Nanostructured Al/Ni energetic composites: processing, reaction properties and activation energy

In this study, the nanostructured Al/Ni energetic composites were processed using the high-energy ball milling method. The milling conditions, i.e. the ball to powder ratio (BPR), ball sizes, and milling time, were varied to investigate their effect on the microstructures and reaction properties of the Al/Ni NECs. Results indicated that large BPR, appropriate size assortment of milling balls, and long milling time promoted the formation of nano lamellar structure and improved the reaction performance. When the BPR was 10 and the milling time was 100min, the Al/Ni NECs had a nano lamellar structure and a low ignition temperature of 619 K. The activation energy was calculated to be 54.49 kJ/mol using the Kissinger method, and 63.87 kJ/mol using the Ozawa method, respectively.