Energy Release Characteristics of Ni–Al–CuO Ternary Energetic Structural Material Processed by Cold Spraying

Ternary energetic structural material (ESM) Ni–Al–CuO was prepared by cold spraying, and its mechanical properties studied under quasi-static-state and dynamic compression conditions. Energy release characteristics including the ignition temperature, energy release, and combustion wave velocity were characterized in both the thermal explosion and self-propagating combustion modes. The results reveal that the yield stress of Ni–Al–CuO is 50 MPa higher than that of Ni–Al. The initial reaction temperature was found to be 450 °C, much lower than the temperature of the reaction between Al and CuO and corresponding to the reaction of Ni and Al. In addition, more energy was released by Ni–Al–CuO ESM (859.2 J/g) than by Ni–Al (735.4 J/g). The combustion wave velocity of the Ni–Al–CuO coating was about 90 mm/s. Self-propagating combustion of Ni–Al–CuO proceeded via a multistage reaction, during which the Al–CuO reaction was triggered by the Ni–Al reaction.