This is a preprint of a paper intended for publication in •t journal or proceedings. Since changea may be made before publication, this preprint i* made available »ith the understanding that it will not be cited or reproduced without the permission of the author.

No abstract

IntroductionA substantial class of energetic materials consists of various solid organic and inorganic particles. These particles are formed by synthesis or treatment of the basic substances to allow handling and processing to the designed charge, which is mainly a pyrotechnic device, a gunpowder, a rocket propellant or a high explosive. The properties of the particles, mainly size and shape, quality and phase of crystallites and surface behavior, influence all steps of processing, especially rheology and mechanical properties. The reactive behavior defines the functionality of energetic materials, but it is strongly affected by the particles which compose the charge. The characteristics of the particles determine the desired conversion of the heterogeneous energetic material and the performance. Especially the particle size, mainly of the oxidizing component, is one important way to control burn rates or sensitivity. Therefore, a close interaction of processing with the resulting function acquisition is needed finally to fulfill all properties of production, chemical stability, mechanical resistance and performance. Whereas in the past particles of micrometer-to millimeter-scale were of interest, the recent success in nanotechnology has allowed the characterization and use of nanoparticles, but is practically restricted to research and development. Especially metals as fuels achieve high performance in rocket propellants. In pyrotechnic mixtures, particles at high temperature transfer energy to the material to be ignited. However, the utilization of nanoparticles leads to some serious problems and disadvantages. In gun propellants, solid particles could be erosive and produce a luminous muzzle plume and the high molecular weight of the reaction products reduces the effectiveness. The high molecular weight of the produced metal oxides, the exhaust plume signature and the impact on the environment have to be taken into account for rocket propulsion. In addition, a complete conversion of the metal particles is a precondition to make the most of Energetic Materials. Edited by Ulrich Teipel