EBM Interview: Prof. Oleg Glotov

1. Your early research focused on aluminum combustion and agglomeration. How have these studies evolved in complexity and relevance in modern solid propellant design?

Prof. Glotov: “When I started investigating aluminum combustion in the 1980s, the field was primarily focused on burn rate enhancement and mechanical dispersion. Agglomeration was often seen as a minor issue. However, as we moved toward higher-performance and environmentally friendly propellants, agglomeration turned out to be a central problem affecting efficiency, combustion completeness, and residue behavior.

Today, our understanding is far more sophisticated. We examine how binder chemistry, oxidizer particle distribution, and pressure influence aluminum particle coalescence and oxide cap formation. We've developed 3D geometric models-like the tetrahedral pocket model-to simulate how particles merge and evolve in a burning matrix. These insights are now directly influencing the microstructural design of propellants, where minimizing unburnt residues and improving combustion uniformity are critical.”

2. You’ve investigated combustion behavior across a range of metals—Al, B, Ti. What insights have emerged from comparing these materials in propellant applications?

Prof. Glotov: “All metal fuels exhibit unique combustion behavior governed by its physical properties and oxide chemistry. Aluminum, while widely used, forms thick oxide shells that hinder full combustion and promote agglomeration. Boron offers significantly higher gravimetric energy but is difficult to ignite due to due to the low-melting oxide, which covers the surface of the particles and prevents the access of the oxidizer. Titanium, on the other hand, is highly reactive and ignites easily, though it has a lower heat of combustion.

Our comparative studies show that bimetallic combinations, like Al-Ti or B-Ti, can compensate for each other’s limitations. For instance, titanium additives can enhance ignition reliability in boron-rich formulations, while boron extends the combustion duration and energy density. This approach has allowed us to propose new combined fuels with tailored ignition profiles and combustion efficiencies.”

3. Your laboratory has pioneered the study of nanooxides formed during metal combustion. Why are these products critical, and how are they characterized?

Prof. Glotov: “Residual oxide nanoparticles make an environmental impact and determine the post-combustion signature of a propellant. They also reflect underlying mechanisms—whether combustion was diffusion-limited, shell-fractured, or catalytic. We’ve used aerosol diagnostics, image fractal analysis, and 3D modeling to understand particle evolution during burn. Such insights inform the design of fuels that are both efficient and environmentally compliant.”

4. How do you see the field moving forward with boron-based propellants, particularly in the context of your book on fuel-rich systems?

Prof. Glotov: “Boron-based propellants are gaining attention due to their energy density and post-combustion heat release. However, their ignition kinetics remain a bottleneck. Our approach involves doping boron with catalytic metals or encapsulating particles to manage oxide interference. There’s strong promise in tuning these microstructures via advanced synthesis of specific composite particles. In a collaborative effort with colleagues from China and Europe, we’ve even explored organometallic boron compounds and hybrid hydroborate systems, which show better combustion onset and cleaner residue profiles.”

5. You’ve also authored models for agglomeration and ignition. What role does theoretical modeling play in your lab's experimental work? 

Prof. Glotov: “Modeling bridges what we see with what we predict. Our tetrahedral pocket models, for instance, explain how local geometry influences aluminum particle coalescence. We try integrate modeling early in the experimental design to estimate the expected effects. This feedback loop enhances both reliability and reproducibility of combustion data.” 

6. With decades of editorial experience, what are some key elements you look for when evaluating a scientific manuscript??

Prof. Glotov: “The first thing I assess is clarity. A good paper must clearly articulate its objective, hypothesis, and methodology. I then look for originality- whether the study adds a new insight, model, or approach. Sound experimental design and robust data interpretation are essential. Too often, I see manuscripts with interesting concepts but lacking validation and context.

Finally, a strong paper must connect its findings to broader applications. A paper that only reports data without interpretation is incomplete. I also appreciate when authors include error analysis, reproducibility metrics, and supplementary datasets, which improve transparency and reusability.”

7. As a consulting editor and board member for several journals, what research gaps do you believe are underexplored?

Prof. Glotov: “Combustion residue analysis and lifecycle studies of energetic materials are surprisingly underexplored. Also, intermetallic fuel systems, real-time diagnostics in high-pressure microenvironments, and machine learning integration in predictive combustion modeling deserve more attention. There’s also room for cross-disciplinary work, especially between material science and propulsion engineering.”

8. What are the common pitfalls that cause promising manuscripts to be rejected?

Prof. Glotov: “Lack of novelty is the most frequent issue. Many authors attempt to repackage existing ideas with minor tweaks. Others fail to perform a proper literature review, making it unclear how their work fits into the current research landscape. Poor English or unclear figures can also hinder understanding. Additionally, conclusions that are not supported by data, weak statistical treatment, or absence of comparison with established results often lead to rejection. I recommend authors take time to structure their manuscripts logically and solicit peer feedback before submission.”

9. What are the most exciting emerging directions in energetic materials that you’re following or contributing to?

Prof. Glotov: “I’m particularly interested in reactive nanocomposites, machine-learning-based combustion prediction, and additive manufacturing of energetic systems. The ability to 3D-print custom microstructures with embedded energetic components could revolutionize how we design propellants. We’re also exploring AI-assisted screening of fuel blends and predictive modeling of combustion residue characteristics. These tools are enabling us to move from empirical testing toward data-driven material design. Moreover, the push toward greener propellants-those with lower chlorine or perchlorate content is also promising and aligns with global regulatory and environmental priorities.”

10. “What advice would you offer young researchers entering the field of energetic materials today?

Prof. Glotov: “Build a strong foundation in thermodynamics, chemical and macro kinetics, physical methods of measurements, statisical processing and error estimation. I consider proficiency in programming languages to be a very useful skill. Get your hands dirty-nothing replaces good lab work. Stay curious but be rigorous. Collaborate often and don’t fear criticism. Most importantly, pursue research that not only fills a gap in literature but also inspires you-passion fuels persistence.”

Closing Note:

Dr. Oleg Glotov’s work blends deep theoretical insight with practical experimental rigor, advancing our understanding of combustion and energetic materials. His dedication to both research excellence and scientific mentorship continues to inspire a new generation of materials scientists and propulsion engineers.