Calorimetry Research Articles

Please sir, may I have some more? The case against underfeeding.

In the critically ill patient, current recommendations endorse administering nutritional support according to indirect calorimetry measurements or if not available, according to formulae, such as 25 kcal/kg ideal body weight/day or other predictive equations (1,2). However, it is universally recognized that these equations are largely inaccurate and may result in both under- or over-feeding in 40-70% of patients. Over the past few years, numerous studies have compared outcomes of patient receiving by different routes, various amounts of calories and protein (3-5). One of the most recent, by Arabi et al . (6), namely the PermiT study, compared a standard caloric regimen consisting of 70-100% of estimated caloric requirements as determined by the Penn State equation, to a permissive underfeeding regimen consisting of 40-60% of caloric requirements.

Relationships among Proximate Components and Energy Density of Juvenile Atlantic Estuarine Fishes

AbstractInformation on the energy density of juvenile fishes is needed to inform food web and bioenergetic models. Several approaches may be used to estimate energy density, and although these approaches are expected to yield similar estimates, the accuracy of such estimates has not been assessed. Estuarine fishes have unique life history strategies that influence the water, protein, lipid, and ash composition of their tissues. Because proximate components vary among species, the preferred approaches for estimating energy density from these components may also differ. We investigated the suitability of five approaches to estimate energy density measured by bomb calorimetry from water content for juvenile Summer Flounder Paralichthys dentatus, Striped Bass Morone saxatilis, and Atlantic Croaker Micropogonias undulatus. Approaches were based on the following: (1) relationships between water and percent composition, (2) relationships between water and the mass of proximate components, (3) water content alone (by percentage and by mass), (4) percent water and fish mass, and (5) published relationships between energy density and percent dry weight. The mean predicted energy densities from alternative approaches were generally within 10% of the mean energy densities measured by bomb calorimetry (4.21 kJ/g to 4.94 kJ/g). For Summer Flounder and Atlantic Croakers, regressions based on the percent water from whole fish provided estimates of energy density closest to those from bomb calorimetry, and including fish mass improved the accuracy of energy density estimates for Striped Bass. Energy density calculated from percent composition overestimated measured energy density, even with conservative lipid‐to‐energy conversion factors; this was most pronounced for individuals with energy densities less than 5 kJ/g. Because lipid‐to‐energy conversion factors may not be temporally stable or spatially invariant, further research is needed on the energy content of lipid classes in fishes. The types of lipids used for energy storage likely vary among life stages and species, and extrapolating approaches to different size‐classes or species groups may bias estimates of energy content.

Nanomechanical behaviour and thermal degradation of nanoclays and supernanoclays enhanced marine gelcoat system

Novel nanoclay reinforced unsaturated polyester gelcoats for marine vessels are evaluated in terms of their thermal and mechanical performance. In this study, mechanical and thermal tests have been employed to characterise different gelcoat systems with various loading levels of nanoclays with and without X-treatment. Differences in mechanical properties were determined by using nano-indentation testing which shown an increase in hardness compared to the control system. Thermal degradation characteristics were determined using a thermogravimetric analyser (TGA). An increase in thermal stability was observed for all nanocomposites compared to the control system. Additionally, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed that the effect of inclusion of nanoclays is to hinder the structure of unsaturated polyester gelcoats and hence increase glass transition temperatures. Furthermore, X-treated supernanoclay is shown to be significantly more effective than untreated nanoclay. Enhancement of mechanical property and thermal degradation could be attributed to the grafting of hydroxyl groups (?OH) in the nanoclays with polymer chains.

Packed-Bed Torrefaction of Bagasse under Inert and Oxygenated Atmospheres

Biomass torrefaction in gas atmospheres containing oxygen, such as hot flue gases or air, is an interesting concept with potentially positive implications with respect to processing costs and efficiency. This study aimed to investigate the effects of varying concentrations of oxygen in the atmosphere on the torrefaction of sugar cane bagasse in a packed bed at different temperatures under realistic conditions of direct convective heat transfer. In addition to understanding the development of bed temperature profiles, the study included an analysis of the torrefied solids (higher heating value (HHV) determination using bomb calorimetry) and the torrefaction volatiles (NDIR spectroscopy for permanent gases; HPLC with UV–vis/refractive index detection for condensates). It was observed that for this specific reactor configuration and heat transfer regime, there are temperature-specific limits beyond which an increase in oxygen concentration leads to an oxidative thermal runaway in the packed bed. An increase in the torrefaction temperature from 270 to 290 °C, for example, led to a reduction in the tolerable limits of oxygen concentration from 5% to 1%. It was further determined that away from the ignition zone, moderate addition of oxygen does not drastically reduce the mass and energy yields of the solids and in some cases may also lead to more uniform heating of the biomass bed. An increase in oxygen concentration also leads to a shift in the partitioning of the volatiles in favor of gaseous products, with specifically an increase in carbon dioxide, resulting in reduction of the HHV of the volatiles.

Combustion behavior and physico-chemical properties of dihydroxylammonium 5,5′-bistetrazole-1,1′-diolate (TKX-50)

The physico-chemical characterization (thermal decomposition under non- and isothermal conditions, enthalpy of formation, burning behavior and flame structure) of a new explosive dihydroxylammonium 5,5′-bistetrazole-1,1′-diolate is detailed. Combustion studies have shown that TKX-50 burns slightly faster than HMX and approaches the burning rate of CL-20. The combustion of TKX-50 has been shown to obey mechanism with the leading reaction in the condensed phase. The rates of TKX-50 decomposition in both solid and liquid phases proved to be slightly higher than the corresponding rates of decomposition of RDX. Decomposition of TKX-50 is determined by decomposition of free hydroxylamine formed in the reaction of dissociation of the salt. An intermediate decomposition product is ammonium salt of 5,5′-bis(2-hydroxytetrazole), which further decomposes in the second stage at elevated temperatures. The enthalpy of formation of TKX-50 has been measured with the help of bomb calorimetry, however the resulting value is quite different from the enthalpy reported earlier.

Preparation and properties of NC/RDX/AP nano-composite energetic materials by the sol–gel method

A new nano-composite energetic material, in which submicrometer ammonium perchlorate (AP) particles and nanoparticles of cyclotrimethylene trinitramine (RDX) were uniformly dispersed in the cross-linked nitrocellulose (NC), was prepared by the sol–gel method. The structure of the material was confirmed by means of SEM, XRD and N2 adsorption isotherm techniques, and the results showed that the NC/RDX/AP nano-composite energetic material is monolithic with numerous pores of nanometer scale and the mean grain size of RDX is <100 nm. The properties of the material were studied by TG/DSC and oxygen bomb calorimetry. TG/DSC analyses indicated that firstly RDX decomposed along with NC matrix and the DSC exothermic peak temperature of NC matrix and RDX is 10 °C lower than that of the physical mixture and secondly the exothermic peak temperature of AP component shifts from the lower temperature of NC matrix and RDX decomposition to the higher temperature of AP decomposition as the AP mass ratio increases. The heat-of-explosion tests showed that the NC/RDX/AP nano-composite energetic materials produced more energy during explosion and the sensitivity of them is lower than that of the physical mixture according to the impact sensitivity test. A new nano-composite energetic material, in which submicrometer ammonium perchlorate (AP) particles and nanoparticles of cyclotrimethylene trinitramine (RDX) were uniformly dispersed in the cross-linked nitrocellulose (NC), was prepared by the sol–gel method.

Digestion of high rate activated sludge coupled to biochar formation for soil improvement in the tropics

High rate activated sludge (HRAS) is well-biodegradable sludge enabling energy neutrality of wastewater treatment plants via anaerobic digestion. However, even through successful digestion a notable residue still remains. Here we investigated whether this residue can be converted to biochar, for its use as a fertilizer or as a solid fuel, and assessed its characteristics and overall process efficiency. In a first phase, HRAS was anaerobicaly digested under mesophilic conditions at a sludge retention time of 20 days. HRAS digested well (57.9 ± 6.2% VS degradation) producing on average 0.23 ± 0.04 L CH4 per gram VS fed. The digestate particulates were partially air-dried to mimic conditions used in developing countries, and subsequently converted to biochar by fixed-bed slow pyrolysis at a residence time of 15 min and at highest heating temperatures (HHT) of 300 °C, 400 °C and 600 °C. Subsequently, the produced chars were characterized by proximate analysis, CHN-elemental analysis, pH in solution and bomb calorimetry for higher heating value. The yield and volatile matter decreased with increasing HHT while ash content and fixed carbon increased with increasing HHT. The produced biochar showed properties optimal towards soil amendment when produced at a temperature of 600 °C with values of 5.91 wt%, 23.75 wt%, 70.35% on dry basis (db) and 0.44 for volatile matter, fixed carbon, ash content and H/C ratio, respectively. With regard to its use for energy purposes, the biochar represented a lower calorific value than the dried HRAS digestate likely due to high ash content. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that anaerobic digestion of HRAS and its subsequent biochar formation at HHT of 600 °C represents an attractive route for sludge management in tropic settings like in Uganda, coupling carbon capture to energy generation, carbon sequestration and nutrient recovery.

Curing of epoxy resin by UV-light triggered descending frontal polymerization

221 type alicyclic epoxy resin was cured by UV-light initiated descending frontal polymerization. The effect of amount of photo/thermal initiator, pre-heating temperature on the frontal velocity Vf and frontal initiating time ti was investigated. The structure and thermal properties of the cured products were characterized via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis(TG) and differential scanning calorimetry(DSC). The results show that frontal velocity Vf increase with increasing of concentration of photo/thermal initiator or preheating temperature, while frontal initiating time decrease. Analysis of the FTIR spectrum indicates that the products were obtained uniformly. TG and DSC results reveal that the products exhibit good thermal stability.

Size dependence in non-sperm ejaculate production is reflected in daily energy expenditure and resting metabolic rate.

The non-sperm components of an ejaculate, such as copulatory plugs, can be essential to male reproductive success. But the costs of these ejaculate components are often considered trivial. In polyandrous species, males are predicted to increase energy allocation to the production of non-sperm components, but this allocation is often condition dependent and the energetic costs of their production have never been quantified. Red-sided garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis) are an excellent model with which to quantify the energetic costs of non-sperm components of the ejaculate as they exhibit a dissociated reproductive pattern in which sperm production is temporally disjunct from copulatory plug production, mating and plug deposition. We estimated the daily energy expenditure and resting metabolic rate of males after courtship and mating, and used bomb calorimetry to estimate the energy content of copulatory plugs. We found that both daily energy expenditure and resting metabolic rate were significantly higher in small mating males than in courting males, and a single copulatory plug without sperm constitutes 5-18% of daily energy expenditure. To our knowledge, this is the first study to quantify the energetic expense of size-dependent ejaculate strategies in any species.

Synthesis and Aggregation-induced Emission of Tetraphenylethylene Derivatives Based on Hexakisphenylbenzene Backbone

A series of tetraphenylethylene (TPE) derivatives based on hexakisphenylbenzene backbone (HPB-nTPE, n=2, 4, 6) were synthesized by cobalt carbonyl-catalyzed cyclotrimerization of alkynes with 1,2-bis(4-(tert-butyl)phenyl)ethyne and 1,2-bis(4'-(1,2,2-triphenylvinyl)-(1,1'-biphenyl)-4-yl)ethyne (TPE-TPE) as starting materials. By varying the ratio of the starting materials, HPB-nTPE (n=2, 4, 6) with 2, 4 or 6 TPE substituents were obtained. The structures of HPB-nTPE (n=2, 4, 6) were characterized by IR, 1 H NMR and MALDI-TOF mass spectra. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) show that the decomposition temperatures of HPB-nTPE are all above 440 ℃, indicative of high thermal stability of HPB-nTPE. The photophysical properties of the tetrahydrofuran solution, the aggregate and the neat solid of HPB-nTPE were investigated. The aggregates of HPB-nTPE (n=2, 4, 6) were obtained in tetrahydrofuran/water mixed solvents with various volume fractions of water, which was confirmed by the scanning electron microscope (SEM). HPB-nTPE (n=2, 4, 6) show typical aggregation induced emission properties, almost non-emissive in tetrahydrofuran solu- tion, but strongly emissive in the aggregate or solid state. The highest fluorescence quantum yields for HPB-nTPE (n=2, 4, 6) in aggregate state are 0.37, 0.36 and 0.37, respectively, which are more than 400 times higher than that in tetrahydrofuran. The quantum yields of the neat solid of HPB-nTPE (n=2, 4, 6) are determined to be 0.39, 0.36 and 0.36, which are ca. 1.8 times of that of the neat solid of tetraphenylethylene. Both restrictions of the intramolecular rotation of phenyl rings and the inter/intramolecular π-π stacking of the TPE chromophores caused by the star-shape rigidity structure of hexakisphenylben- zene suppress the nonradiative transition, consequently, giving higher fluorescence quantum yield of the aggregates and the neat solid of HPB-nTPE in comparison with TPE. This work is of importance for developing highly emissive organic materi- als in solid states. Keywords tetraphenylethylene; hexakisphenylbenzene; aggregation induced emission; nanoaggregate

Characterization of energy and performance of swine fed a novel corn-soybean extruded product.

BackgroundA novel extruded product was characterized with a metabolism and lactation trial to establish the product’s energy content, and its effects on lactating sow performance. The product was composed of a 60:40 corn-soybean blend, which was then extruded. This product containing the co-extruded 60:40 corn-soybean blend was commercially developed and is used extensively in swine diets in southwest Minnesota. GE of dietary treatments were determined by isoperibol bomb calorimetry. Twelve barrows (59.9 ± 1.4 kg), were used to determine the digestible and metabolizable energy of the extruded product. DE of treatments was determined by subtracting fecal energy from GE provided to barrows by each respective treatment. ME was determined by subtracting urinary energy from calculated digestible energy. Sixty-three sows were used for the lactation trial. Three dietary treatments were utilized: CONTROL (an industry standard diet); PRODUCT (contained the product, vitamins and minerals); OIL (matched the lysine:ME ratio of PRODUCT by addition of soy oil). Sow weight, backfat thickness at the right and left last ribs, body condition score, number of piglets, and litter weights were recorded on the date of farrowing (d 0), (d 9), and at weaning. Blood and milk samples were obtained at weaning, and blood was analyzed for plasma urea nitrogen (PUN), milk was analyzed for total protein and fat content.ResultsOn a dry-matter basis, the test diet provided 3,908 kcal/kg DE and 3,833 kcal/kg ME, which was significantly greater than the basal diet, which provided 3,633 kcal/kg DE and 3,567 kcal/kg ME (P < 0.0001). These data were used to establish the DE and ME of the product, which were 3,882 kcal/kg and 3,798 kcal/kg, respectively, on an as-fed basis. No effect of diet was observed for changes in sow backfat (RBF P = 0.24; LBF P = 0.07) or body condition score (P = 0.12) during lactation. Milk total protein (P = 0.69), fat (P = 0.66), PUN, average piglet gain (P = 0.55) and piglet mortality (P = 0.70) did not differ between treatments.ConclusionsWhile the novel extruded product was higher in energy content than traditional feedstuffs, it resulted in the same lactational sow performance. Thus, the co-extruded corn-soybean product is a reasonable inclusion in sow lactation diets.

Synthesis, Crystal Structure, Thermal and Explosive Properties of [Cd(SCZ)3(H2O)](PA)2·3H2O (SCZ = Semicarbazide, PA = Picrate)

AbstractThe heptacoordinate transition metal coordination compound [Cd(SCZ)3(H2O)](PA)2·3H2O (1) with the ligand semicarbazide (SCZ) and the counteranion picrate (PA) was synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis and FTIR spectroscopy. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis revealed that 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/c. The Cd2+ ion is heptacoordinated by three SCZ groups and a water molecule. SCZ presents typical bidentate coordination modes. The thermal decomposition mechanism of 1 was studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), which revealed that complex 1 exhibits three small endothermic and two large exothermic processes. The non‐isothermal kinetics parameters were calculated by the Kissinger's method and Ozawa‐Doyle's method, respectively. The heat of combustion was measured by oxygen bomb calorimetry. The enthalpy of formation, the critical temperature of thermal explosion, the entropy of activation (ΔS≠), the enthalpy of activation (ΔH≠), and the free energy of activation (ΔG≠) were also calculated. Sensitivity tests revealed that 1 is insensitive to mechanical stimuli.

A 1D cadmium complex with 3,4-diamino-1,2,4-triazole as ligand: synthesis, molecular structure, characterization, and theoretical studies

An energetic complex, [Cd2(μ-Cl)4Cl2(DATr)2]n (1) (DATr = 3,4-diamino-1,2,4-triazole), was synthesized from DATr·HCl and cadmium(II) chloride. The product was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis, elemental analysis, X-ray diffraction analysis, and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) analysis. The central cadmium(II) ions in 1 are six-coordinate twisted octahedral structures, which are made up of 1D chains linked by bridging chlorides. The results of the DSC analysis suggest the temperature of decomposition to be above 503.15 K. Furthermore, the kinetic properties of decomposition are studied by Kissinger’s and Ozawa–Doyle’s methods, and the calculated average activation is 166.5 kJ M−1, which means the complex is stable under normal conditions. In addition, the energy of combustion was measured by oxygen bomb calorimetry. The critical temperature of thermal explosion and parameters of thermodynamics of 1 were calculated. The periodic structure of 1 has been calculated based on the density functional theory. The theoretical results explain the electronic structure and thermal dynamic properties.

Transfer of Obesity via the Gut Microbiome is Mediated Specifically through Suppression of Non‐Aerobic Resting Metabolism

Risperidone (RISP) is an antipsychotic drug that causes robust weight gain, and we previously found that it alters the gut microbiome in humans and mice. We hypothesize that the gut microbiome mediates the metabolic effects of RISP. C57BL/6J mice were treated with RISP (0.12 mg/day in drinking water) for 9 weeks. RISP increased weight gain (+0.4 g/wk vs vehicle, P<0.05), but had no effect on food intake (vehicle n=5, 4.0±0.1, vs RISP n=5, 4.0±0.1 g/day), or digestive efficiency determined by bomb calorimetry (77±2 vs 80±1% consumed). Therefore we conclude that reduced energy expenditure explains weight gain associated with RISP treatment. To examine causality, the gut microbiome from vehicle or RISP-treated mice was transferred to a naïve cohort over 2 weeks by gavage of aqueous-extracted fecal material (resulting in 84 ng/day RISP transfer, 0.07% of the original dose). Total resting metabolic rate (RMR) and aerobic RMR were measured at thermoneutrality (30C) using a combined direct calorimeter + respirometer. Mice receiving vehicle transfer (n=6) exhibited no change in total or aerobic RMR (+0.004±0.006, +0.005±0.001 kcal/hr). Mice receiving RISP transfer (n=7) exhibited a massive 16% reduction in total RMR (–0.018±0.008 kcal/hr, P<0.05), but no change in aerobic RMR (+0.001±0.001 kcal/hr). We conclude that RISP causes weight gain through suppressed non-aerobic RMR, via modulation of the gut microbiome.

Nitrogen‐Rich Alkali Metal Salts (Na and K) of [Bis(N,N‐bis(1H‐tetrazol‐5‐yl)amine)‐zinc(II)] Anion: Syntheses, Crystal Structures, and Energetic Properties

AbstractTwo nitrogen‐rich alkali metal salts based on nitrogen‐rich anion [Zn(bta)2]2–: {[Na2Zn(bta)2(H2O)8]·H2O}n (1) and {[K2Zn(bta)2(H2O)4]}n (2) were synthesized by reactions of alkali hydroxide, N,N‐bis(1H‐tetrazol‐5‐yl)amine (H2bta), and zinc chloride in aqueous solutions. The crystal structures of 1 and 2 were determined by low temperature single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and fully characterized by elemental analysis and FT‐IR spectroscopy. The structures demonstrate that an infinite 1‐dimensional (1D) chain structure is constructed by Na+ ions and bridging water molecules in compound 1, which is connected by extensive hydrogen bonds forming a complex 3D network, whereas compound 2 features a more complicated 3D metal‐organic framework (MOF). The thermal behaviors of 1 and 2 were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements. The DSC results illustrate that both compounds exhibit high thermal stabilities (decomposition temperature &gt; 345 °C). In addition, the heats of formation were calculated on the basis of the experimental constant‐volume energies of combustion measured by using bomb calorimetry. Lastly, the sensitivities towards impact and friction were assessed according to Bundesamt für Materialforschung (BAM) standard methods.

Brief Summary of Latest Experimental Results with a Mass-Flow Calorimetry System for Anomalous Heat Effect of Nano-Composite Metals under D(H)-Gas Charging

A mass-flow calorimetry system has been installed to investigate the excess power phenomenon at elevated temperatures. The first trial runs with a silica-included CuNi nano-composite sample (CNS) containing 4.1 g of Ni showed an implication of a few days lasting excess power of 5 W/g-Ni. Next, a CuNiZr oxide nanocomposite sample (CNZ4) containing 61 g of Ni has been examined to show excess power of 15 W lasting for 3 days and gradually increasing at a rate of 10 W per 3 weeks. Each corresponds to 30 eV/atom-Ni and 100 eV/atom-Ni, implying a nuclear origin of the excess energy.

Study of moisture structurization and binding form changes in pectin gels by differential scanning calorimetry

Термоциклуванням досліджували зміни структури та вологоутримуючу здатність зразків пектинових гелів з різним рецептурним складом за допомогою диференціально-сканувальної калориметрії, циклічно нагріваючи їх та заморожуючи. Доведено вплив основних рецептурних компонентів на збільшення кількості зв¢язаної води, стійкість структури та тривалість гелеутворення в пектинових гелях, що відбуваються під час нагрівання та заморожування.

Thermodynamic properties of 1-naphthol: Mutual validation of experimental and computational results

Thermodynamic properties for 1-naphthol (Chemical Abstracts registry number [90-15-3]) in the ideal-gas state are reported based on both experimental and computational methods. Measured properties included the triple-point temperature, enthalpy of fusion, and heat capacities for the crystal and liquid phases by adiabatic calorimetry; vapor pressures by inclined-piston manometry and comparative ebulliometry; and the enthalpy of combustion of the crystal phase by oxygen bomb calorimetry. Critical properties were estimated. Entropies for the ideal-gas state were derived from the experimental studies for the temperature range 298.15⩽T/K⩽600, and independent statistical calculations were performed based on molecular geometry optimization and vibrational frequencies calculated at the B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p) level of theory. The mutual validation of the independent experimental and computed results is achieved with a scaling factor of 0.975 applied to the calculated vibrational frequencies. This same scaling factor was successfully applied in the analysis of results for other polycyclic molecules, as described in a series of recent articles by this research group. This article reports the first extension of this approach to a hydroxy-aromatic compound. All experimental results are compared with property values reported in the literature. Thermodynamic consistency between properties is used to show that several studies in the literature are erroneous. The enthalpy of combustion for 1-naphthol was also measured in this research, and excellent agreement is seen with several values already reported in the literature.

Nitrogen-rich salts based on the energetic [monoaquabis(N,N-bis(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)amine)-zinc(II)] anion: a promising design in the development of new energetic materials.

Nitrogen-rich energetic salts involving various cations (lithium, 1; ammonium, 2; hydrazinium, 3; hydroxylammonium, 4; guanidinium, 5; aminoguanidinium, 6; diaminoguanidinium, 7; and triaminoguanidinium, 8) based on nitrogen-rich anion [Zn(BTA)2(H2O)](2-) (N% = 65.37, BTA = N,N-bis[1H-tetrazol-5-yl]amine anion) were synthesized with a simple method. The crystal structures of all compounds except 1, 2, and 6 were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and fully characterized by elemental analysis and FT-IR spectroscopy. The thermal stabilities were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The DSC results show that all compounds exhibit high thermal stabilities (decomposition temperature >200 °C). Additionally, the heats of formation were calculated on the basis of the experimental constant-volume energies of combustion measured by using bomb calorimetry. Lastly, the sensitivities toward impact and friction were assessed according to Bundesamt für Materialforschung (BAM) standard methods.

A comparative study of thermal behaviors and kinetics analysis of the pyrotechnic compositions containing Mg and Al

The purpose of this research is to analyze the thermal behavior and kinetics of the pyrotechnic compositions including Al + KClO4, Mg + KClO4, Al + Mg + KClO4, MgAl + KClO4 and Al + MgAl + KClO4 mixtures. The differential scanning calorimeter coupled with thermogravimetry analysis was employed to illustrate the reaction process of these pyrotechnic compositions. Moreover, the bomb calorimetry was utilized to compare experimental and theoretical heats of reaction. The apparent activation energy (Ea), frequency factor (A), the critical ignition temperature of thermal explosion and the self-accelerating decomposition temperature (TSADT), were calculated using Kissinger approach. The results showed that the composition containing MgAl had the highest activation energy and frequency factor; however, the critical ignition temperature of their oxidation reaction was lowest value. In agreement with the theoretical value, the highest experimental heat of reaction for the composition MgAl/KClO4 corresponds to the more complete combustion of metastable MgAl as an alloying mixture of Aluminum and Magnesium with equal proportions. These results suggest that benchmark values for an optimum designation and issues pertinent to the storage and handling of pyrotechnics containing Mg, Al and KClO4.