(605h) Preparation and Characterization of Novel Pyrophoric LiFeX Nanopowders

In the past decades, considerable
efforts have been made to produce pyrophoric iron substrates for military
application. Usually, pyrophoric iron is prepared by thermal reduction of nanoparticles
of Fe₂O₃ in hydrogen. However, the pyrophoric iron
produced has a very short burning duration (<10sec) when exposed to oxygen
or air. In this research, very promising compound LiFe_X was
identified as a substitute for nanosize α-Fe. Pyrophoric LiFe_X
was prepared by reduction of mesoporous LiFe₅O₈ in
hydrogen at temperatures between 300^oC and 600^oC. It was
found that synergy between Li and Fe did show better burning characteristics in
air than pure α-Fe. Novel LiFe_X pyrophoric substrates were made
by dip coating or ultrasonic coating of LiFe₅O₈ on porous
alumina, followed by thermal reduction in hydrogen. Details of preparation of
LiFe₅O₈ and the formation of LiFe_X will be
presented. In addition, burning characteristics of LiFe_X pyrophoric
substrate will also be presented.