Achieving efficient sustainable stabilizers for nitrocellulose-based propellants: A comprehensive review

Stabilizers are critical additives used to ensure long-term storage stability and safe usage of nitrocellulose-based propellants (NCBPs) by mitigating their inherent chemical instability. However, conventional stabilizers and their nitroso derivatives are often associated with significant toxicity, environmental issues, and harmful byproducts, driving the need for safer alternatives. This review offers a comprehensive evaluation of recent advancements in eco-friendly stabilizers for NCBPs, highlighting their design principles, mechanisms of action, and performance metrics. It systematically examines a diverse array of sustainable alternatives, including biodegradable and biobased stabilizers, eutectic mixtures, ionic liquids, epoxidized oils, inorganic compounds, and fullerene-based derivatives, emphasizing their potential to replace traditional ones without compromising performance. The physicochemical, thermal, mechanical, and energy-ballistic properties of these alternatives are evaluated, alongside a critical analysis of their advantages and limitations. This overview aims to inspire further innovation in sustainable stabilizers, paving the way for safer, high-performance propellant formulations that align with global environmental and safety standards.