Polybutadiene acrylonitrile

Polybutadiene acrylonitrile
Identifiers
ChemSpider
EC Number
  • 618-357-1
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).

Polybutadiene acrylonitrile (PBAN)[1] copolymer, also noted as polybutadiene—acrylic acid—acrylonitrile terpolymer[2] is a copolymer compound used most frequently as a rocket propellant fuel mixed with ammonium perchlorate oxidizer.[3] It was the binder formulation widely used on the 1960s–1970s big boosters (e.g., Titan III and Space Shuttle SRBs). It is also notably used in NASA's Space Launch System,[4] likely reusing the design from its Space Shuttle counterpart.

Polybutadiene acrylonitrile is also sometimes used by amateurs due to simplicity, very low cost, and lower toxicity than the more common hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB). HTPB uses isocyanates for curing, which have a relatively quick curing time; however, they are also generally toxic. PBAN based composite propellants also have a slightly higher performance than HTPB based propellants.[5] PBAN is normally cured with the addition of an epoxy resin, taking several days at elevated temperatures to cure.

  1. ^ Stephen D. Heister; William E. Anderson; Timothée L. Pourpoint; R. Joseph Cassady (7 February 2019). Rocket Propulsion. Cambridge University Press. pp. 250–. ISBN 978-1-108-42227-7.
  2. ^ T.L. Varghese; V.N. Krishnamurthy (3 January 2017). The Chemistry and Technology of Solid Rocket Propellants (A Treatise on Solid Propellants). Allied Publishers. pp. 29–. ISBN 978-93-85926-33-4.
  3. ^ ITC (HS) Classifications of Export and Import Items: Incorporating Amendments Till 31 July, 2009. On behalf of Directorate General of Foreign Trade by the Controller of Publications. 2009.
  4. ^ Harbaugh, Jennifer (2020-02-05). "Space Launch System Solid Rocket Booster". NASA. Retrieved 2023-05-29.
  5. ^ "Basics of Space Flight: Rocket Propellants". Archived from the original on 2013-05-21. Retrieved 2010-08-14.