Synthesis, Characterization and Comparative Analysis of Three Energetic Plasticizers Exploring the Impact of Diverse Functional Groups on Properties and Performance

Energetic plasticizers are essential components in explosives and propellant formulations. These compounds are used to improve the mechanical properties, lower the glass transition temperature and improve the processability of energetic formulations while contributing to the overall energy content. In this study, three energetic plasticizers are investigated: triethylene glycol diazide (TEGDA), triethylene glycol dinitrate (TEGDN) and 2-(2-(2-azidoethoxy)ethoxy)ethyl nitrate (AEEEN). These compounds have the same triethylene glycol backbone but contain different energetic functional groups such as azido and nitro. Different properties of these three plasticizers, as well as different mixtures of the three compounds, were compared and evaluated. In particular, the thermal stability and physicochemical properties of the synthesized plasticizers were characterized using different analytical techniques. In addition, the enthalpy of formation of the three compounds was determined, both theoretically and experimentally, and their sensitivities towards impact and friction were measured.