Promoting the Ignition and Combustion of Boron Powder Via 3-Perfluorohexyl-1,2-Epoxypropane and Glycidyl Azide Polymer Coatings: A Core-Shell Strategy

Abstract

Boron (B) powder as a metallic fuel in solid propellants faces limitations in energy release efficiency. This research confronted the challenge by using Glycidyl azide polymer (GAP) and 3-Perfluorohexyl-1,2-epoxypropane (PFHP) to perform graft modifications on micron-sized B surface. The thermal oxidation, ignition and combustion performance of B were evaluated before and after modification. GAP reduces the oxidation temperature of B by 12 °C, while PFHP enhances the weight gain (23%) and the heat release (26%) during B oxidation. Both GAP and PFHP improve the ignition and combustion performance of B by reducing ignition delay, increasing combustion intensity, and enhancing combustion efficiency. Additionally, the synergistic effect of GAP and PFHP promotes the fluorination reaction of B while reducing the carbonaceous residue from GAP. These results establish a basis for utilizing PFHP and GAP to modify B powder and improve its combustion efficiency.

Keywords: Boron, PFHP, GAP, Ignition, Combustion