Overview
Slurry fuels, which consists of hydrocarbon fuel and high-energy metallic elements, are considered as potential candidates to increase the energy density of conventional hydrocarbon fuels for air breathing propulsion applications.. Nano sized additives having large surface to volume ratio facilitate more contact area for rapid oxidation and hence their addition to fuel improves the thrust and overcomes the problems of ignition delay, burning time. Among various nano additives nano boron is considered as potential additive to liquid fuels due to its higher volumetric heat generation. Though nano boron can be made with other techniques, cryo milling method offers distinct advantages. Advantages of cryo mill are 1) powder is protected from oxidation during and after milling as it takes place in liquid nitrogen, 2) simple process and involves mass production, 3) handling of the powder after the milling is not difficult, 4) inexpensive process.
Key Features
- Average particle size of nano boron is 200-300 nm
- Purity of the boron > 95%
- Surface area of the powder > 10.5 m2/g
- Dispersable in hydrocarbon fuel
- Handling of the powders is not difficult
- Capability to produce in large quantities.
Potential Applications
- Slurry fuels for propellant applications
- Alloys and Composites
Status
- Synthesized and characterized tha nano boron at laboratory
- Supplied nano boron to GTRE, DRDO
Intellectual Property Development Index (IPDI)
Level
1
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5
6
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8
9
10
Description
Basic concepts and understanding of underlying scientific principles
Shortlisting possible applications
Research to prove technical feasibility for targeted application
Coupon level testing in simulated conditions
Check repeatability/consistency
Prototype testing in real-life conditions
Check repeatability/consistency
Reassessing feasibility (IP, competition technology, commercial)
Initiate technology transfer
Support in stabilizing production
Status
| Level | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Description | Basic concepts and understanding of underlying scientific principles | Shortlisting possible applications | Research to prove technical feasibility for targeted application | Coupon level testing in simulated conditions | Check repeatability/consistency | Prototype testing in real-life conditions | Check repeatability/consistency | Reassessing feasibility (IP, competition technology, commercial) | Initiate technology transfer | Support in stabilizing production |
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Technology Readiness Level (TRL)
| TRL | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Description | Basic Principles | Concept Formulation | Proof of Concept | Lab Validation | Relevant Environment | Prototype Demo | Operational Demo | System Qualified | Proven / Market Ready |
| Status |
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- Process for producing the nano boron by cryo milling,” * S.Sudhakara sarma, R.Vijay, T.N.Rao, Indian patent no;391804, granted date;11/03/2022
- S.Sudhakara Sarma, Joudip Joardar, R.Vijay, T.N.Rao, “preparation and characterization of nano boron by cryo milling” * Advanced Powder Technology, Vol 31, 2020, P 3824-3832.