Novel Propellant Formulations Containing Nano-particulates

Formulating new propellants that have higher burning rates, insensitive munition properties, and enhanced physical characteristics requires novel materials (oxidizers, fuels, or binders) and new methodologies such as nano-technology. The unique properties of nano-particulates, such as high surface area have the potential to enhance the useful properties of propellant mixtures. Nano-particulates typically have disadvantages in processing as they have a strong propensity to agglomerate and can dramatically increase the viscosity of mixing. The chemical compatibility of the nanoparticle with the other elements of the propellant is important for dispersion however the high surface area of the nanoparticles makes using a surfactant or dispersant prohibitive. For minimum signature propellants based on nitrocellulose and other organic/hydrocarbon fuel and/or binders the solution is to use polymer nanoparticles that share similar structural characteristics with the main components. Work by Tuteja et al has shown that polymer nanoparticles in the size range of 5-20 nm can dramatically reduce the viscosity (a non-Einstein like behavior) of polymer blends even at loadings of less than 1 wt%. Luna Innovations will prepare multifunctional polymer nanoparticles that are readily dispersed in nitrocellulose/nitramine based propellant mixtures, and in collaboration with ATK, will characterize the physical and energetic properties of the formulations.