A New Class of Pyrophoric Foam Materials: Synthesis and Characterization
Abstract
The nanosized iron particles are extremely pyrophoric upon direct contact with the air, and has, therefore, been considered as the primary charges in a wide array of pyrotechnic devices. Recently, a new class of pyrophoric foam materials was discovered (Luan et al. US Patent 10059637, 2018) and demonstrated with advantageous physiochemical properties. The new pyrophoric foam materials are produced via a so-called one-pot synthesis process, in which an iron precursor chemical is first well-dispersed into a polymeric matrix and cast into desirable geometry for intended application. Further thermal treatment leads to formation of the nanosized iron particles directly encapsulated into the structure of the concurrently formed carbon foam, which is also highly flammable. Characterization data reveals a synergetic effect of the foaming and carbonization of the polymeric matrix as the host to the concurrently formed nanosized iron particles. Upon direct contact with the air, both the nanosized iron particles and carbon host are pyrophoric, with the end products being merely iron oxide and carbon dioxide which are natural to the environment.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 05, 2019
- Accession Number
- AD1070045
Entities
People
- Kendall Mills
- Zhaohua Luan