Mechanically activated oxidizer-fuel energetic composites

Preparation of mechanically activated energetic composites (MAECs) based on solid fuels (Al, Mg, and Si) and oxidizers (S, MoO$_3$, (-C$_2$F$_4$-)$_n$, KClO$_4$, NH$_4$ClO$_4$, etc.) is considered. Compared to conventional mechanical mixtures, the burning rate of MAECs is significantly increased, and in some cases high-velocity detonation can be obtained. The propagation of the reaction in MAECs is accompanied by high energy release comparable to the heat of explosion of powerful aluminized explosive materials. The composites are highly sensitive to heat treatment and are capable of rapid transition from combustion to detonation. The results obtained in this work show that MAEC based formulations are promising energetic materials for a wide range of applications, from igniting and initiating compositions to components to small charges in microsystem devices.