Microcalorimetric Study of the Aging Reactions of Atomized Magnesium Powder
Abstract
Magnesium powder is used widely as a fuel in pyrotechnic compositions, e.g., in illuminating flare formulations. Powdered magnesium chemically is a very reactive metal and it is prone to undergo relatively slow surface reactions at room temperature with moist air. In this study the technique of microcalorimetry has been used to characterize these undesired magnesium degradation reactions. Experiments have been carried out using large magnesium samples to simulate a storage environment and small magnesium samples to simulate the magnesium powder in a pyrotechnic production line environment. Powdered magnesium can react with both water vapor and oxygen found in air with the reaction with water vapor being at least an order of magnitude more rapid. The degradation reactions are relatively slow, e.g., at 70 deg C and 100% relative humidity 1% magnesium degradation requires approximately 15 hours reaction time. However, a 1% degradation of the powdered magnesium translates into as much as 8% decrease in the burn rate of a pyrotechnic composition which incorporates the degraded magnesium.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 20, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA247932
Entities
People
- Aton Chin
- Bill R. Hubble
- Robert G. Shortridge
Organizations
- Naval Surface Warfare Center