Al/Cu/sub 2/O thermite compatibility studies by x-ray photoelectron and x-ray induced Auger spectroscopy

Conference · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1980

OSTI ID:5061714

Wang, P S; Haws, L D; Moddeman, W E; Rengan, A

The surface chemistry of A1/Cu/sub 2/O thermite in powdered mixtures and in pressed pellets was studied before and after accelerated agings with x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and with x-ray induced Auger spectroscopy (XAES). The kinetic energies of the XPS or XAES signals were observed for A1 1s, Cu 2p/sub 1/2/, Cu 2p/sub 3/2/, Cu L/sub 3/-MM, O 1s, Al K-LL, C 1s and Cu 3s. The Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ film thicknesses on Al metal surfaces were deduced from signal intensity ratios of Al/sup +3/ and Al in XPS of Al 2s and from Al K-LL XAES signals. The oxide thicknesses on Al powders from the manufacturer were measured. Mixing Al with Cu/sub 2/O at room temperature, to form the thermitic composition, induced oxidation of the Al and increased the oxide film thickness. Hot pressing of thermite powders at 425/sup 0/C to form pellets was found to double the oxide layer. This oxide layer was found to protect the Al fuel; further aging of these pellets at 180/sup 0/C for several months showed a negligible change in composition and thickness of the surface oxide. The bulk of the pellet was found to be stable and of good quality. Stearic acid, the organic additive to Al powders, was detected by the C 1s signal. The CuO impurity in Cu/sub 2/O was observed in the Cu 2p/sub 3/2/ signal which was broadened by unpaired electron spin-spin interaction in the Cu/sup +2/d/sup 9/ orbital; both impurities were removed during the high temperature pressing operation.

• Research Organization: Mound Facility, Miamisburg, OH (USA); Dayton Univ., OH (USA). Research Inst.
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-76DP00053
• OSTI ID: 5061714
• Report Number(s): MLM-2765(OP); CONF-801048-2
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
450100* -- Military Technology
Weaponry
& National Defense-- Chemical Explosions & Explosives
ALUMINIUM
ALUMINIUM COMPOUNDS
ALUMINIUM OXIDES
CHALCOGENIDES
CHEMICAL EXPLOSIVES
COMPATIBILITY
COPPER COMPOUNDS
COPPER OXIDES
DIMENSIONS
ELEMENTS
EXPLOSIVES
IMPURITIES
METALS
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
SPECTROSCOPY
SURFACE PROPERTIES
TEMPERATURE DEPENDENCE
THICKNESS
TRANSITION ELEMENT COMPOUNDS