A review on the application and usefulness of metal nanosized particles in solid rocket propellants

In order to make the next leap forward from the current generation of technology, energy applications of nanotechnology have been developed. Nanotechnology is any technology that contains components smaller than 100 nm. Nanomaterials research takes a materials science-based approach to nanotechnology, leveraging advances in materials metrology and synthesis which have been developed in support of microfabrication research. Materials with structure at the nanoscale often have unique optical, electronic, mechanical, thermal, magnetic or catalytic properties. This research work aims to review the most relevant, recent investigations that have been made in order to clarify the importance of the application of these energetic nanomaterials, particularly for aerospace propulsion, for solid rocket propellants characteristics and performance enhancement, and this by exploring the different factors and characteristics of these materials that influence the burning rates, burning times, ignition delays and temperatures. First, we explored the addition of metals to solid propellants for different applications and the advantages that it can bring. Then, we investigated the benefits of substituting metals micron-sized particles by their nanosized counterparts. Finally, the enhancement of composite solid propellants decomposition by using nanosized particles as catalysts. The benefits of utilizing nanoparticles consist of the potential to eliminate agglomeration encountered for larger particles, earlier ignition, higher total heat release rate, and further extension of the burning rate for functionalized/catalytic particles.