Ru alloying in Ni/Al reactive multilayers: Experimental observations and molecular dynamics simulations

Reactive multilayer thin films, a class of energetic materials, are increasingly recognized for their potential in joining applications, utilizing the chemical energy released as heat during exothermic reactions. These materials also hold promise for additional diverse technological applications, which require precise control over heat release rates and reaction propagation velocities. The microstructural properties of reactive multilayers play a critical role in determining their chemical reaction behavior. Among these, Ni/Al reactive multilayers have been extensively studied and used due to their favorable characteristics. In this study, we explore the incorporation of ruthenium (Ru) as a co-alloying element with nickel (Ni) in the Ni/Al system to investigate its impact on the material properties, with a particular focus on reaction velocity and temperature. Ru enhances the reaction rates but also causes a composition-dependent phase transition in the as-deposited state from fcc to hcp. Additionally, molecular dynamics simulations are employed to examine the effects of Ru co-alloying with Ni, providing deeper insights into the underlying mechanisms. This work aims to advance the understanding of Ru’s role in influencing the performance of Ni/Al-based reactive multilayers for advanced applications.