Nanometallic Matrices for Use in Energetic Formulations

The effort proposed by General Sciences, Inc. (GSI) is based on using available nanosize additives which upon reaction within the detonation front will enhance blast and impulse (in the case of the explosive) as well as increase thrust, impetus and projectile-velocity in the case of propellants. Inclusion of other additives to conventional explosives and propellants upon reaction produce finely subdivided particles of metals (perhaps nanosize) as well as metallic vapors such as aluminum which allows for a fast combustion early in the detonation process thus enhancing blast as well as impulse. In the presence of propellants it can increase thrust and impetus. In the case of propellants preliminary GSI results show (20-30%) increase in impetus and measured projectile velocity; in the case of explosives (in arena tests) blasts and impulse enhancement as high as 50% were observed.