Advances in the development and characterization of combustible cartridge cases and propellants: Preparation, performance, and future prospects

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of combustible cartridge cases (CCCs) and propellants with a focus on their preparation methods, characterization techniques, and application in modern weaponry. As a transformative alternative to traditional metal-based cartridges, CCCs act as both conta...

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Main Authors: Wu Mengde, Xiao Zhenggang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: De Gruyter 2025-07-01
Series:Reviews on Advanced Materials Science
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1515/rams-2025-0119
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author Wu Mengde
Xiao Zhenggang
author_facet Wu Mengde
Xiao Zhenggang
author_sort Wu Mengde
collection DOAJ
description This study presents a comprehensive analysis of combustible cartridge cases (CCCs) and propellants with a focus on their preparation methods, characterization techniques, and application in modern weaponry. As a transformative alternative to traditional metal-based cartridges, CCCs act as both containment and energy sources, effectively reducing the weight and cost of ammunition. Our study classifies CCCs into types like nitrocellulose-based, microporous, resin-based, and nano-nitrocellulose cartridges – each with unique benefits and challenges. The investigation highlights emerging composite coating technologies that enhance environmental resilience and storage performance. Advanced techniques, including scanning electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive spectrum, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric, and terahertz time-domain spectroscopy, are discussed in this work to thoroughly examine the structural and thermal properties of CCCs and propellants. Additionally, we analyze the internal ballistics of propellants, focusing on their geometric structure, combustion rate, ignition delay, and compositional modifications, which are crucial for optimizing ballistic performance. The study concludes with insights into the reaction mechanisms. It offers a perspective on future directions, stressing the importance of developing more environmentally friendly and stable CCCs and propellants to meet modern ecological and safety standards.
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publisher De Gruyter
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spelling doaj-art-523852cc562c47d38beedebd7f3eadec2025-08-20T02:41:13ZengDe GruyterReviews on Advanced Materials Science1605-81272025-07-01641pp. 12714910.1515/rams-2025-0119Advances in the development and characterization of combustible cartridge cases and propellants: Preparation, performance, and future prospectsWu Mengde0Xiao Zhenggang1Key Laboratory of Special Energy Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210094, ChinaKey Laboratory of Special Energy Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210094, ChinaThis study presents a comprehensive analysis of combustible cartridge cases (CCCs) and propellants with a focus on their preparation methods, characterization techniques, and application in modern weaponry. As a transformative alternative to traditional metal-based cartridges, CCCs act as both containment and energy sources, effectively reducing the weight and cost of ammunition. Our study classifies CCCs into types like nitrocellulose-based, microporous, resin-based, and nano-nitrocellulose cartridges – each with unique benefits and challenges. The investigation highlights emerging composite coating technologies that enhance environmental resilience and storage performance. Advanced techniques, including scanning electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive spectrum, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric, and terahertz time-domain spectroscopy, are discussed in this work to thoroughly examine the structural and thermal properties of CCCs and propellants. Additionally, we analyze the internal ballistics of propellants, focusing on their geometric structure, combustion rate, ignition delay, and compositional modifications, which are crucial for optimizing ballistic performance. The study concludes with insights into the reaction mechanisms. It offers a perspective on future directions, stressing the importance of developing more environmentally friendly and stable CCCs and propellants to meet modern ecological and safety standards.https://doi.org/10.1515/rams-2025-0119combustible cartridge casecomposite coating technologycharacterizationinterior ballisticsreaction mechanisms
spellingShingle Wu Mengde
Xiao Zhenggang
Advances in the development and characterization of combustible cartridge cases and propellants: Preparation, performance, and future prospects
Reviews on Advanced Materials Science
combustible cartridge case
composite coating technology
characterization
interior ballistics
reaction mechanisms
title Advances in the development and characterization of combustible cartridge cases and propellants: Preparation, performance, and future prospects
title_full Advances in the development and characterization of combustible cartridge cases and propellants: Preparation, performance, and future prospects
title_fullStr Advances in the development and characterization of combustible cartridge cases and propellants: Preparation, performance, and future prospects
title_full_unstemmed Advances in the development and characterization of combustible cartridge cases and propellants: Preparation, performance, and future prospects
title_short Advances in the development and characterization of combustible cartridge cases and propellants: Preparation, performance, and future prospects
title_sort advances in the development and characterization of combustible cartridge cases and propellants preparation performance and future prospects
topic combustible cartridge case
composite coating technology
characterization
interior ballistics
reaction mechanisms
url https://doi.org/10.1515/rams-2025-0119
work_keys_str_mv AT wumengde advancesinthedevelopmentandcharacterizationofcombustiblecartridgecasesandpropellantspreparationperformanceandfutureprospects
AT xiaozhenggang advancesinthedevelopmentandcharacterizationofcombustiblecartridgecasesandpropellantspreparationperformanceandfutureprospects