Novel nanocomposite decoy flare based on super-thermite and graphite particles

Graphite has attracted scientific interest due to its exceptional physical and chemical properties. On combustion, graphite particles offer high emissivity as a black body; therefore, it can find wide application in advanced decoy flares. Thermite particles (metal oxides/metal) can offer a high reaction temperature that is required to stimulate emitting species. In this study, graphite particles were employed with super-thermite Fe2O3 NPs. Novel Mg-Al bimetal alloy was employed as a reactive metal fuel; Viton A (fluorocarbon polymer) was employed as an energetic binder. Multi-component nanocomposite flares were developed via granulation with subsequent pressing. The thermal signature was measured using the IR spectrometer. Nanocomposite flares based on 6 wt% graphite and 2% Fe2O3 NPs demonstrated superior spectral intensity. This flare formulation offered an increase in average intensity by 248% to reference formulation. It offered the highest relative intensity value theta of 0.54. Graphite, as an allotrope of carbon, acts as an excellent source of carbonaceous materials that can strengthen incandescence emission.