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 limited energy release rate of AlB₂ fuel restricts its wider adoption. To address this limitation, we prepared AlB₂ nanosheets containing nanoscale AlB₂ by liquid-phase exfoliation to improve the energetic performance of AlB₂ fuel. The microstructure and exfoliation principle of fuels were characterized and investigated. The oxidation kinetics and corresponding oxidation process 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 nanosheet/AP composite exhibits a significantly enhanced energy release capacity—2.53 times greater—compared to the bulk AlB₂/AP composite. The pressure rise rate and burning rate of the former are 3.38 times and 1.46 times those 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.