Nanoparticles of energetic materials: synthesis and properties (review)

The replacement of micrometer-sized metal fuel powders in gas-generating solid propellants with nanosized metal powders has become a common trend in the design of new types of propellants in recent decades. This trend has been motivated by the unique properties of propellants containing nanocomponents. The emergence of nanostructured gas-generating propellants suggests new directions for the development of highly concentrated and efficient energy sources. Technologies for large-scale production of nanometal powders and other nanostructured materials with tailored characteristics have also experienced an impetuous development in recent years. This paper presents a classification, description, and competitive analysis of the main methods of producing nanoscale and nanostructured materials used to produce gas-generating propellants. The main advantages and difficulties concomitant with the use of nanomaterials in propellant formulations are discussed. Specific issues related to the high reactivity and pyrophoricity of nanomaterials and related risks are analyzed. Methods for the preservation and passivation of the surface of nanomaterials are classified and discussed. The focus is on those methods that are most widely used, and those that are considered promising today.