skip to main content
OSTI.GOV title logo U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Title: Aluminum particle surface studies in Al/Cu/sub 2/O by electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis and Auger electron spectroscopy

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5845784

Surface chemistry of Al/Cu/sub 2/O thermite powders and pressed pellets undergoing accelerated aging was studied by x-ray photelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). Al 1s, Cu 2P/sub 1/2/, Cu 2P/sub 3/2/, Cu L/sub 3/-M/sub 4/ /sub 5/ M/sub 4/ /sub 5/, O 1S, Al K-L/sub 2/ /sub 3/, L/sub 23/, C 1S, and Cu 3S signals were observed. The Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ film thicknesses on aluminum metal surfaces were deduced from signal intensity ratios of Al/sup +3/ and aluminum in XPS Al 2S as well as Al K-L/sub 2/ /sub 3/ L/sub 2/ /sub 3/ AES. The oxide thickness on the aluminum powder from the manufacturer was found to be 9A. Mixing of aluminum and Cu/sub 2/O at room temperature to form thermite induced a certain degree of oxidation of the aluminum and increased the oxide film thickness to 11A. Hot pressing of thermite powders at 425/sup 0/C to from pellets increased the oxide layer to 22A. This oxide layer protected the aluminum fuel; further aging of these pellets at 180/sup 0/C for several months caused negligible change on the surface oxide. The bulk of the pellet was found to be stable and of good quality.

Research Organization:
Mound Facility, Miamisburg, OH (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
EY-76-C-04-0053
OSTI ID:
5845784
Report Number(s):
MLM-2664
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English