Synergetic modification of micron-sized boron powder with fluoroelastomer and glycidyl azide polymer to improve its ignition and combustion

The restricted energy release efficiency has been a significant hindrance to the utilization of boron (B) powder as a fuel in solid propellants because of the presence of oxidation film on the B surface. To address this issue, poly (vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (Viton A) and glycidyl azide polymer (GAP) were used for the collaborative modification of micron-sized boron (µB) powder. The thermal oxidation, ignition, and combustion performance of µB before and after modification were investigated by thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTG), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and carbon dioxide laser ignition testing. The dual-layer coating interface structure of B@Viton A@GAP is more conducive to reducing the ignition delay time, accelerating the flame expansion rate, enhancing the combustion intensity, improving the combustion efficiency, and reducing agglomeration of combustion products of B powder. The study offers an effective method to promote the combustion of B through its modification with Viton A and GAP.