Molecular Engineering of Binder for Improving the Mechanical Properties and Recyclability of Energetic Composites

Mechanical properties and reprocessing properties are of great significance to the serviceability and recyclability of energetic composites. However, the mechanical robustness of mechanical properties and dynamic adaptability related to reprocessing properties are inherent contradictions, which are difficult to optimize at the same time. This paper proposed a novel molecular strategy. Multiple hydrogen bonds derived from acyl semicarbazides could construct dense hydrogen bonding arrays, strengthening physical cross-linking networks. The zigzag structure was used to break the regular arrangement formed by the tight hydrogen bonding arrays, so as to improve the dynamic adaptability of the polymer networks. The disulfide exchange reaction further excited the polymer chains to form a new “topological entanglement”, thus improving the reprocessing performance. The designed binder (D2000-ADH-SS) and nano-Al were prepared as energetic composites. Compared with the commercial binder, D2000-ADH-SS simultaneously optimized the strength and toughness of energetic composites. Due to the excellent dynamic adaptability of the binder, the tensile strength and toughness of the energetic composites still maintained the initial values, 96.69% and 92.89%, respectively, even after three hot-pressing cycles. The proposed design strategy provides ideas for the design and preparation of recyclable composites and is expected to promote the future application in energetic composites.