Novel Nitrogen-doped Boron Nanotubes/Nanofibers

In this Phase I effort a scaled up synthesis of nitrogen-doped boron nanotubes (BNTs) and boron nanofibers (BNFs) will be developed which will be optimized by a design-of-experiment approach during Phase II. Characterization of the BNTs/BNFs by scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy together with electron energy loss spectroscopy to determine the tube/fiber diameters, chemical structure and composition will be conducted and a characterization protocol developed. The heat of sublimation of the BNTs/BNFs will be determined by thermal techniques. Initial formulation preparation and propellant testing will be conducted at US Army facilities followed by measurements on gun barrel samples to detect and determine the thickness and friction properties of the boron and boron nitride coatings formed. Thicknesses will be measured by Rutherford Backscattering and friction will be determined by atomic force microscopy.