Effect of particle morphology on characteristics of pressed aluminum-boron reactive powders

Aluminum-boron composite powders were prepared mechanical milling and consolidated using uniaxial pressing. Both, spheroidal and irregularly shaped powders were prepared from the same starting materials. The product powder morphology was determined by the type of liquid process control agent. Highest strength was observed for the pellets made of spheroidal powders without any binder. For all milled powders, the main oxidation exotherm was delayed compared to the blended starting materials. For the pellets made of spheroidal powders heated in inert gas, an exotherm initiated just above 400 degrees C while no such exotherm was detected for the pellets pressed using other composite powders.