Large-Scale Synthesis of Nanocrystalline Tungsten Oxides

"The U. S. Navy is seeking ways to significantly improve the energy density, long-term stability, and ease of handling of solid propellants to enhance its global war-fighting capabilities. Solid-rocket propellants are typically based on the principle ofoxidation of a material into its respective oxide, thereby exothermically releasing large amounts of energy. The Naval Surface Warfare Center - Dahlgren Division (NSWC-DD) is currently exploring ways to use nanocrystalline aluminum and tungsten oxides aspotential combination of solid propellant and warhead materials in an aluminothermic reaction. However, the availability of nanocrystalline tungsten oxides is very limited, if at all commercially available. Hence, Nanomat, Inc. proposes to synthesizelarge quantities of nanocrystalline WO3, WO2, WO3.2H2O, and H2WO4.BENEFITS: Applications include, but are not limited to, electrochromic displays, solid-rocket propellants, catalysts, commercial and other defense ammunition, oil-well drilling, mining,construction, law enforcement, and energy industries. Furthermore these materials have tremendous commercial potential as cutting tools, mining and construction tools, die and wear parts, microelectronic packaging, counterweights, radiation shielding,high-temperature structural components, space components (thrusters, nozzles, rocket engines, chambers, etc.), aerospace components, lamp filaments, heating elements, etc."