Core-shell oxygen-fuel composites for enhanced propellant ignition and combustion

Enhancing specific impulse and optimizing combustion performance are key objectives in the development of composite solid propellants (CSPs). In this study, a novel core–shell structured AP-based composite fuel (AP@Al) was designed and synthesized via interface engineering strategies, leveraging fuel-oxidizer integration and synergistic core–shell interactions to improve combustion efficiency. The morphology, structure and thermal properties of AP@Al were studied.Furthermore, combustion tests were conducted to evaluate its impact on propellant combustion behavior, and the condensed combustion products (CCPs) were analyzed to elucidate its combustion mechanisms. The results indicate that the unique core–shell structure of AP@Al significantly accelerates the thermal decomposition of AP.Compared to conventional CSPs, propellants containing AP@Al exhibit a combustion rate increase of up to 21.8% and a reduction in ignition delay time of up to 30%, demonstrating its superior ignition and combustion characteristics. Moreover, the aggregation of combustion residues is markedly reduced, providing new insights into its potential mechanism for improving combustion efficiency. These findings highlight the promising application prospects of AP@Al as an advanced composite fuel for next-generation solid propellants.