The Mechanical and Energy Release Performance of THV-Based Reactive Materials

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Energetic Materials

Background:

• Reactive materials (RMs) are crucial for various applications requiring controlled energy release.
• Optimizing density and energy release efficiency in RMs is an ongoing challenge.
• Tetrafluoroethylene, hexafluoropropylene, and vinylidene fluoride (THV) polymers offer unique properties for RM development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and investigate THV-based reactive materials for enhanced density and energy release.
• To systematically research the mechanical, thermal, and energy release behaviors of novel RMs.
• To compare the performance of THV-based RMs with traditional PTFE-based RMs.

Main Methods:

• Compressive tests and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for mechanical performance and fracture mechanisms.
• Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric (TG) tests for thermal behavior.
• Ballistic experiments to evaluate energy release and reaction characteristics.

Main Results:

• THV-based RMs exhibit strain softening, while PTFE-based RMs show strain strengthening, linked to glass transition temperatures.
• THV-based RMs display multiple exothermic peaks due to complex composition.
• Tungsten addition to PTFE RMs increases density and reaction threshold; Hf addition to THV RMs decreases reaction threshold.
• The 88% Hf/12% THV RM demonstrated high density (7.83 g/cm³) and significant energy release in confined spaces.

Conclusions:

• Energy release behavior is intrinsically linked to mechanical properties and fragmentation.
• THV-based RMs, particularly 88% Hf/12% THV, are well-suited for high-energy release in thin, confined environments.
• Material composition significantly influences RM performance, offering tunable properties for specific applications.