Effect of magnesium on the burning characteristics of boron particles

Boron is an attractive fuel for propellants and explosives because of its high energy density. However, boron particles are difficult to combust because of inhibiting oxide layers that cover the particles. The use of magnesium as additives has been shown to promote boron oxidation. In this study, laser ignition facility and thermobalance were used to investigate the effect of magnesium on the burning characteristics of boron particles. The influences of magnesium addition on sample combustion flame, boron ignition delay time, boron combustion efficiency and initial temperature of boron oxidation. Results show that all Mg/B samples exhibit the same type of flame structure, i.e., a bright plume surrounded by green radiation which is interpreted as BO2 emission. The combustion flame intensity of a sample increases with the increasing magnesium content of boron particles. An increase in magnesium content results in a decrease and a subsequent increase in boron ignition delay time. (Mg/B)0.2 has a minimum ignition delay time of ~48 ms. Boron combustion efficiency increases with increasing magnesium addition. (Mg/B)0.5 shows a maximum boron combustion efficiency of ~64.2%. Magnesium addition decreases the initial temperature of boron oxidation.