Thermal oxidation analysis of aerosol synthesized fuel particles composed of Al versus Al-Si

We compared the reactivity of spherical particles composed aluminum (Al) and silicon (Si) with Al similar size (nominal diameter 1–2 ?m). Both were synthesized using a liquid atomization technique such that both encapsulated in native oxide passivation shell. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) inert oxidative environments performed coupled X-ray Diffraction (XRD) for species identification. The results showed incorporation Si lowered melting temperature by 85 °C resulted lower apparent activation energy oxidation reactions more complete combustion at temperatures pure powder. Results show promise engineering fuel minor alterations metal formulation promote conversion.