Mechanical Desensitization of an Al/WO₃ Nanothermite by Means of Carbonaceous Coatings Derived from Carbohydrates

Abstract

Nanothermites show great developmental promise in the near future in civilian, military and aerospace applications due to their tuneable reactive properties (ignition delay time, combustion velocity and pressure release). However, the high mechanical sensitivities of some of these energetic nanocomposites can make transportation and handling of them hazardous. Here, a mechanical desensitization (shock and friction) of an Al/WO3 nanothermite is successfully obtained by means of carbon adding through the pyrolysis of naturally occurring molecules (carbohydrates). The combustion behaviour of the carbon-based energetic mixtures were also evaluated and a respectable reactivity has been evidenced.

Keywords

• nanothermites
• saccharides
• carbon
• desensitization
• energetic nanocomposites