Reaction mechanism of metastable intermolecular composite

Due to the superfast combustion velocity and energy releasing rate, high volume energy density, low diffusion distance and being environmental friendly, metastable intermolecular composites (MIC) show great and important potential in both military and civil systems, such as microenergetic device, rocket propellant, green pyrotechnics, etc. However, the reaction mechanism of metastable intermolecular composition is still poorly clear and understood. The ultra-fast transient nature, and the complexity of probing both the vapor-phase and condensed-state chemistries of MIC materials make the reaction mechanism being different from that of traditional energetic materials, which prevents its further development in application research. The present paper summarizes the overseas and domestic research status of reaction mechanism of MIC materials so far. "Metal-oxygen flip mechanism" and "pre-combustion sintering mechanism" are discussed in detail. According to research methods, experimental research, theoretical model research, and numerical simulation research are presented respectively. Modification of MIC materials is an important method for adjusting the performances of the materials, and is one of the developing trends. We discuss the reaction mechanism of the modified materials in the end of the paper. Based on the comprehensive analysis of the study status, the challenges and prospective tendencies of reaction mechanism of MIC are also given.