Pyrophoric Nanomaterials

Abstract

Nanomaterials are a relatively untapped resource for energetic materials research and development. This is partly due to the new-fangled nature of nanotechnology, but more so due to a lack of mature processing science for their incorporation into conventional materials. The high surface area of nanomaterials provides the opportunity to realize enhanced reactivity, superior burn rates, and enhanced detonation properties. In addition, particle size effects may also offer an ability to achieve tunable energetic materials. Nanoscale metallic powders are known to be highly pyrophoric, with noble metals being the exception. In addition, we will discuss how mechanically milled metal powders can be made pyrophoric with a minimal amount of processing time. Nanoporous thin films and coatings exhibiting pyrophoricity are also presented. Work is currently ongoing in exploiting the high surface area of three-dimensional foam materials. All of these materials require special handling and storage considerations, which will be discussed briefly.