Synthesis and Properties of Energetics Metal Borides for Hybrid Solid-Propellant Rocket Engines

Abstract

In this paper, the problems of production and characterization of microsized metal borides (including aluminum, titanium, magnesium) are discussed. The preferences of application for high-energy materials are presented. The problems of chemical stability and chemical compatibility are discussed. A technique for production of metal borides is also described which is known as self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) and the subsequent mechanical treatment. The result is microsized borides which have an average size of around 5 microns with a sharp curve for distribution sizes. The purity is enough for use as fuel of high-energy materials hybrid solid-propellant rocket engines. The results of SEM, X-Ray, DSC, and TG analyses are also presented and discussed.