Effect of Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) on the performance of Solid Rocket Propellants (SRPs): A short review

• Published in: FirePhysChem (Online) Vol. 3; no. 3; pp. 227 - 233
• Main Authors: Pang, Weiqiang, Xia, Xu, Zhao, Yu, DeLuca, Luigi T., Trache, Djalal, OuYang, Dihua, Meng, Saiqin, Liu, Xiaogang, Yu, Hongjian
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.09.2023; KeAi Communications Co. Ltd
• Subjects: Carbon nanotubes (CNTs); Combustion performance; Energetic materials (EMs); Hazardous properties; Solid rocket propellants (SRPs); Energetic materials (EMs); Carbon nanotubes (CNTs); Solid rocket propellants (SRPs); Hazardous properties; Combustion performance
• ISSN: 2667-1344; 2667-1344
• DOI: 10.1016/j.fpc.2023.05.003

Burning rate catalysts (BRCs) are usually utilized to adjust the burning rates of solid rocket propellants (SRPs). Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), for their unique structure and properties, have been studied by several researchers worldwide with a wide range of applications. In this paper, several worthy CNTs-based materials and effects are described. Specifically, the influence of CNTs on the thermal behavior of energetic materials (EMs) are discussed, and we investigated the impact of CNTs/metal (metal oxide, MO) composites on the thermal degradation of EMs. Applications for SRPs and solid rocket nozzle motors might benefit from a focus on the examination of the burning rate, pressure exponent characteristics, and hazardous aspects. It was discovered that CNTs, as opposed to the comparable micro-sized additives, can modify the combustion behavior and speed up the burning of SRPs. Lastly, the difficulties encountered in implementing some of these applications are also examined in terms of manufacturing, processing, pricing, and potential future uses. [Display omitted] Some of the important CNTs-based materials and effects are described. Specifically, the effects of CNTs on the thermal decomposition of energetic materials (EMs) are discussed, and the effects of CNTs/metal (metal oxide, MO) composites on the thermal decomposition of EMs are explored. Emphasizing the investigation of the burning rate, pressure exponent features, and hazardous properties could be useable for SRPs and solid rocket nozzle motor applications. The challenges that ensue in realizing some of these applications are also discussed from the point of view of manufacturing, processing, cost, and future applications.