Design and fabrication of energetic superlattice like-PTFE/Al with superior performance and application in functional micro-initiator

The energy storage and release in suitable and convenient ways are attracting intensive attention due to their important roles in current development and living standards. Energetic materials storing energy in chemical bonds have been widely used in military and civilian to making a tremendou contribution to the world economy. According to energy storage principle of energetic molecule, energetic superlattice material (like-PTFE/Al) is designed and fabricated by introducing polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) as an oxidizer and aluminum (Al) as a reducing agent. Energetic superlattice like-PTFE/Al exhibits a significantly enhanced energy output (3224.4 J/g) and a low onset reaction temperature (358 degrees C). More interesting is that, energetic superlattice like-PTFE/Al is able to self-propagate at micro-scale (1.2 mu m thick, 5 mu m width) and the propagation rate of the combustion wave front is tunable. Based on the excellent performance of the superlattice like-PTFE/Al, a functional micro-initiator is prepared and the ignition process is further studied by electric ignition test and high-speed video recording (HSVR). Overall, our work, which uses superlattice structure materials as matrix to assemble like-PTFE/Al energetic materials, opens a novel route for molecular engineering of the energetic materials to store and release energy. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.