The present invention is directed to composite particles that react with a small and adjustable input energy. The ignition threshold depends primarily upon reactant spacing and chemistry, not overall particle size. Combustion properties, such as burn duration and temperature, are controlled by adjusting particle size or reactant composition. The best performance is achieved by selecting reactants with strong intermetallic formation reaction and that combust in different phases (condensed vs gaseous). These particles are fabricated by various methods, including physical vapor deposition, or ball milling. The concept of purposefully decoupling ignition and combustion properties by fabricating particles where ignition is determined by reactant spacing and/or composition and combustion is determined by adjusting particle size and/or composition is described. Combinations of specific reactants, such as Al, Zr, Ti, Mo, Mg, B, Li, etc. exhibit dual-phase combustion, and/or enhance combustion through prevention of terminating species. Ternary additions are used to form gaseous species.
展开▼
