(546h) Magnesium Diboride As a Fuel for Biocidal Formulations

Fidel D. Ruz-Nuglo, Hannah Dudak, and Lori J. Groven

Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering,

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, South Dakota

Abstract

Magnesium diboride is typically considered a cheap and readily available ceramic material; however, it can also be used as a fuel in pyrotechnic applications. For example, Koch et al. recently demonstrated its use in infrared decoy flare formulations and Brusnahan et al. demonstrated its use as a green light emitter. This system is also interesting as a potential biocide where the limitations of aluminum can be overcome (more favorable aging and chemistry). In this work, we build upon our previous efforts focused on printable biocides and examine the role of magnesium diboride on the combustion and total iodine generation when combined with a suitable fluoropolymer binder and as fuel/oxidizer. It was observed that polymer content as low as 10% will result in printable formulations. Bomb Calorimetry under both inert (heat of reaction) and air (heat of combustion) atmosphere are investigated to shed light on its effect on the end products. Simultaneous differential scanning calorimetry and thermo-gravimetric analyses (DSC/TGA) were performed to explain the interactions between the polymer, iodate, and magnesium diboride. Rheological properties of the biocidal ink and combustion characteristics of the printed formulations will also be presented in detail.