Strategies to Enhance Ignition and Combustion Characteristics of Boron-Based Fuel-Richw Propellants for Ducted Rocket Applications

Boron-based fuel-rich propellants have attracted substantial research interest in recent years, especially for applications in airbreathing propulsion systems due to their exceptional potential combustion energy. However, boron exhibits a distinctive two-step reaction mechanism, in which an oxide layer develops on the particle surface, inhibiting the effective diffusion of B and O2 to the flame zone. In this context, the present article explores some strategies that have been investigated to improve the ignition and combustion efficiency of boron. These strategies include the use of nanoscale boron particles, incorporation of metal fuels with lower ignition temperatures, integration of fluorine-containing species into the propellant formulation, and application of surface coating techniques.