Cyclopropyl-rich amines as high energy density fuels for advanced propulsion
article
Hydrocarbon fuels decorated with strained cyclopropyl rings are known to possess advanced energetic properties. Yet, the production of such fuels via multiple cyclopropanation reactions is a significant challenge. Here, we report on the design, synthesis, and evaluation of a new family of alkylamine-based high cyclopropyl content fuels, providing robust alternatives to high-energy-density hydrocarbon fuels. Our cyclopropylamine-based fuels outperform or rival leading hydrocarbon fuels, such as JP-10, RP-1, and RJ-5, in terms of calorific value, energy density, and vacuum specific impulse. The beneficial properties of the new fuels translate into improved engine efficiency and the possibility of increased payload. Although thermally stable, upon contact with the heated brass surface, our fuels exhibit rapid autoignition. Overall, the molecular designs, simplicity of synthesis, and superior properties of our alkylamines make them a suitable platform for developing next-generation fuels for scramjet and rotating pulse detonation engines.
TNO Identifier
1023682
ISSN
1385-8947
Source
Chemical Engineering Journal, 529
Article nr.
172851
Collation
11 p.
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