Mechanical Processing of Reactive Laminate Particles and Processing of Reactive Components from Reactive Laminate Particles

Unmet Need / Invention Novelty: Reactive multi-layered laminate powders have extensive applications including soldering and brazing of components; ignition reactions for thermal batteries, pyrotechnics, and propulsion systems; and the enhancement of energy delivered by projectile weapons. However, reactive powder processing typically relies on physical vapor deposition techniques that are challenging and costly. In order to overcome these limitations, we report a method for fabricating reactive laminate materials with highly reactive characteristics for a broad range of applications.

Technical Details: Johns Hopkins researchers have developed a method to design and fabricate reactive laminate particles for application as self-propagating reactive materials. This novel method allows for fine control over particle geometries and microstructure, which can be tailored to very specific ignition thresholds and reaction propagation rates for a wide range of unique applications. During the first step of this method, is a low-cost bulk laminate composite structure is prepared using conventional compaction techniques.  Next, a powder is formed from the composite bulk material.  This powder can be molded into various shapes, as required by each reactive application.

Value Proposition:

• Cost-effective method of mechanically producing reactant laminate particles ideally suited for joining and energetic applications
• Method allows for fabrication of highly controllable microstructures that facilitate tailorable ignition properties
• The particle nature of the material opens applications that are not feasible for foils or sheets as the material can be patterned into complex geometries and shapes

Looking for Partners to: To develop and commercialize this technology for applications in pyrotechnics and reactive materials.

Stage of Development: Prototype

Inventors: Timothy Weihs, Adam Stover

Patent Status: Granted US patents 9,186,755 and 10,207,322

Publication(s): Stover, A.K., Krywopusk, N.M., Gibbins, J.D. et al. Mechanical fabrication of reactive metal laminate powders. J Mater Sci 49, 5821–5830 (2014).
 

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