Electrophoretic deposition and characterization of nano-Al/Fe2O3 thermites

• Smooth film of nano-Al/Fe2O3 thermite was prepared by electrophoretic deposition.
• Linear relationship was between mass ratio in thermite and that in suspension.
• Mass ratio in thermite can be controlled by adjusting mass ratio in suspension.
• Prepared nano-Al/Fe2O3 thermite exhibited excellent combustion performance.

Nano-Al/Fe2O3 thermites were successfully prepared as film by a novel electrophoretic deposition (EPD) method. The micromorphology investigations demonstrate that electrophoretic deposition of nano-Al/Fe2O3 thermites offer a feasible route for the formation of the interfacial contact between nano-Al and nano-Fe2O3 particles in the film is nanoscaled. Linear relationship studies showed that a coefficient of proportionality between mass ratio in deposited films and that in suspension was observed for EPD of nano-Al/Fe2O3 thermite. The optimum velocity in combustion investigations was found to correspond to mass ratio in deposited thermite. The EPD method is promising for preparation of nano-Al/Fe2O3 thermite with excellent combustion performance.