In the quest for cleaner fuels, scientists from the Purdue University have created a new, solid rocket fuel. In a recent experiment, the nanoaluminum and ice combo was able to propel a rocket 1300 feet into the air. The new fuel called ALICE or Aluminum Ice and relies on the reaction between aluminum and water to provide the necessary energy.
Scientists say that the aluminum-water reaction could theoretically provide a lot of energy but the kinetics would be too slow and hard to ignite to provide acceptable thrust. To get around the problem, aluminum is chemically broken into small particles of nearly 80nm length and mixed with water for the desired effect. A length of 80 nm, scientists say, is most suited for providing the required thrust.
The test rocket was powered by a hollow rod of ALICE, which was seven inches long and three inches in diameter. Within a second of being fired, the rocket was able to reach a speed of nearly 200 miles an hour. That performance is slightly less than the thrust generated by conventional solid rocket boosters. And with the emissions of aluminum oxide, which is much more environmentally friendly as compared to the conventional rocket emissions, ALICE is a cleaner alternative. There is of course, a lot more to be done before the new fuel can find practical use in space missions, but for now, it appears to be on the right track.
Via: Discovery
