Thermodynamics and performance of Al/CuO nanothermite with different storage time

The storage stability of energetic materials is important for its application. Here, the storage stability of Al/CuO nanothermite, which was prepared by electrospray method and stored with different storage time, was systematically researched. The activation energy of Al/CuO nanothermite was calculated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The ignition temperature and the curve pressure history of Al/CuO nanothermite was measured using ignition temperature measuring device and constant-volume pressurization tests, respectively. Further, the thermites were characterized by X-ray Diffractometer (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results show that the morphology of the thermites did not change significantly. The activation energy was decreased from 254.1 kJ/mol to 181.8 kJ/mol after storage for 13 months. When stored for 0, 7 and 13 months, the peak pressures of Al/CuO nanothermite were 685.8 kPa, 626.3 kPa and 625.5 kPa, respectively. In addition to the ignition temperature, it was 775 ℃, 739 ℃ and 754 ℃, respectively. This result indicated that the ignition and combustion properties of Al/CuO nano-thermite are obviously reduced when stored for a long time, at room temperature.     

Nanothermite colloids: A new prospective for enhanced performance

Nanothermites (metal oxide/metal) can offer tremendously exothermic self sustained reactions. CuO is one of the most effective oxidizers for naonothermite applications. This study reports on two prospectives for the manufacture of CuO nanoparticles. Colloidal CuO particles of 15 nm particle size were developed using hydrothermal synthesis technique. Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with surface are 700 m²/g was employed as a substrate for synthesis of CuO-coated MWCNTs using electroless plating. On the other hand, aluminium particles with combustion heat of 32000 J/g is of interest as high energy density material. The impact of stoichiometric nanothermite particles (CuO/Al & Cuo-coated MWCNTs/Al) on shock wave strength of Al/TNT nanocomposite was evaluated using ballistic mortar test. While CuO-coated MWCNTs decreased the shock wave strength by 15%; colloidal CuO enhanced the shock wave strength by 30%. The superior performance of colloidal CuO particles was correlated to their steric stabilization with employed organic solvent. This is the first time ever to report on fabrication, isolation, and integration of stablilized colloidal nanothermite particles into energetic matrix where intimate mixing between oxidizer and metal fuel could be achieved.