Study on combustion performance of boron powder promoted by nickel oxide

Boron (B) is an ideal fuel due to its high mass and volumetric calorific values. However, its high ignition temperature and poor combustion efficiency affect its wide use in propellants. Nickel oxide (NiO) has been found to possess strong catalytic activity as a metal oxide in a transition state. In this study, composites of three different particle sizes of B particles and various concentrations of NiO were prepared. Thermal analysis, combustion process, and combustion mechanisms were investigated. Modifying B with NiO can decrease the initial oxidation temperature and ignition temperature. The flame temperature and combustion efficiency are increased after B powder is modified by NiO. The mechanism of the combustion reaction was further investigated to gain a deeper understanding of the NiO-catalyzed B oxidation process.