Rapid and Low-Cost Synthesis of Porous Silicon Powder from Mg2Si for Energetic Applications
Abstract
Porous silicon (Si) powder filled with sodium perchlorate oxidizer is a promising energetic material for advanced propellant and explosive formulations. Currently, porous Si powder is derived from p-type Si wafers etched in 3:1 concentrated hydrofluoric acid:ethanol solution followed by a liftoff procedure. This process is fundamentally expensive due to the cost of p-type Si wafers. An alternative method to generate porous Si powder from Mg2Si with similar properties to anodically etched porous Si is presented. Flame-speed measurements were performed and calculated to be comparable to anodically etched Si up to 977 m/s. Without the use of hydrofluoric acid or p-type wafers, this is a safer and cost-efficient way to produce porous Si for energetic applications.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2021
- Accession Number
- AD1147922
Entities
People
- Dustin T. Abele
- Katherine M. Price
- Michael J. Wagner
- Nathan A. Banek
- Philip M Guerieri
- Wayne A. Churaman
Organizations
- Fibertek
- George Washington University
- United States Army Research Laboratory