Energetic Performance of Optically Activated Aluminum/Graphene Oxide Composites

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering
• Energetic Materials

Background:

• Optical ignition of energetic materials like aluminum (Al) is difficult due to poor light absorption and high ignition energy.
• Conventional additives often increase material density, compromising performance.
• Need for efficient additives to enhance optical ignition and combustion properties of Al particles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of graphene oxide (GO) as an additive on the optical ignition and combustion of micron-sized Al particles.
• To understand the mechanisms behind GO's enhancement of Al particle energetic properties.
• To compare GO with traditional additives like metal oxides.

Main Methods:

• Incorporation of 20 wt % graphene oxide (GO) into micron-sized aluminum (Al) particles.
• Optical ignition experiments using Xe flash and laser-based excitation.
• Analysis of combustion properties, including heat release, gas generation, and pressure rise.

Main Results:

• Graphene oxide (GO) addition significantly enhanced optical ignition and combustion of Al particles.
• Optically activated reactions of GO initiated Al oxidation and produced gaseous products, reducing agglomeration.
• GO demonstrated superior performance compared to metal oxide additives (WO3, Bi2O3) due to its lower density.

Conclusions:

• Graphene oxide (GO) is an effective additive for improving the optical ignition and combustion of micron-sized aluminum (Al) particles.
• GO enhances energetic performance by facilitating Al oxidation and promoting combustion through its unique reactions.
• GO offers a low-density alternative to conventional additives, improving energetic properties without compromising material density.