Enhanced combustion performance of Al–Zn alloys with property optimization inspired by “two-way tunneling” strategy

Fluorinated polymers (PVDF) are widely used due to their pre-ignition reaction with Al₂O₃ to improve the combustion of Al. In this study, a homogeneous PVDF coating layer was constructed on the surface of Al–Zn alloys by solvent evaporation, and Al-Zn@PVDF composites with “two-way tunneling” function during thermal decomposition and combustion were prepared. The constructed PVDF coating layer can react with Al₂O₃ to destroy the protective layer and promote the oxidation and combustion of Al–Zn from the outside to the inside. At the same time, the energy provided by the Al-Zn@PVDF during the ignition and combustion process also promotes the melting and vaporization of Zn, which achieves the rapid and full combustion of Al–Zn alloy from the inside to outside. The “ two-way tunneling” function of Al-Zn@PVDF composites significantly improves the combustion performance, resulting in a maximum combustion temperature of 1346.9 °C for Al-Zn@PVDF-40 % and a minimum combustion duration of 1.39 s for Al-Zn@PVDF-30 %, which is a significant improvement in combustion performance. The good chemical stability of PVDF also improves the hydrophobicity of Al–Zn and enhances its applicability. In conclusion, the construction of composites with “two-way tunneling” function first proposed in this study can significantly improve the thermal decomposition and combustion properties of Al–Zn, which is expected to further facilitate its application in propellants, explosives and pyrotechnics.