Thermal Reaction Characteristics of Nano and Micro-scale Aluminum Powders in Carbon Dioxide

摘要

The idea of metal-CO2 propulsion for Mars missions has been known for a long time. Martian atmosphere consists of approximately 95% CO2. Using metals as fuel and CO2 as an oxidizer can reduce the cost of Mars exploration in CO2-breathing jet [1] or rocket [2] engines. This approach is based on the ability of some metals to burn in CO2. Aluminum powder, as a very common energetic material, is widely used as a fuel additive in propulsion systems, explosives, and pyrotechnics due to its relatively low cost and high combustion enthalpy. However, the thermal reaction characteristics in CO2 atmosphere are less understood due to the addition of carbon element.