AlB2 nanosheets as energetic boosters: enhancement of energetic performance of AlB2 fuels

AlB2 has been a focused candidate for applying as a solid fuel in energetics. However, the relatively low energy release rate of AlB2 fuel limits its broader application. To address this limitation, we prepared AlB2 nanosheets containing nanoscale AlB2 by liquid-phase exfoliation to enhance the energy release performance of AlB2 fuel. The microstructure and exfoliation principle of fuels were characterized and investigated. The oxidation kinetics and corresponding oxidation mechanism of the AlB2 nanosheets were explored. The superiority of AlB2 nanosheets in terms of combustion release rate was verified by using laser ignition experiments and combustion pressure tests. Additionally, the combustion mechanism of AlB2 nanosheets was investigated through an analysis of combustion products. The research findings indicate that the peak pressure of the AlB2 nanosheets/AP composite is 2.5 times that of the AlB2/AP composite. The pressure rise rate and burning rate of the former are 3.37 and 1.49 times ones of the latter, respectively, which can be attributed to the existence of two-dimensional AlB2 and the larger surface area of the AlB2 nanosheets. This work provides a promising high-energy fuel for energetic materials.