Saint Louis University

Nanometallix LLC

Gregory J Place

Stephen W Chung

Paul Jelliss

Steven Wayne Buckner

Jacob M Laktas

Ian D Stochl

Albert Michael Becksted, Jr

The present invention generally concerns a nano-enhanced explosive that is integrated at many points across an explosive train. More specifically, a nano-enhanced explosive is formed when a nanocomposite we call nMx is combined with a secondary high explosive. nMx is made of LiAlHnanoparticles, elemental Al nanoparticles, an amount of Ti metal, and a nanoscale organic layer having unique burning profiles that lend energy to the explosive process including increased shockwave propagation through a chemical explosive and increased temperatures and gaseous pressure build up and release in and about the same. Our nano-enhanced explosive can be integrated at various points across an explosive train, e.g. use within a detonation cord (fuse), or as a detonation charge (initiator), or as the main charge, where the use of the nano-enhanced explosive can be characterized by the energy lent to projectiles from munitions, bubbles formed by underwater explosive trains, or blast profiles.

Nano-enhanced explosive material

The present invention generally concerns isolated nanoparticles via the decomposition of a ternary metal hydride. More specifically, the present invention harnesses increased energy densities from two distinct nanoparticles isolated by a precise decomposition of LiAlH. The singular material is air stable and is a nanocomposite of LiAlHnanoparticles, elemental Al nanoparticles, an amount of Ti metal, and a nanoscale organic layer, which we call nMx. The nanocomposite protects and preserves the high energy densities of the core metals isolated from the controlled reaction and makes the nanoparticles safe to handle in air. The final composite is devoid of byproducts or phase transitions that will decrease the energy output of the nanocomposite. The method of the present invention creates a narrow distribution of nanoparticles that have unique burning characteristics useful for many applications.

Nanocomposite for combustion application

The present invention generally concerns decomposing a ternary metal hydride to isolate nanoparticles to use in a fuel grain. More specifically, the present invention harnesses increased energy densities from two distinct nanoparticles isolated by a precise decomposition of LiAlH. The singular material is air stable and is a nanocomposite of LiAlHnanoparticles, elemental Al nanoparticles, an amount of Ti metal, and a nanoscale organic layer. We call this nanocomposite nMx, which protects and preserves the high energy densities of the core metals isolated from the controlled reaction, making the nanoparticles safe to handle in air. The narrow distribution of nanoparticles has no byproducts or phase transitions that decrease energy output. The unique burning characteristics of nMx enhance the combustion of solid propellant formulations compatible with solid or hybrid rocket motors, where fuel grains are cast, pressed, or 3D printed with nMx powder, a polymeric binder, or optional additives.

Nanocomposite enhanced fuel grains

The present invention generally concerns a method for isolating nanoparticles via the decomposition of a ternary metal hydride. More specifically, the present invention harnesses increased energy densities from two distinct nanoparticles isolated by a precise decomposition of LiAlH. The singular material is air stable and is a nanocomposite of LiAlHnanoparticles, elemental Al nanoparticles, an amount of Ti metal, and a nanoscale organic layer, which we call nMx. The nanocomposite protects and preserves the high energy densities of the core metals isolated from the controlled reaction and makes the nanoparticles safe to handle in air. The final composite is devoid of byproducts or phase transitions that will decrease the energy output of the nanocomposite. The method of the present invention creates a narrow distribution of nanoparticles that have unique burning characteristics useful for many applications.

Growing community of inventors

St. Louis, MO, United States of America

Gregory J Place