Based on the strong oxidant AP adjustment strategy to obtain Al/AP@PVDF composite material with excellent energy release performance

Abstract

In this paper, ammonium perchlorate (AP) as a strong oxidant has been added into Al/polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) nanothermites. Based on homogeneous structure of PVDF, shorter reaction contact between components can be obtained for more outstanding ignition and combustion performance. Water contact angle experiments were conducted to evaluate the hydrophobicity of the composite films, indicating that the suitability of composite material has enhanced under wet environment. According to TG-DSC results, the thermal decomposition of AP can improve the whole heat release process, which theoretically has excellent combustion performance advantages. Constant volume pressure tests were conducted to assess the energy release properties of the films compared with Al@PVDF films. Combustion performance in air was evaluated by employing optical sensors and a high-speed camera to measure factors such as the ignition delay time, light intensity and combustion flame propagation. After adding 15 % AP, the maximum pressure of Al/AP@PVDF film is 0.0960 Mpa, and that of Al@PVDF film is 0.0805 Mpa. The maximum pressure of the film is increased by nearly 19.25 %. Compared with Al@PVDF film, the ignition delay time of Al/AP@PVDF film is shortened by 45 ms, and the light intensity is increased by nearly 93.39 %. However, excessive AP content adversely impacted film formation efficiency, leading to the deterioration of various properties. Therefore, an optimal AP content of approximately 15 % in Al/AP@PVDF system was finally identified.