Posted on 01/22/2007 7:19:36 AM PST by nypokerface
BALTIMORE, Jan. 22 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists have synthesized a new class of aluminum-hydrogen compounds that might be useful in various energy applications.
The synthesis was achieved by researchers from Johns Hopkins and Virginia Commonwealth universities, along with scientists from the University of Konstanz and University of Karlsruhe, both in Germany.
The new aluminum-hydrogen molecules called "hydrides" are relatively stable and similar in structure to boranes, which are composed of boron and hydrogen atoms.
That stability might hold the key to the compound's possible future uses in rocket fuel, said team co-leader Kit Bowen, a professor of chemistry and materials science at Johns Hopkins.
"It's always tough to predict how things will play out in the future, but our research finding is interesting enough for me to be willing to say that this synthesis may have the potential for some possibly very useful future applications, including the development of solid rocket fuel with more thrust," Bowen said.
Physics Professor Puru Jena of Virginia Commonwealth, the team co-leader, said the work might also lead to development of novel nano-materials for storing and releasing hydrogen.
The research appears in the current issue of the journal Science.
Rockets? What about its use in automobiles, boats, and airplanes?
Nano-materials - buzz word word for useless.
Buzz word for useless is sustainable.
All I know is when you mix aluminum with any oxidizer you get a potent bang. Aluminum is the main ingredient in flash powder which is used to make firecrackers.
Solid-fueled planes, trains and automobiles...?
I say that new complexes of common elements looms big. Silicon, Aluminum, Boron.
Then again why spend millions building and developing new molecules that are almost always rejected by environmentalists and safety kooks.
I AM _TIRED_ of this BS!!!!
1: Aluminum hydride has been commercially availabel for decades.
2: Any powder-monkey knows that hydrolytically unstable materials are never used in propellants.
That is why coated aluminum is used in flashlight powders, NOT magnesium.
Damned funding pimps.
There are apparently several synonyms
When was this written, the 1980s? 'Hydride' is about as cutting edge as the word 'Carbohydrate'
You're quite right, aluminum is also the primary fuel in the Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Booster engines. The SRB propellant is 16% (by weight) aluminum and 70% ammonium perchlorate oxidizer with 12% polymer binding agent and small amounts of iron oxide catalyst and epoxy curing agent.
These new compounds might be more efficient and have a higher thrust to weight ratio than propellants currently used. It's certainly worth more investigation.
The U.S. Air Force Office of Scientific Research funded Kit Bowen's research at John Hopkins.
Why not hydrogen plasma as a rocket fuel. More bang for your bucks. Cheap, clean, and less weight.
Call me when they synthesize Transparent Aluminum. I need a large fish tank.
Ahem...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transparent_alumina
You correctniks always spoil my humor. Just kidding. I hadn't read about this and have forgotten almost all of my inorganic chem..
aluminium is added to explosives such as ANFO to increase brissance
Great. Just what all High School students needed for science class.
What ratios?
(Just askin')...
Sounds like it ain't rocket surgery...
CC
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