Accession Number:

AD1004300

Title:

Low-Power Laser Ignition of Aluminum/Metal Oxide Nanothermites

Descriptive Note:

Journal Article

Corporate Author:

Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC)-Valcartier Quebec Canada

Personal Author(s):

• Chamberland,Daniel
• Petre,Catalin F.
• Ringuette,Sophie
• Paradis,Suzanne
• Stowe,Robert
• Ringuette,Tommy

Report Date:

2014-01-01

Pagination or Media Count:

16.0

Abstract:

In this study, three different types of nanothermites, i.e., AlCuO, MoO3, and AlBi2O3, were produced using the widely spread wet i.e., isopropanol based method. In addition to the above method, the three nanothermites were also produced using a Resodyn LabRAM mixer. A paraffin-coated spherical Al nanopowder 100 nm was used as the fuel source, while the oxidizers were nanometric powders of CuO 40 nm, MoO3 100 nm, and Bi2O3 200 nm. The effect of nanothermite composition on the sensitivity for the tests of electrostatic discharge ESD, impact, and friction was investigated. Scanning electron microscopy SEM was used to analyze the morphology and homogeneity of the nanothermites. Next, the nanothermites were thermally analyzed in terms of energy release, ignition temperature, and flame temperature using a thermogravimetric analysis differential and scanning calorimetry TGADSC technique. A low-power diode laser was used to evaluate the ability of different laser wavelengths 661, 532, and 445 nm to produce the ignition energy needed for a specific thermite reaction. Low ignition delays less than 15 ms were obtained at approximately 300 mW laser power output for both AlMoO3 and AlBi2O3 thermites. Finally, a forward-looking infrared camera was used to estimate the ignition and burning temperatures of the AlMoO3 nanothermite.

Descriptors:

• NANOENERGETICS
• METAL OXIDE NANOPARTICLES
• aluminum
• thermite

Subject Categories:

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE