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The present work includes findings from in-principle feasibility studies on iron nanopowder combustion under idealized, engine-like and real engine conditions. The study was conducted under the scope of recent interest of metallic nanoparticles as alternative fuels for Internal Combustion Engines (ICE). More specifically, Fe nanoparticles of different morphology and size were studied with respect to their oxidation characteristics via Thermo-Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), as well as in customized shock-tube, constant volume vessel and CI engine configurations.Combusted powder samples were, in all cases, examined via in-situ and ex-situ techniques for the identification of combustion products and their morphologies.Findings facilitated determination of the main phenomena involved during oxidation.The results verified that combustion of Fe nanoparticles in an engine environment is feasible. Notable differences in the morphological structure of the products formed were identified among the various oxidation/combustion techniques employed.

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