Noncovalent Interactions Define Global Properties of HTPB Isomers

Commercially available hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) variants [containing various percentages of its isomers (cis, trans, and vinyl) and utilized in numerous applications ranging from rocket propellant binders to automobile tires] exhibit differences in their thermomechanical properties. Observed thermomechanical response variation between two isomers of HTPB (based upon simulation work at the molecular dynamic level) has been shown to be associated with noncovalent interaction between the isomers. Even though the study has been presented for a specific polymeric system, it could be of interest to the broader polymer chemistry community concerned with the reasons behind the property variation of different isomers of a specific molecule.