Preparation and reactivity analysis of novel perfluoroalkyl coated aluminium nanocomposites

Passivation of unpassivated aluminium nanoparticles using C 13 F 27 COOH is reported with materials containing as much as 32·95%Al. Characterisation data, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR FTIR) spectrometry, indicate that the C 13 F 27 COOH molecule binds to the surface of the Al particle, protecting the surface from oxidation in ambient air. The fast reaction capability of the Al–C 13 F 27 COOH material was investigated using two different means. Response of the material to strong shock was analysed using the small scale shock reactivity test (SSRT). SSRT results show that the Al–C 13 F 27 COOH material formulated with cyclotetramethylenetetranitramine (HMX) and hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) binder produced a significantly larger dent than comparable conventional Al specimen. Additionally, laser ablation/ignition studies of the prepared Al–C 13 F 27 COOH material demonstrate the fast reaction capability of the material.