Controlling the Electrostatic Discharge Ignition Sensitivity of Composite Energetic Materials Using Carbon Nanotube Additives

Abstract

Powder energetic materials are highly sensitive to electrostatic discharge (ESD) ignition. This study shows that small concentrations of carbon nanotubes (CNT) added to the highly reactive mixture of aluminum and copper oxide (Al+CuO) significantly reduces ESD ignition sensitivity. CNT act as a conduit for electric energy, bypassing energy buildup and desensitizing the mixture to ESD ignition. The lowest CNT concentration needed to desensitize ignition is 3.8 vol.% corresponding to percolation corresponding to an electrical conductivity of 0.04 S/cm. Conversely, added CNT increased Al+CuO thermal ignition sensitivity to a hot wire igniter.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 10, 2014
Accession Number
ADA622735

Entities

People

  • Eric S. Collins
  • Kade H. Poper
  • Michael A. Daniels
  • Michelle L. Pantoya

Organizations

  • Texas Tech University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Additives (Chemicals)
  • Carbon Nanotubes
  • Combustion
  • Combustion Chambers
  • Composite Materials
  • Conductivity
  • Electrical Conductivity
  • Energetic Materials
  • Exothermic Reactions
  • Fuels
  • Hot Wire
  • Ignition
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Particle Size
  • Solid Fuels
  • Thermal Conductivity
  • United States

Readers

  • Nanocomposite Materials Science
  • Plasma Physics.
  • Rocket Propulsion.