Identifying a combination of intermetallic and thermite reactions that result in a non-expanding compact
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-1-2024
Abstract
We investigate low gas generating, thermite formulations composed of ball-milled Al-Zr fuel and TiO2 (anatase) oxide powders combined in a stoichiometric ratio. These thermite materials have applications as heat sources in confined geometries where gas generation and sample expansion would be detrimental. In this study, we identify the processing conditions that yield the most reactivity and the least expansion by changing milling conditions from single stage to dual stage milling to tune the thermite microstructure and by varying metallic fuel composition from Al to 3Al:Zr to Al:Zr. The loose powders milled in a single stage display better intermixing of Al, Zr, and TiO2 compared to those milled in two stages, as well as lower Al melt temperatures and the formation of Zr oxides when heated slowly under Ar. All thermite powders containing Zr show a decreased ignition temperature compared to the Al:TiO2 baseline sample. When uniaxially compacted and reacted, all TiO2 thermites mixtures burned near their adiabatic reaction temperatures, and all single stage milled samples and dual stage milled Al-rich samples react with a flaking appearance, expanding up to 1.8 times the original compact size. In contrast, the dual stage milled, Al:Zr sample did not expand, had the slowest average burn rate at 1.6 mm/s, and displayed a unique two stage reaction front. We attributed this dual front to the initial reaction of Al and Zr and the formation of Al-Zr intermetallics, followed by the oxidation of these species. All samples containing TiO2 reacted well below the boiling temperature of Al and the melting temperature of Zr, confirming condensed phase formation of Al and Zr oxides.
Identifier
85184012917 (Scopus)
Publication Title
Combustion and Flame
External Full Text Location
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.combustflame.2024.113343
e-ISSN
15562921
ISSN
00102180
Volume
262
Grant
HDTRA1-20-2-0001
Fund Ref
U.S. Department of Defense
Recommended Citation
Polk, Amee L.; Dean, Steven W.; Flickinger, Michael R.; Chintersingh, Kerri lee A.; Scott, Dakota G.; Valdes, Erica R.; Fisher, Kyle R.; and Weihs, Timothy P., "Identifying a combination of intermetallic and thermite reactions that result in a non-expanding compact" (2024). Faculty Publications. 530.
https://digitalcommons.njit.edu/fac_pubs/530
