EFFECT OF PIEZOELECTRICITY ON THE REACTIVITY OF NANOALUMINUM P(VDF-TrFE) ENERGETIC COMPOSITES

In this study, the effect of piezoelectricity on the sensitivity to ignition by laser radiation of 10% wt nanoaluminum/poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) [nAl/P(VDF-TrFE)] composite films was investigated. Nanoaluminum particles were dispersed in P(VDF-TrFE) copolymer solution and cast into ∼ 45 µm thick films. Ignition samples across which an electric field of 25 kV/mm could be applied were created by sputter coating gold electrodes on opposing sides of the film. Electrodes were coated on one side with a layer of carbon paint to absorb laser radiation. Samples were tested under four conditions: unmodified, unpoled with an applied electric field, poled without an electric field, and poled with an electric field. Results from this study indicate that both the application of an electric field and the activation of the piezoelectric properties of PVDF sensitize the composite as measured by a decrease in a mean time to ignition, with piezoelectricity activation sensitizing the composite to a greater degree than only an applied electric field.