HTPB-coated aluminum (Al) nanopowders were prepared by laser-induction complex heating. The characterization of the nanopowders was revealed using transmission electronic microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electronic microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry. Results showed that HTPB-coated Al nanopowders have a core-shell structure with size ranging from 30 to 100 nm and organic HTPB exists in HTPB-coated Al nanopowders. Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and thermal gravimeter (TG) analysis of the HTPB-coated Al nanopowders and Al2O3-passivated Al nanopowders stored for 2 years in ambient environment indicated that the reactivity and stability of HTPB-coated Al nanopowders outperform Al2O3-passivated Al nanopowders. These findings demonstrate that HTPB is a suitable surface coating material for Al nanopowders. (c) 2007 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.