Phase formation sequence in combustion of pressed aluminum nanopowder in air studied by synchrotron radiation

The intermediate and final combustion products of pressed aluminum nanopowder are studied. It is found that the main combustion product is aluminum nitride. In the intermediate stages of combustion, aluminum oxide ($\gamma$-Al$_2$O$_3$) and oxynitride (Al$_5$O$_6$N) are the first to form on the sample surface, and aluminum nitride is formed next. The use of sliding (incident at a small angle to the surface) synchrotron radiation made it possible to determine with high accuracy (in time) the sequence of stages of formation of crystalline products during combustion of the aluminum nanopowder.