NANOTECHNOLOGY AND THE DEVELOPMENT AND ANALYSIS OF ENERGETIC MATERIALS

Presented by:Professor Richard A. YetterMechanical Engineering, Pennsylvania State UniversityAbstract:Over the next decade, nanotechnology is expected to produce significant advancements in the development of energetic materials. Much of the highly desirable traits of nano-sized ingredients (e.g., metal powders and crystalline oxidizers) in energetic materials have been attributed to their high specific surface area (high reactivity), lower melting temperatures, increased catalytic activity, and potential ability to store energy in surface defects. In addition, the nano dimensions of these materials result in small characteristic transport times for mass and energy between fuel and oxidizer.
Metal additives have long been used in energetic materials to increase energy densities. Although the addition of micron-sized metal particulate has been successful in many applications, their size generally limits overall combustion times, requires high ignition temperatures, and generates condensed phase products also of micron size. The possibility of increasing the reactivity of metal particulate, thereby lowering ignition temperatures and shortening reaction times, as well as increasing densities and overall energy, could greatly enhance existing uses and even generate new usage of metals in reactive systems. In the presentation, the oxidation and combustion characteristics of metal nanoparticles are reviewed and compared with micron-sized particles. In addition, their application in various fuels, propellants, and explosive systems are summarized.
While usage of nano-ingredients in current energetic materials has demonstrated considerable benefits that can be attributed to the characteristics of the nano-material, much of the anticipated benefits have not been realized due to the use of conventional fabrication techniques in integrating the nano-material into the formulations. The presentation also examines new ways to assemble nano-energetic materials, including self-assembly of components with sizes in the nm to mm range, to provide concurrent increases in performance and managed energy release while providing reduced sensitivity and ease of processing and handling. Refreshments will be served at 2:30p.m.

Location: Vivian Hall of Engineering (VHE) - 217

Audiences: Everyone Is Invited

Contact: Petra Pearce