Electrophoretic deposition of superhydrophobic Al/Fe2O3 nanothermite with long-term storage stability

Abstract

In this study, a superhydrophobic Al/Fe2O3 nanothermite with long-term storage stability was prepared by electrophoretic deposition of nano-Al particles and nano-Fe2O3 microboxes on Ti substrate and subsequent modification process. The composition and morphology of Al/Fe2O3 nanothermite were systematically characterised through X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope. In addition, the water contact angle measurements and the immersion test demonstrated the excellent superhydrophobic properties of the as-prepared Al/Fe2O3 nanothermite. 10 days after underwater immersion, the heat release of the superhydrophobic Al/Fe2O3 nanothermite remained 982.7 J/g, which was higher than 514.6 J/g of the sample without superhydrophobic treatment. This work provides a beneficial sight for enhancing the long-term storage stability of nanothermite in practical application.