Combustion study of mechanically alloyed Fe-B (50% wt)

The development of improved pyrotechnic systems like ignitors, flares, tracers or inflaming agents searches always for new energetic metallic compounds which allow to adapt this systems to specific application. Purpose of this research was to study the feasibility of using a new developed boron-rich material as combustible. Raw material was mechanical alloyed iron powder with 50% boron (by weight). The elementary powders were mixed in a high-energy mill for 36 hours in inert atmosphere. This material was characterised by differential thermal analysis, sieve analysis, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The material thus obtained was compared with elemental Fe, elemental B, and plain elemental mix of Fe and B powders (50% wt., not mechanically alloyed). A spatula tip of every mixture was ignited under atmospheric conditions. The data analysis of each spectrum by comparing with a calculated one results in combustion temperatures and emission properties. Mechanically alloyed Fe-B show a completely different combustion behaviour as the mixture with pure boron and iron of the same stoechiometry. The Fe-B alloy reduces combustion temperature and degreases burning time.