Insensitive Nanomaterial-Impregnated Solid Rocket Propellant

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) proposes to develop and test new solid rocket propellant formulations that incorporate innovative oxidizer/fuel nanocomposites in binders. The energy release rates of the highly exothermic nanocomposite reactions will be increased due to the intimate contact between the fuel and oxidizer particles at nanoscale dimensions. The particle size and size distribution will be measured and found to be homogeneous throughout the samples. These nanocomposites will be mixed with various binders and standard additives to increase propulsion performance. Reaction mixtures will be combusted in a nitrogen environment and the pressure and temperature responses will be measured. The materials will be tested for impact and friction sensitivity. In Phase II, new ingredients will be synthesized, characterized, incorporated within formulations, modeled, and combusted to meet or exceed current IM test criteria.