Remarkably convenient construction of self-protected nano-aluminum/nickel oxide/perfluorosilane energetic composite to largely enhance structural, anti-wetting and exothermic stability

Development of the structural, anti-wetting and exothermic stability of composite metal based-energetic composite is still a great challenge, especially used in complex environments (e.g. moisture circumstances). Thus, this paper firstly proposed electrophoretic controlled assembly (ECA) technique and facile modification process to construct the multifunctional nano-Al based NiO/perfluorosilane energetic composite films with even distribution of nanoscale particles and triple (a: microstructure, b: anti-wetting and c: exothermic performance) stability of for three years. The ECA dynamics study of Al/NiO particles was deeply explored as a “controlled bridge” to adjusting the reaction ratio of Al to NiO in product. The target film displays an outstanding high water contact angle of 171 ± 1° with an almost perfect sphere of droplet placed on that surface, and shows a small fluctuation of anti-wetting ability after immersed and exposure tests. In addition, the total heat output (Q) of product can reach up to ~2.5 kJ/g with a low activation energy of 247.624 kJ/mol, and shows ultra-long exothermic stability for three years. The realization of target film highly compatible with microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) here will largely improve the safety level of propellant or detonator system.