Tungsten combustion in impact initiated W–Al composite based on W(Al) super-saturated solid solution

Element W can effectively improve the density of energetic structural materials. However, W is an inert element and does not combust in air. To change the reaction characteristics of W, 60 at.% Al was introduced into W through mechanical alloying. XRD analysis shows that after 50 h of ball milling, the diffraction peak of Al completely disappears and W(Al60) super-saturated solid solution powder is obtained. Further observation by HAADF and HRTEM reveals that the W(Al60) super-saturated solid solution powder is a mixture of solid solution and amorphous phase. Based on the good thermal stability of W(Al60) alloy powder below 1000 °C, W(Al60)–Al composite was synthesized by hot pressing process. Impact initiation experiments suggest that the W(Al60)–Al composite has excellent reaction characteristics, and multiple types of tungsten oxides are detected in the reaction products, showing that the modified W is combustible in air. Due to the combustion of tungsten, the energy release rate of the W(Al60)–Al composite at speed of 1362 m/s reaches 2.71 kJ/g. [Display omitted] •W-60 at% Al super-saturated solid solution was prepared by mechanical alloying.•W(Al) super-saturated solid solution powder is a two-phase mixture of solid solution and amorphous phase.•Modified W based on super-saturated solid solution is combustible in air under impact initiation condition.•The W(Al60)–Al composite with high density and high energy release rate shows promising potential as ESMS.