Determination of the surface energy of polymer binders and particles of explosives

The surface free energy of the filler and the matrix considerably influences the quality of the coupling between these 2 components to a compd. This contributes to the processing properties and the ultimate properties of the composite. These characteristic values can only be measured indirectly. In case of polymers the detn. of the surface free energy by measuring contact angles is a proven technique. The contact angles were measured by a modified Wilhelmy-method. For HTPB and Viton A the surface free energy was detd. from the theory of Owens, Wendt, Rabel, and Kaelble. Five different types of HTPB and Viton A as binder material for particles of explosives were examd.