo-curable 1-alkyl-3-vinyl-imidazolium energetic monomers for the production of tunable fuel-binders for energetic propellants

Abstract. Polymers derived from 1-alkyl-3-vinylimidazolium perchlorate and nitrate energetic ionic liquid monomers can serve as fuel-binders in composite propellants. Side-chain engineering provides wide tunability of mechanical response, energetic performance, ammonium perchlorate (AP) interfacial binding, and self-healing behavior. The vinyl functionality enables covalent network formation, while poorly packing substituents (e.g., isopropyl, long alkyl chains, and oligo(ethylene glycol) groups) act as internal plasticizers that control mechanical properties, while the latter also promote wetting of AP crystals. Favorable oxygen balance and heats of formation allow a reduced oxidizer-to-binder ratio without compromising the energetic output of the resultant propellant.