Structure of mechanically activated high-energy Al + polytetrafluoroethylene nanocomposites

The structure of high-energy Al/polytetrafluoroethylene nanocomposites prepared by mechanochemical synthesis is studied by X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and chemical analysis. It is revealed that the composite consists of aluminum particles with sizes of 100–150 nm separated by the polymer layers. The formation of nanocomposite is accompanied by the accumulation of dislocations with the density ρ = (4 ± 1.5) × 10¹⁰ cm⁻². Upon the shock-wave initiation of activated samples, Al + (-C₂ F₄-) → AlF₃ + C reaction propagates in detonation-similar regime at supersonic speed. The velocity of detonation is the highest at the stoichiometric component ratio.