Surface morphologies of Mg–Gd alloy particle during its reactions with O2 and Teflon

Abstract

Mg–Gd alloy particle has exhibited its unique combustion properties as the fuel of Mg/Teflon/Viton (MTV). Mg–Gd alloy/Teflon/Viton (MGTV) could burn at lower ambient pressure than MTV. To further investigate the reaction of MGTV in air, it was investigated via thermo gravity-differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC). Meanwhile, the morphologies and element distributions on the alloy surface during the reaction of MGTV in air were investigated via scanning electronic microscope-mapping-electronic differential spectrometer. Meanwhile, a similar experimental protocol on the Mg–Gd alloy particle during oxidation was also applied. The results showed that owning to a protective oxide shell, the onset oxidation temperature of Mg–Gd alloy is higher than Mg. However, the onset oxidation temperature of the exceeded Mg–Gd alloy in MGTV is significantly lower than that of the exceeded Mg in MTV. It was due to the existence of GdOF, which could significantly lower the oxidation temperature of the exceeded fuel. Furthermore, a possible reaction mechanism was proposed. The fascinating oxidation properties of Mg–Gd alloy suggested its promising applications in energetic materials.

Keywords

• Mg-Gd alloy
• Energetic materials
• Morphology
• EDS
• GdOF