Surface modifications of plasma treated aluminum particles and direct evidence for altered reactivity

Aluminum particles (Al) inherently contain a natural oxide (Al2O3) coating that limits rates of diffusion-controlled energy release and can prevent complete conversion the chemical available within an Al particle. Therefore, altering surface properties to reduce shell and/or transform chemistry are active areas research. This study used atmospheric pressure plasmas aluminum shell, then examined resulting changes in reactivity. Two plasma gas discharges were compared: argon (Ar) helium (He). All plasma-treated characterized using Powder X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). Results show Ar treatment resulted high concentrations hydration, while He did not. Both reduced oxidation barriers result increased reaction rate constants by order magnitude for reactions. The results further understanding effects modifications on kinetics behavior fuel particles.