Nano and Micro-Scale Energetic Materials

Book excerpt: Provides an up-to-date account of innovative energetic materials and their potential applications in space propulsion and high explosives Most explosives and propellants currently use a small number of ingredients, such as TNT and nitrocellulose. In comparison to conventional materials, nano- and micro-scale energetic materials exhibit superior burning characteristics and much higher energy densities and explosive yields. Nano and Micro-scale Energetic Materials: Propellants and Explosives provides a timely overview of innovative nano-scale energetic materials (nEMs) and microscale energetic materials (μEMs) technology. Covering nEMs and μEMs ingredients as well as formulations, this comprehensive volume examines the preparation, characterization, ignition, combustion, and performance of energetic materials in various applications of propellants and explosives. Twenty-two chapters explore metal-based pyrotechnic nanocomposites, solid and hybrid rocket propulsion, solid fuels for in-space and power, the sensitivity and mechanical properties of explosives, new energetic materials, and more. Explores novel energetic materials and their potential for use in propellants and explosives Summarizes the most recent advances of leading research groups currently active in twelve countries Discusses how new environmentally friendly, high-combustion energetic materials can best be used in different applications Explains the fundamentals of energetic materials, including similarities and differences between composite propellants and explosives Nano and Micro-scale Energetic Materials: Propellants and Explosives is an important resource for materials scientists, explosives specialists, pyrotechnicians, environmental chemists, polymer chemists, physical chemists, aerospace physicians, and aerospace engineers working in both academia and industry.