Cryogel-Templated Fabrication of n-Al/PVDF Superhydrophobic Energetic Films with Exceptional Underwater Ignition Performance

The rapid heat loss and corrosion of nano-aluminum limits the energy performance of metastable intermolecular composites (MICs) in aquatic conditions. In this work, superhydrophobic n-Al/PVDF films were fabricated by the cryogel-templated method. The underwater ignition performance of the energetic films was investigated. The preparation process of energetic materials is relatively simple, and avoids excessively high temperatures, ensuring the safety of the entire experimental process. The surface of the n-Al/PVDF energetic film exhibits super-hydrophobicity. Because the aluminum nanoparticles are uniformly encased in the hydrophobic energetic binder, the film is more waterproof and anti-aging. Laser-induced underwater ignition experiments show that the superhydrophobic modification can effectively induce the ignition of energetic films underwater. The results suggest that the cryogel-templated method provides a feasible route for underwater applications of energetic materials, especially nanoenergetics-on-a-chip in underwater micro-scale energy-demanding systems.