Reactive Metals in Explosives

Abstract This paper reviews several classes of reactive metals that have been considered for energetic applications. These include elemental metals, thermites/intermolecular composites (MIC), metastable alloys, encapsulated metals, and “surface activated” metals. Properties, processing techniques, ignition and combustion characteristics of these materials were reported. Field performance of the reactive metals in explosive formulations were also reported, if available. Finally, some potential reactive metals were identified in this review.