Scale Up of Components of Nanothermites with Tunable Properties and Characterization Thereof

The primary objective of the Phase II research and development is to scale-up the production of components of nanoengineered thermites (or, nanothermites) in pound quantities in a safe manner. In Phase I, we have achieved the proof-of-concepts for the synthesis of several nanoscale oxides, assembly and physical mixing with the nanofuel, various coating processes and tuning the properties with explosives and chemicals for different applications. Our next goal is to develop various synthesis methods for large scale production of CuO Nanorods and Al nanoparticles as well as develop technology of self-assembled and other processes of mixing these nanocomposites with controlled ESD sensitivity. We will use semi-automated chemical synthesis methods for preparing large quantities of CuO nanorods. We will also develop arc-jet synthesis method to prepare large quantities of aluminum nanoparticles and develop in-situ metal, metal oxide or polymer coating of Al nanomaterials to control ESD sensitivity and stabilize the surface. In addition, polymer coating methods for CuO nanorods, nanoparticles and Al nanoparticles will also be developed. The testing of the novel nanothermites will be carried out in microdevices fabricated in our laboratory by using on-chip and other characterization techniques.