Elaboration and Characterization of Nano-Sized AlxMoyOz/Al Thermites
Abstract
A new process to control the reactivity of thermites containing molybdenum trioxide (MoQ3) and aluminium (Al) has been developed at the Institut franco-allemand de recherches de Saint Louis (ISL). This process consists of a new sol-gel method nano-sized mixed AlxMoyOz phases whose structure is correlated to the chemical composition. It is possible to adjust the energetic properties of the thermites obtained through physical mixing of these phases with nano-sized aluminium (Al 50-P, Nanotechnologies). The resulting nano-thermites are very insensitive to mechanical and thermal stresses, but can be easily ignited by the energy brought by a laser beam. The nano-structuring of the oxidative phase decreases the sensitivities, shortens the ignition delay times and dramatically increases the combustion rates. These promising characteristics allow considering these metastable interstitial composites (MICs) as potential components for insensitive weapon ignition systems.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA456236
Entities
People
- D. Spitzer
- M. Comet