Preparation and characterization of n-Al/FeF3 nanothermite

A new type of nanothermite composed of n-Al (metal fuel) and FeF 3 (oxidizer) was investigated in this paper. The thermal behavior and combustion properties of the n-Al/FeF 3 nanothermite were compared with that of n-Al/Fe 2 O 3 nanothermite by TG/DSC-MS, XRD, SEM and high-speed camera. The results showed that the decomposition of FeF 3 begins at 300   °C and releases free F ions. The F ions react with Al 2 O 3 shell covered on the surface of aluminum. The start and exothermic peak temperatures of the major reaction of n-Al/FeF 3 are at 415   °C and 520   °C respectively, which are 95   °C and 34   °C lower than those of n-Al/Fe 2 O 3 . Furthermore, the FeF 3 will be reduced to Fe completely at 700   °C. However, the Fe 2 O 3 could only be converted to Fe 3 O 4 . It demonstrates that the reaction of n-Al/FeF 3 is completely, but only a part of n-Al/Fe 2 O 3 reacts at 700   °C. The n-Al/FeF 3 has larger, brighter flame and shorter burning time than n-Al/Fe 2 O 3 in open air.