Enhancing ignition and combustion characteristics of micron-sized aluminum powder in steam by adding sodium fluoride

Micron-sized aluminum powder exhibits difficulties in ignition and burnout in steam. To overcome these problems, we added various sodium fluoride contents to micron-sized aluminum powder in steam at 800, 900, and 1000 °C to assess their effects on ignition and combustion performances. The ignition delay times, ignition temperatures, and combustion characteristics of all samples were measured primarily using two high-temperature tube resistance electric furnace systems. The experiments showed that adding sodium fluoride to micron-sized aluminum powder decreases its ignition delay time and temperature. Moreover, the ignition delay time and temperature of aluminum powder with addition of sodium fluoride decreases considerably when the temperature increases. For this study, the components and morphology of solid combustion products were obtained using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The combustion efficiency was measured volumetrically using a specially designed apparatus. The obtained combustion efficiency was found to increase with the amount of sodium fluoride added and increase in the temperature. The relationship among the parameters related to combustion characteristics and product characterization was examined in detail to reveal the combustion mechanism.