Synergistic enhancement of reactivity and laser ignition via interactions between energetic coordination polymers and boron

In this study, we synthesized ECP@nB via an in situ solvothermal method using three energetic coordination polymers (ECPs) and nano boron (nB). This method leverages interfacial interactions between different ECPs and nB to produce composites with diverse morphologies. Subsequently, through a series of experimental characterizations, we further verified the effects of different interactions on the thermal properties and combustion behavior under laser ignition. The results indicate that, due to the different size, nB primarily adsorbs onto the micro-scale Cu/CoECP surface via adsorption, whereas nB and nanoscale NiECP form an ordered layered structure due to greater interfacial contact between particles. Thermal analysis results indicate that, compared to nB, the total heat release of all ECP@nB samples was increased, with CuECP@nB and CoECP@nB showing increases of 73% and 50%, respectively. Furthermore, the combustion of ECPs releases a large amount of gas, which disperses nB and B₂O₃ agglomerates through physical action, thereby promoting contact between nB and the surrounding oxygen. At the same time, the metal or metal oxide products of ECPs react with nB or B₂O₃ under high temperature, resulting in a 59.3–60.2% reduction in the combustion time of ECP@nB, while the maximum flame area increased by 5–10 times. This strategy provides a new approach to regulating the performance of boron-based energetic materials by leveraging the synergistic effects of chemical reactions and physical processes to enhance combustion efficiency while suppressing the agglomeration of condensation-phase products.