Characterization of self-propagating formation reactions in Ni/Zr multilayered foils using reaction heats, velocities, and temperature-time profiles

Abstract

We report on intermetallic formation reactions in vapor-deposited multilayered foils of Ni/Zr with 70 nm bilayers and overall atomic ratios of Ni:Zr, 2 Ni:Zr, and 7 Ni:2 Zr. The sequence of alloy phase formation and the stored energy is evaluated at slow heating rates (∼1 K/s) using differential scanning calorimetry traces to 725 °C. All three chemistries initially form a Ni–Zr amorphous phase which crystallizes first to the intermetallic NiZr. The heat of reaction to the final phase is 34–36 kJ/mol atom for all chemistries. Intermetallic formation reactions are also studied at rapid heating rates (greater than 105 K/s) in high temperature, self-propagating reactions which can be ignited in these foils by an electric spark. We find that reaction velocities and maximum reaction temperatures (Tmax) are largely independent of foil chemistry at 0.6±0.1 m/s and 1220±50 K, respectively, and that the measured Tmax is more than 200 K lower than predicted adiabatic temperatures (Tad). The difference between Tmax and Tad is explained by the prediction that transformation to the final intermetallic phases occurs after Tmax and results in the release of 20%–30% of the total heat of reaction and a delay in rapid cooling.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2011
Source ID
10.1063/1.3527925

Entities

People

  • Natalie Walker
  • R. Knepper
  • S. C. Barron
  • Timothy P. Weihs

Organizations

  • Johns Hopkins University
  • Office of Naval Research
  • United States Department of Energy

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Materials Science and Engineering.
  • Molecular Photonics/Laser Physics
  • Thin Film Deposition Science.