To satisfy the requirements of passive pressurized water reactor nuclear power station explosion valve for high-temperature-resistant gas-producing powder, the carbon black/potassium nitrate (CPN) propellant was developed, and its performances were tested and evaluated by DSC, TGA, closed bomb test, linear burning rate test, friction sensitivity and electrostatic sensitivity tests. The comparison of performances of CPN and black powder (HY6) and sulfur-free black powder (WHY6) was carried out. Results show that the auto ignition temperature of the CPN propellant is over 321 ℃, revealing that the CPN propellant has good thermal stability and high temperature-resistance ability. The CPN propellant has the ability of producing gas to do work. The burning rates increases in the order; CPN < WHY6 < HY6.The values of friction sensitivity and electrostatic sensitivity of the CPN propellant are 0. The safety of the CPN propellant is better than that of HY6 and WHY6.