Self-assembled core-shell structured Si@CuO energetic materials for enhanced exothermic performance

Si is considered as a promising fuel for energetic materials and has received increasing attention. In this study, a novel core-shell structure Si@CuO energetic material was successfully synthesized by self-assembly method. Poly(4-vinylpyridine) was used as cross linker to coat nano-CuO on the surface of nano-Si to form core-shell structure Si@CuO energetic material. The morphology and composition of the nano-Si, nano-CuO and Si@CuO energetic materials were investigated in detail by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The results demonstrate that the maximum actual heat release of Si@CuO with core-shell structure is 1061.4 J/g when the equivalent ratio is 1.0, which is greater than 532.8 J/g of Si/CuO energetic materials prepared by ultrasonic mixing method. These results provide a helpful and practical strategy for the preparation of energetic materials with long-term storage stability.