AVS 59th Annual International Symposium and Exhibition
    Nanometer-scale Science and Technology Wednesday Sessions
       Session NS+AS+SS+SP-WeM

Paper NS+AS+SS+SP-WeM2
Preparation and Performance of Solid Rocket Propellant Containing In Situ-Synthesized Nanoparticle Catalysts and Fuels

Wednesday, October 31, 2012, 8:20 am, Room 12

Session: Nanoscale Catalysis and Surface Chemistry
Presenter: D. Reid, University of Central Florida
Authors: D. Reid, University of Central Florida
R. Draper, University of Central Florida
M. Johnson, Texas A&M University
T. Allen, Texas A&M University
A. Demko, Texas A&M University
E. Petersen, Texas A&M University
S.S. Seal, University of Central Florida
Correspondent: Click to Email
Energetic nanocomposites have the potential to substantially increase the performance of rocket propulsion systems, but adoption outside the laboratory has been slow, largely due to manufacturing difficulties, safety challenges, and performance that falls short of theoretical potentials. In this study, we explore some novel synthesis methods to significantly improve performance and alleviate the difficulties of incorporating nanoparticles into energetic materials. Solid rocket propellants containing in-situ synthesized catalytic TiO2 and energetic aluminum nanoparticles were prepared. These propellants exhibited significant performance improvements over those containing conventionally prepared nanoparticles. The performance gains are attributed to the small particle sizes, high degree of dispersion, and surface property control afforded by the in-situ synthesis methods.