Investigation on the Thermal Decomposition and Thermal Reaction Process of PTFE/Al/MoO3 Fluorine-containing Thermite

Abstract The thermal decomposition and thermal reaction process of PTFE/Al/MoO3 fluorine-containing thermite at different temperatures were investigated by conducting thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and mass spectrometry tests (DSC/TG-MS). Solid residues after reaction were collected and characterized by X-ray diffraction. The reaction energies of PTFE/Al and PTFE/Al/MoO3 were measured using an adiabatic bomb calorimeter. The results imply that PTFE served as both oxidant and reductant in PTFE/Al/MoO3 fluorine-containing thermite. The thermal reaction process of PTFE/Al/MoO3 can be divided into two stages. The first stage was synchronized with the decomposition of PTFE, accompanied by the reciprocal reaction between each of PTFE, Al and MoO3. The second stage was after the decomposition of PTFE, the remaining Al powder gradually reduced MoO2 to Mo, and combines with C to form Mo2C. The interactions between every two reactants in the PTFE/Al/MoO3 ternary system played an overall role in promoting effect, resulting in the energy release of PTFE/Al/MoO3 sample was significantly improved. The feasibility of enhancing the energy release of PTFE/Al by adding MoO3 to integrate the characteristics of traditional thermite and PTFE/Al was proved.