In Situ Nanocomposite Enhanced Dual-Use Energetic Material

In this Phase II STTR, Helicon Chemical Company (Helicon), Purdue University (Purdue), and Exquadrum will continue development of dual-use energetics to provide enhanced detonation and propulsion from a single energetic charge. Developed formulations will undergo a series of scaled-up tests to identify performance, stability, and mechanical properties. Performance testing will measure detonation velocity, detonation pressure, Gurney energy, gap sensitivity, critical diameter, burning rate, and thrust. The enabling technology for developed dual-use energetics is Helicon’s in situ nanoaluminum polymer composites, which are comprised of highly reactive, oxide-free aluminum nanoparticles stabilized by chemical bonds to the composites’ polymer matrix. Given the prevalence of aluminum in energetic materials, Helicon’s in situ nAl provides commonality and open-architecture technology for delivering drop-in performance enhancement to aluminized energetics.