Function and action mechanism of carbon nanomaterials used in propellants

Abstract

With special structures and properties, carbon nanomaterials have been widely used in propellant. Reviews of application of carbon nanomaterials and derivatives on solid propellant could provide theoretical support for further research. Represented by fullerene, carbon nanotube and graphene, application research progress of carbon nanomaterials in propellant combustion as combustion catalysts, combustion stabilizers and additives were summarized. The structure characteristics and the effects on physical and chemical properties of propellent were analyzed. It has shown that carbon nanomaterials and derivatives have distinct catalytic, stable combustion effects on solid propellant, either on energy or combustion properties. The significance of carbon nanomaterials in the field of propellent was summarized, and the research directions were suggested.