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Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy

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21-07-2018 | Review Paper

Recent developments in ceramic microthrusters and the potential applications with green propellants: a review

Authors: Kalaimani Markandan, Jit Kai Chin, Kean How Cheah, Michelle T. T. Tan

Published in: Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy | Issue 9/2018

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Abstract

Conventional chemical propellants such as hydrazine and ammonium perchlorate have been used within the realm of contemporary space propulsion devices and are well established owing to their rich heritage. However, their limitations such as toxicity, difficulty in operational handling and environmental impacts have raised concerns. In view of these limitations, the significance of green propellants such as hydroxylammonium nitrate, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and ammonium dinitramide has become more pronounced. In this paper, recent developments in ceramic microthrusters and the associated ceramic microfabrication techniques are reviewed. The characteristics of green propellants are examined, followed by the evaluation of previous attempts to incorporate green propellants into ceramic microthrusters. This has further unveiled the possibilities of green and clean space missions in the future.

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Title: Recent developments in ceramic microthrusters and the potential applications with green propellants: a review
Authors: Kalaimani Markandan
Jit Kai Chin
Kean How Cheah
Michelle T. T. Tan
Publication date: 21-07-2018
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy / Issue 9/2018
Print ISSN: 1618-954X
Electronic ISSN: 1618-9558
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10098-018-1582-7

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