Thermal analysis and safety information for metal nanopowders by DSC

Abstract

Metal nanopowders are common and frequently employed in industry. Iron is mostly applied in high-performance magnetic materials and pollutants treatment for groundwater. Zinc is widely used in brass, bronze, die casting metal, alloys, rubber, and paints, etc. Nonetheless, some disasters induced by metal powders are due to the lack of related safety information. In this study, we applied differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and used thermal analysis software to evaluate the related thermal safety information, such as exothermic onset temperature (To), peak of temperature (Tp), and heat of reaction (ΔH). The nano iron powder experimental results of To were 140–150°C, 148–158°C, and 141–149°C for 15nm, 35nm, and 65nm, respectively. The ΔH was larger than 3900J/g, 5000J/g, and 3900J/g for 15nm, 35nm, and 65nm, respectively. Safety information can benefit the relevant metal powders industries for preventing accidents from occurring.