Reactions Leading to Ignition in Nanocomposite Al-oxide Systems
Abstract
Aluminum-metal oxide energetic compositions with components mixed on the nano-scale are substantially more reactive than conventional thermites and are of interest as potential additives to propellants, explosives, and pyrotechnics. For such nanocomposite materials prepared by Arrested Reactive Milling, the exothermic reactions leading to ignition were detected to begin at relatively low temperatures. These materials are prepared by mechanical processing at room temperature, and the nature of the interface present between aluminum and the oxidizer (metal oxide, e.g., CuO, MoO3, Bi2O3, etc.) is unknown. Initial estimates show that the reaction rates observed in thermo-analytical experiments cannot be explained assuming that the metal and oxidizer are separated by a substantial oxide layer, similar to that present on the surface of conventional aluminum particles. Experiments using a Thermal Activity Monitor (TAM III) quantify the reaction rates between aluminum and oxidizer at temperatures as low as 30-deg C; the results of these measurements are presented and discussed in the context of the redox reactions leading to ignition in such materials.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA521784
Entities
People
- Alexandre Ermoline
- Edward L Dreizin
- Mirko Schoenitz
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory