Ignition studies of Al/Fe2O3 energetic nanocomposites

We prepare energetic nanocomposites, which undergo an exothermic reaction when ignited at moderate temperature. The nanocomposites are a mixture of Al fuel and Fe2O3 oxidizer where Fe2O3 is in the form of an array of nanowires embedded in the thin Al film. We achieve a very high packing density of the nanocomposites, precise control of oxidizer-fuel sizes at the nanoscale level, and direct contact between oxidizer and fuel. We find that the flame temperature does not depend on ignition temperature. (C) 2004 American Institute of Physics.