A green stabilizer for Nitrate ester-based propellants: An overview

The field of propellants has recently witnessed dynamic shift, including advancements in propulsion technology and a growing emphasis on the development of environmentally friendly propellants. Nitrate ester (NE) are extensively used in solid propellants, exhibiting chemical instability as they undergo decomposition reactions. Stabilization is a crucial aspect in propellant, ensuring the safety and reliable performance of energetic materials. Stabilizer plays a vital role in inhibiting or slowing down the autocatalytic decomposition reaction of propellants. In response to grow health and environmental concerns, there is a continuous effort to explore and evaluate green stabilizers designed to replace traditional stabilizers, which have been associated with adverse environmental impacts. Therefore, this study aimed to provide an overview of the current research carried out in the field of NE-based propellants, emphasizing the most significant work undertaken on green stabilizer materials for NE-based propellants. A comprehensive review of various environmentally friendly and low-toxicity stabilizers employed in propellants are presented, and their effects on the stability and shelf-life performance of NE-based propellants are discussed. Furthermore, this paper delves into the stabilization mechanisms of green stabilizers to mitigate decomposition reactions, thereby preventing unwanted side effects and ensuring long-term storage stability. Through a comprehensive review of recent developments, the manuscript highlights the successes and challenges associated with the incorporation of green stabilizers in NE-based propellants formulations. Finally, the review concludes by outlining future research directions and opportunities for innovation in sustainable and green stabilizers as well as key issues that need to be addressed and resolved. The comprehensive review and insights provided in this study contribute to the ongoing efforts in developing safer and more sustainable propellant technologies.