Effects of W on the thermal induced-energy release behavior and mechanical properties of 2Al–Ni and Al–Ni composites fabricated by mechanical alloying

Reactive Structural Materials (RSMs) find extensive utilization across diverse applications owing to their remarkable characteristics encompassing exceptional mechanical properties and notable energy-release capabilities. This study aimed to investigate the influence of tungsten (W) particles at varying weight percentages (10, 30, 50 wt %) on the thermally induced energy release and mechanical properties of 2Al–Ni and Al–Ni RSM composites, which were prepared through mechanical alloying followed by hot pressing. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) test results revealed that the addition of W particles led to a decelerated occurrence of the reaction and a reduction in the reaction energy for both 2Al–Ni and Al–Ni composites. In contrast, the air burning test demonstrated a significant increase in the reaction temperature of both composites upon the incorporation of W particles. For instance, the addition of 30 wt% W particles raised the reaction temperature of the 2Al–Ni composite from 1087 °C to 1174 °C, and that of the Al–Ni composite from 1180 °C to 1454 °C. The findings of the mechanical tests aligned closely with those of the combustion tests, indicating a substantial enhancement in the compressive strength and hardness values of the 2Al–Ni and Al–Ni composites with increasing W content.