Effect of the Nanomaterials on the Thermolysis of HMX: a Short Review

1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetraazacyclooctane (HMX) is a high energetic material constituting a major portion of nitramine-based solid propellants. The thermal decomposition performance of HMX can influence the combustion characteristic of HMX-based propellants. The reduction in the thermal decomposition temperature of HMX as well as increased thermal heat released during the decomposition is among the important factors for controlling combustion characteristics of HMX-based solid propellants. The addition of nanocatalysts to HMX can alter the decomposition characteristics of HMX and therefore, can be used to tailor the combustion performance of propellants containing HMX. The present short review focuses on the effect of various nanometer-size materials used to enhance the thermolysis of HMX.