Doping HTPB binder with cellulose nitrate: A promising strategy for advanced energetic material applications

This study explored the characteristics of hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) supplemented with cellulose nitrate (NC), as a high-energy density binder. The effect of NC doping and its content on the chemical structure, morphology, energetic, and thermokinetic behavior of HTPB–NC binder highlighted attractive features such as good compatibility, improved density, homogeneity, and fiber dispersion. Additionally, HTPB–NC exhibited excellent thermal stability with significant energy release and notable chemical reactivity. These interesting properties of the HTPB–NC binder, provide evidence for the excellent synergistic effect between HTPB and NC, which could promote its application in the next generation of energetic propellant formulations.