Effect of Mechanical Activation on Thermally and Shock Wave Initiated Reactions of Refractory Metals with Teflon

Abstract

We have studied ignition and structure formation processes in powder mixtures of refractory metals, Teflon, and energetic additives. Tungsten or tantalum has been used as a component of the mixtures in order to obtain high-density condensed products. Aluminum and zirconium have been used as energetic additives that lower the ignition temperature and raise the combustion temperature of the mixtures. The compositions studied have been chosen using thermodynamic calculations in order to maximize the amount of condensed products with a high combustion temperature. The mixtures were pressed into pellets. The heating rate of the crucible was varied. Experiments with the mechanically activated mixtures have shown an appreciable increase in the magnitude of the effect for both thermal and shock wave reaction initiation.