Advanced Aerosolization of Metallic Powder Using a Low Temperature Sublimable Solid

This Phase II STTR ARMY project proposes the refinement and scale-up of advanced processes to mix solutions of low melting temperature sublimable solid eutectic materials with metal nanoflake powders and then solidify these slurries into a desired shape compact. The main project goals are to accomplish good metal nanoflake powder deagglomeration in the liquid eutectic phase, to attain good densification after solidification of the liquid for efficient volume limited transport, and to accomplish subsequent aerosolization of the compact using heat, airflow, explosive, or a pneumatic grenade with improved extinction coefficient and yield factor which will result in increased Figure of Merit. To measure the performance of the dried packed metal nanoflakes payloads, the extinction coefficient and yield factor will be measured in the ECBC smoke test chamber.