Applications of Nanocatalysts in Solid Rocket Propellants

Catalysts are widely used in solid rocket propellants to improve their properties and ballistic efficiency. Various researchers have shown that the performance of catalysts is enhanced with the catalysts particle size reduction. Nanocatalysts, including metal nanoparticles (Ni, Cu, Al), metallic oxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3, CuO, Co2O3), and hydrogen-storage nanoparticles (LiH, MgH2, Mg2NiH4, Mg2CuH3), were prepared and investigated. The catalytic impact of these nanocatalysts on the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP) and AP/HTPB propellant and the impact of nanocatalysts on the combustion performance of AP/HTPB propellant were investigated.