We have initiated study of the effect of nano‐aluminum on the detonation performance of NTO. A novel method for the preparation of both fine‐particle NTO (UF‐NTO) and its formulation with Al nanopowder has been developed. Results from small‐scale sensitivity tests on both the UF‐NTO and aluminized NTO composite indicated that they are insensitive to impact, friction and HESD. The performance of both UF‐NTO and NTO/Al mix was evaluated by detonation‐spreading floret tests. At the same pressed density, it was found that, when initiated by a 3‐mm‐diameter flyer plate, the aluminized NTO composite produced a shallower dent on a copper witness plate than neat UF‐NTO and thus was inferior to UF‐NTO in detonation spreading.