Abstract: The present invention is a lead-free pyrotechnic composition comprising from about 60 percent by weight to about 80 percent by weight iodine pentoxide and from about 15 percent by weight to about 35 percent by weight of a solid-powder fuel. The solid-powder fuel may normally be selected from aluminum, magnesium, or a combination thereof. Depending upon the potential use for the lead-free pyrotechnic composition of the present invention, the composition may also include from about 4 to 10 percent by weight of a stabilizer that neutralizes any iodic acid formed by the iodine pentoxide, from about 3 to 5 percent by weight of a binder, or from about 5 to 15 percent by weight of a coloring agent. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the aluminum will comprise aluminum flake having a size ranging from about nanometers to about 100 nanometers.

Abstract: The present invention is a propellant composition comprising from about 2 percent to about 46 percent, by weight, boron particles having a diameter of less than about 500 nanometers. Liquid or gel embodiments of the invention may also include adding the boron particles to a liquid fuel in order to form a liquid fuel system. Examples of such liquid fuels include ethyl ammonium nitrate (EAN), triethyl amine nitrate (TEAN), Cyclotetramethylenetetranitramine (HMX), trinitrotoluene (TNT), jet fuel formula (JP-10), kerosene, RJ-4, or other hydrocarbon based fuels. These liquid fuel systems can be part of bipropellants wherein the liquid fuel system is stored separately from an oxidizing agent and the two are mixed during operation. Examples of oxidizing agents may include nitrogen tetroxide, oxygen, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl ammonium perchlorate (HAP), hydoxyl ammonium nitrate (HAN), ammonium perchlorate, ammonium nitrate, ammonium dinitramide (ADN), or a combination of said chemicals.