Abstract: The present invention relates to a propellant in liquid or gel form, in particular for rocket engines, comprising: —an inorganic salt as the oxidising agent, wherein the inorganic salt has an oxygen content of at least 60 weight %; and —a solvent as the fuel, comprising a monovalent or divalent alcohol, a nitroalkane and/or an ionic liquid in which nitrate is the anion, wherein the solvent has an oxygen content of from 30 to 55 weight %, wherein the inorganic salt is dissolved in the solvent.

Abstract: A tool (1) for manipulating a material, includes a body (4) defining a chamber (6). At least one source (8) of a pressurised fuel and oxidant mixture (9) or of a monopropellant is in communication with a chamber via an injector device. At least one mechanism (18) for igniting the fuel and oxidant mixture or for initiating decomposition of the monopropellant is provided. Upon ignition of the fuel and oxidant mixture or initiation of the decomposition of the monopropellant, a combustion jet (20) or a decomposition product jet is formed in the chamber which, in use, flows out through a nozzle outlet (28) towards, and into engagement with, a material to be manipulated. Methods of using the tool (1) and fuel and oxidant compositions suitable for use in the tool are also described.