Effect of Metal Oxides on the Combustion Behavior and Reaction Dynamics of Mg-Based Thermites

Magnesium (Mg) is a promising metallic fuel in thermite formulations. However, there is a notable scarcity of systematic comparisons between different metal oxides (M_xO_y). This study investigates the influence of different metal oxides on the combustion performance of Mg/M_xO_y thermites. Five metal oxides (Bi₂O₃, MoO₃, CuO, Fe₂O₃, and MnO₂) were evaluated under rapid heating conditions for their impact on key combustion parameters, including heat of reaction, burning rate, flame temperature, relative intensity, ignition delay time, and pressure characteristics. The results indicate significant differences in these parameters depending on the metal oxide used, highlighting their crucial role in influencing combustion characteristics. Additionally, the thermal behavior and the reaction mechanism were investigated. This study provides insights into the role of metal oxides in determining the combustion characteristics of Mg/M_xO_y thermites, providing a foundation for the development of advanced fuels with tailored properties.