Functionality and Functionality Distribution Measurements of Binder Prepolymers

The functionality of a prepolymer, which is defined as the ratio of molecular weight to equivalent weight, is probably the most important single parameter that determines the properties of the cross-linked polymer network. The determination of prepolymer functionality therefore requires accurate knowledge of both number average molecular weight and equivalent weight. Ideally, a suitable prepolymer for propellant binder applications has terminal functionality (OH or COOH). Such a prepolymer theoretically has a functionality of 2.0. Because of uncontrolled chain termination reactions during the prepolymer synthesis, however, not all polymer chains have the desired functional end group. As a result, prepolymers generally have a distribution of functionalities, including onfunctional, monofunctional, and the desired difunctional prepolymer.