Progress towards nanoengineered energetic materials

Given the constraints on typical bond energies and commonality of final products produced from combustion CHNO based energetic materials, possibilities for further increases in stored potential energy thermodynamic performance these classes materials are limited. Thus, modulating release to achieve efficiency effectiveness desired applications is great value. Investigation nanomaterials as began more than twenty years ago with much interest increase reaction rates reduce sensitivity. During this period, research nanoparticles was devoted reducing loss density metallic due naturally occurring oxide passivating layer, managing their high surface area preventing loadings solids, minimizing particle-particle interactions making dispersion gas-phase difficult, understanding mechanisms. As an outcome, novel synthesis methods producing nanocomposites, new fields applications, such micro-pyrotechnics, have developed. Yet, community only beginning understand how manipulate build at nanoscale, what designs optimal functions. Furthermore, recognizing difficulties increased reduced sensitivity, development multifunctional smart nanoenergetic currently being researched enable control material sensitivity demand. This advanced by assembly nanoengineered bulk scales additive manufacturing, application diagnostics that resolve nanometer micron scales, ab initio quantum chemistry molecular dynamics calculations. The challenges been confronted directions continuing nanoenergetics presented discussed.