Layered Reactive Particles with Controlled Geometries, Energies and Ignition Thresholds and Methods for Making the Same

C11921: Method for Fabricating Reactive Particles and Foils with Controllable Geometries

Novelty:

The invention is a method to make multi-layered reactive particles, or foils with highly controllable geometries. By being able to specify the geometry, and packing of these particles, very specific traits can be controlled with regards to ignition thresholds and reaction propagation rates in particle compacts.

Value Proposition:

In the application of reactive foils and particles, it is often desirable that they have specific external geometries that enable easy handling and low packing fractions. Additionally, it is important to maintain control over the specific reactant chemistries that enable desired levels of stored energy, as well as the specific reactant spacing within the particle, which enables a desired ignition threshold. This invention describes layered reactive particles and methods that provide excellent control over their geometries, packing fractions, energies, ignition thresholds, and reaction velocities and thus deliver improved performance in a variety of energetic applications. Additional advantages include:

Technical Details:

JHU researchers have developed a method to design and fabricate layered metallic particles and foils for applications as reactive materials. This novel method allows for fine control over particle geometry, packing fractions, ignition thresholds, and propagation rates. These particles are fabricated through sputtering alternating nanolayers of two or more reactants onto a polymer mesh and then stripping microscale particles from the mesh. The mesh geometry controls the particle size and the layer thicknesses control the particle reactivity. Since each particle contains all reactants, one can decouple the parameters that control mass transport (layer thickness and chemistry) from those controlling thermal transport (particle size and density) and therefore one can optimize the performance of a particle compact very effectively.

Looking for Partners:

To develop and commercialize this technology for applications in pyrotechnics and reactive materials.

Stage of Development:

Prototype

Data Availability:

Under CDA/NDA

Publications/Associated Cases:

Not available at this time.