The research progress of the azidonitramine plasticizers: Synthesis, properties and applications

Abstract

Plasticizers are functional additives that have been widely utilized to enhance the mechanical properties and processing technology of explosive systems. However, due to the increasing demand for energetic formulations of explosives and propellants, traditional plasticizers are gradually being replaced by energetic plasticizers. Azido plasticizer, a type of energetic plasticizer, possesses excellent thermal stability and low glass transition temperature. However, the incorporation of a single azido group can lead to issues such as decreased oxygen balance and reduced density. In recent years, novel azido plasticizers containing various energetic groups have been developed. Among these, the introduction of a nitramine group into the azido plasticizer has shown significant improvements in oxygen balance, density, and sensitivity compatibility. This makes azidonitramine plasticizers a promising research direction in the development of energetic plasticizers. Despite the existence of approximately twenty different types of azidonitramine plasticizers over the past few decades, a comprehensive review of these compounds is lacking in the literature. Therefore, this paper provides an inductive review of the synthesis, application, and performance characterization of azidonitramine plasticizers with the aim of inspiring further research in this field.