Ignition and energy release performance of dual-oxidant Al/MnO₂/CuO ternary thermites under rapid heating conditions

Tailoring the energy release performance of the thermites is crucial for their application in various fields. In this article, dual-oxidant Al/MnO₂/CuO ternary thermites with varying compositions were prepared and systematically evaluated. The ignition delay time, heat of reaction, self-sustained burning rate, and pressure performance of the thermites were evaluated. As the Al/CuO content increased, the ignition delay time and heat of reaction decreased, while the reaction efficiency, burning rate, pressure peak, and pressurization rate increased. Furthermore, the synergistic addition of the MnO₂ and CuO led to enhanced relative flame intensity and maximum flame temperature in the ternary thermite. Our work demonstrates an effective strategy for regulating the energy performance of the thermites by co-adding of metal oxides. This approach opens avenues for tailoring thermite properties to meet the diverse requirements of various applications.