Patent ID: 6036894
Filing Date: 2000-03-14
Classification: C06B

Abstract:
A process for the manufacture of a rubbery propellant charge which comprises the steps: of forming a plastic propellant composition comprising a solid particulate propellant and a binder forming from 5% to 25% by weight of the composition, said binder comprising a prepolymer, comprising a functionally terminated hydrocarbon chain or a co-polymer thereof, of a kind capable of being chain extended by curing into a rubbery elastomeric state, said prepolymer having been partially cured by an organic cross-linking agent so as to have an apparent viscosity in the range 2,000 to 20,000 poise at 25 degrees C.; further treating said plastic composition with a curing agent adapted to complete the cure of said binder into said rubbery state; and prior to curing of said binder by said curing agent, forming said plastic propellant composition into a propellant charge by a dynamic forming process in which said plastic propellant composition is shaped into said propellant charge.