The thermite reaction between aluminum and a fluoropolymer has been well-studied as a pyrolant for a multitude of energetic applications. However, most formulations lack structural integrity to be used for a practical application. We have been investigating the utility of preparing metastable matrix composites utilizing a core/shell formulation comprising of nanometer-sized aluminum (nAl) as the fuel (the core) and a fluoropolymer coating, specifically perfluoropolyethers (PFPEs) as the oxidizer (the shell). Composites have included post-machineable thermoset molds, elastomer coatings, electrospun microfibers, and melt-processed thermoplastics. This study expands the scope of this metastable matrix composite formulation by investigating the core/shell thermite reaction in fluoropolymer-segmented, high surface area urethane foams. This work will present the preparation of the highly porous urethane foam loaded with the nAl/PFPE core/shell formulation as well as bulk physical and energetic properties.

Interface optimization of nanoaluminum urethane composite energetic foams

255th National Meeting (2018)

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