the present invention is a modified hfpb polymer for use in propellants and explosives that is chemically degradable and also is compatible with commonly used energetic plasticizers . the hfpb polymer of the present invention contains ester linkages formed in the backbone of the polymer from a dicarboxylic acid containing either oxymeythylene or oxyethylene moeities . the ester and ether linkages change the polarity of the polybutadiene to make it compatible with polar energetic plasticizers . the ester linkages along with either oxymethylene or oxyethylene moeities make the polymer degradable to basic solutions while still maintaining the structural integrity necessary for a polybutadiene type binder .