Fiber construction strategies and properties of boron/fluoropolymer composites

Boron is considered a highly promising fuel owing to its high mass calorific value and volume calorific value. However, the oxide layer on its surface considerably restricts its practical application. In this study, the energetic composite films were prepared by electrospinning technique of boron as fuel and fluoropolymer as oxidizer and binder are designed. The fiber morphology, thermal behavior, and combustion characteristics of boron-fluoropolymer composite films were systematically investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry-thermogravimetric analysis (DSC-TG), and laser ignition experiments. Results showed that boron-fluoropolymer films exhibit distinctive fiber morphology. The addition of fluoropolymers shifts the initial oxidation temperature of boron to 610.13–700.64 °C. Furthermore, the addition of fluorinated polymers has a beneficial effect on the combustion performance of boron, including self-sustaining combustion, high combustion intensity, and shortened ignition delay time. This study offers a practical strategy for the fabrication of fibrous boron-based energetic composites and establishes a foundation for further investigation into the application of fluoropolymer-modified boron materials. • This study utilized an electrospinning system to prepare boron-fluoropolymer films with unique fiber structures. • Films with unique fiber structures can significantly reduce the initial decomposition temperature and ignition delay time. • Films with unique fiber structures can significantly reduce the sintering of boron combustion products.