CdFe2O4 and Cd nanocrystals were synthesized by wet chemical and hydrazine reduction methods respectively These nanocrystals were characterized by XRD and TEM Their catalytic activity was investigated on the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP) hydroxyl terminated polybutachene (HTPB) and composite solid propellants (CSPs) using TG and TG-DSC Burning rate of CSPs was considerably enhanced by these nanocrystals Rapid thermolysis of the CSPs and AP has also been studied using ignition delay measurements (C) 2010 Elsevier B V All rights reserved