Nano-scale reactants in the self-propagating high-temperature synthesis of nickel aluminide

Journal Article · Mon Jun 21 04:00:00 EDT 2004 · Acta Materialia

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actamat.2004.03.017· OSTI ID:20634708

Hunt, Emily M; Plantier, Keith B; Pantoya, Michelle L

The ignition and combustion behaviors of nickel (Ni) and aluminum (Al) thermites were studied as a function of Al particle size. In particular, nano-scale Ni/Al composites were compared to micron-scale Ni/Al composites. Laser ignition experiments were performed on pressed Ni/Al pellets to determine ignition time and temperature as a function of Al particle size. Flame propagation behavior and burn rates were also examined using high-speed diagnostics. Results show that nano-scale composites have significantly reduced ignition times over micron-scale composites owing primarily to the unique thermal properties associated with nano-particles. Flame propagation and overall burn rate was also influenced by Al particle size and physical properties. Electron micrographs of the products reveal the formation of whiskers in nano-scale composites but not in micron-scale composites.

• OSTI ID: 20634708
• Journal Information: Acta Materialia, Journal Name: Acta Materialia Journal Issue: 11 Vol. 52; ISSN 1359-6454; ISSN ACMAFD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
ALUMINIUM COMPOUNDS
COMBUSTION
FLAME PROPAGATION
IGNITION
NICKEL COMPOUNDS
PARTICLE SIZE
PARTICLES
REACTION KINETICS
SYNTHESIS
THERMODYNAMIC PROPERTIES
WHISKERS