Investigations on the self propagating reactions of nickel and aluminum multilayered foils

The self-propagating reaction of nickel-aluminum thin film multilayers with a bilayer thickness of ∼ 43 nm was investigated using high-speed optical camera and infrared thermometry. The results indicate a two-stage reaction with two different characteristic temperatures. Following ignition, the flame front propagates near the reverse peritectic transformation temperature of Ni 2 Al 3 into NiAl and liquid at 1406 K. The reaction continues with the growth of NiAl until the melting temperature of 1911 K is reached. The reaction mechanism and kinetics are discussed.