Effect of nano aluminum and nickel powders on the combustion properties of composite propellant

The effect of nano metal powders on the burning rates of composite propellant was studied. The results indicate that the addition of 2% nano nickel powders (n-Ni) or the usage of grading aluminum powders with the ratio of nano aluminum (n-Al) to general aluminum (g-Al) 4:1 can effectively improve the combustion of propellant. The usage of grading aluminum powders with the ratio of n-Al to g-Al 1:1 will worsen the combustion of propellant. An interpretative mechanism for the effects of nano metal is developed on the basis of energy response, combustion residue, and flame structures of the propellant containing nano metal powders. The thermal analysis properties of the propellant and metal powders (n-Al and g-Al) are also considered. That implies the ignition threshold and combustion time from initial particle size to burnout of n-Al and n- Ni are lower compared with g-Al. Besides n-Al is inclined to burn in single and n-Ni have the greatest influence on the decomposition properties of AP among metal powders. All these factors work together and will have obvious effects on the ignition and combustion characteristics of composite propellants.