Synthesis of Fullerenes by Electric Arc Discharge and their Applications in Pyrotechnic and Lubricants

Abstract

Carbon has been one of the chief elements of the earth's civilization. It forms stronger bonds than any other materials in different forms. Several carbon-based nanomaterials have been developed in the past three decades through various synthesis processes. Their unique morphologies and multifaceted properties have enabled them to be used in multidisciplinary fields. Carbon nanomaterials possess outstanding mechanical, electrical, thermal, optical and chemical properties that make them ideal materials for tribological applications. This article presents the results of experiments on the synthesis of fullerenes by electric arc discharge and their applications in pyrotechnic and lubricants. The samples were investigated by various methods including Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). SEM and TEM images showed that the sizes of fullerene nanoparticles vary from 50 nm to 1 μm. The Raman spectrum shows the presence of peaks corresponding to fullerene. The obtained samples have been used as lubricants and tribological pyrotechnic. Based on the obtained results, it was determined that the longest detonation process of 11 seconds was observed when using a pyrotechnic composition of fullerene soot (15%), aluminum (10%) and potassium oxide (65%). This study pioneers high-efficiency fullerene synthesis, showcasing remarkable enhancements in lubrication performance and innovative pyrotechnic applications.