(1. School of Materials Science & Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China) (2. Key Laboratory of High Energy Density Materials of Ministry of Education, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China)
Energetic thermoplastic elastomers, with the characteristics of both energetic and thermoplastic materials, including high energy density, low sensitivity, good burn-out, reprocessing and recyclability, etc., have important applications in the field of explosives and propellants, and have become the frontier and hotspot of energetic materials research. This paper reviews the research and application progress of energetic thermoplastic elastomers: illustrates synthesis methods and preparation processes, such as functional group pre-polymerization method, active sequential polymerization method and macro-initiator method, as well as direct and indirect method, solution and bulk polymerization method, etc.; summarizes relevant structural characterizations and basic properties, such as chain segment composition and sequence, microphase separation, hydrogen bonding and crystallinity, as well as thermal decomposition, sensitivity, compatibility, rheology, formation enthalpy and combustion, etc. In addition, constructing bonding and self-healing functions, as well as methods to improve mechanical properties and energy density are clarified, and the application progress of gun propellants, mixed explosives, solid propellants, combustible cartridges and modified spherical powders is discussed. At last, the current problems and deficiencies of energetic thermoplastic elastomers research are concluded, and the future directions of research and development are put forward.