Thermal behavior and combustion performance of Al/Bi₂O₃ nano thermites with the effect of potassium perchlorate

To study the effect of the addition of potassium perchlorate (KClO₄) on the performance of nano thermites, Al/Bi₂O₃ nano thermites with different mass fraction (wt%) of KClO₄ was made by ultrasonic dispersion method. Then, all samples were tested by SEM, DSC and rapid excitation ignition. DSC results showed Al/Bi₂O₃/10 wt%KClO₄ had the highest heat release. Compared with Al/Bi₂O₃, the heat release increased by 28.32%. The results of activation energy calculations showed Al/Bi₂O₃/30 wt%KClO₄ had the lowest activation energy (Ea). Its activation energy was reduced by 30%, mere about 149.17 KJ mol⁻¹. Finally, it can be seen from the combustion situation that the addition of KClO₄ reduced the intensity of burning. This work found a way to increase the heat release or reduce the activation energy of nano thermites by controlling the amount of KClO₄ added. (paper)