Modification and characterization of (energetic) nanomaterials Original Research Article

Nanomaterials are a topic of increased interest, since they have properties which differ from their macroscopic counterparts. Many applications nowadays take advantage of the new functionalities which natural and manufactured nanoparticles possess. Based on these developments, also the research on energetic nanomaterials is receiving more and more attention. Apart from the synthesis of energetic nanomaterials, another area of interest is the coating of energetic (nano)powders, in order to be able to modify their properties or to add new functionalities to these particles. (Modified) energetic materials find applications in explosives, gun and rocket propellants and pyrotechnic devices. The modified energetic materials are expected to yield enhanced properties, e.g. a lower vulnerability towards shock initiation, enhanced blast, enhanced shelf-life and environmentally friendly replacements of currently used materials. An experimental set-up for the coating of existing powders has been designed and constructed. The experimental technique is based on a special plasma application which, contrary to more general plasmas, can be operated at relatively low temperatures and ambient pressure. This allows the handling of heat-sensitive materials, which would otherwise readily decompose or react at higher temperatures. The facility used for the coating of energetic powders in the lower micron range is based on a fluidized bed reactor in which the powder circulates. In this paper, the experimental technique will be described and experimental results will be shown of CuO powders that have been coated with a very thin, nanoscale deposit of a SiO-containing layer.