Self‐Healing of HTPB Based Polyurethane Binder via Ring Opening Metathesis Polymerization

Abstract The self‐healing capability of Hydroxyl Terminated Polybutadiene (HTPB) based polyurethane binder via Ring Opening Metathesis Polymerization(ROMP) is reported. Microencapsulated healing agent Dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) and wax protected Ru‐based Grubbs catalyst were incorporated in binder matrix (i.e,HTPB) uniformly to heal the cracks. These healing agents were also incorporated into HTPB matrix individually to check healing properties on their own and thereafter cured for five days. The incorporation of these healing agents in binder matrix did not affect the curing of matrix. It was found out that cuts when applied to the matrix were self‐healed at room temperature. Mechanical testing have revealed that around 50 % of tensile strength was regained in the healed specimen.