Preparation and hydro-reactivity of ball-milled aluminum-based hydro-reactive metal materials

To enhance the efficiency and rate of aluminum/seawater reaction, a high-energy milling method was used to prepare Al-based hydro-reactive materials via a multiple variable speed cycle process. Scanning electron microscope, thermogravimetry and specific surface test are used to characterize the microstructure and oxidation characteristics of the materials. The amount of hydrogen produced by reaction between Al-based materials and seawater is recorded in real-time using an metal/water reaction device. The hydro-reactivity of Al-based hydro-reactive metal materials is studied. The research results show that the high-energy milling can significantly enhance the reaction activity of Al-based materials and seawater. The reaction efficiency of aluminum powder after ball milling is two times of its original reaction efficiency. Addition of bismuth in the process of ball milling can further enhance the reaction activity of Al-based hydro-reactive materials. The total yield of reaction can reach 71.2%. The reaction rate of hydrogen generation in the fast stage is 210.7 mL/(min·g). The prepared Al-based hydro-reactive metal materials are very promising for hydrogen production and high energy hydro-reactive metal fuel propellants.