SBIR Phase I: Stabilization of Nanostructured Reactive Multilayers

该小型企业创新研究（SBIR）第一阶段将开发一种新型的纳米工程多层膜，用于材料的反应连接，使人们能够控制相应反应箔的稳定性和点火能量。 本项目将探讨两种一般方法。第一种方法是基于气相沉积的周期性四层结构，其中两个纳米级层，具有高的混合热的元素（铝和镍）之间交替，由较薄的，由相对惰性的材料（铜），与其他两个弱相互作用的屏障层分离。 控制箔的稳定性，点火要求和反应性能，然后可以通过改变纳米厚度（0.5纳米至5.0纳米）的惰性（铜）屏障层。 第二种方法是基于复合结构的开发，其将纳米层反应箔（50-150微米厚）与微米级钎焊和焊料层相结合。 在该方法中，利用钎焊和焊料层的热质量以增强反应性箔的稳定性。在这个项目中，团队 将（1）证明这种新型纳米工程多层膜的可行性，（2）表征其稳定性和点火要求，（3）开发和验证预测计算模型，补充实验观察并扩大其范围。 在商业上，这些新型纳米结构材料的成功开发将导致反应连接技术的显着改进。 来自潜在客户和供应商的支持信表明了他们对开发稳定的反应性多层箔及其在连接应用中的用途的兴趣。

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I will develop a new class of nano-engineered multilayers for reactive joining of materials that enables one to control the stability and ignition energy of the corresponding reactive foils. Two general approaches will be explored in this project. The first approach is based on vapor depositing a periodic quad-layer structure, in which two nanoscale layers, alternating between elements with high heats of mixing (Al and Ni), are separated by thinner, barrier layers comprised of a relatively inert material (Cu) that interacts weakly with the other two. Control over foil stability, ignition requirements and reaction properties can then be achieved by varying the nanoscale thickness (0.5nm to 5.0nm) of the inert (Cu) barrier layers. The second approach is based on the development of composite structures, which combine nanolayered reactive foils (50-150 micron thick) with micron scale braze and solder layers. In this approach, one takes advantage of the thermal mass of the braze and solder layers in order to enhance the stability of the reactive foil. In the project, the team will (1) demonstrate the feasibility of this new class of nano-engineered multilayers, (2) characterize their stability and ignition requirements, and (3) develop and validate predictive computational models that complement experimental observations and amplify their scope. Commercially, successful development of these novel nanostructed materials will lead to significant improvement in reactive joining technology. Letters of support from potential customers and suppliers demonstrate interest in the development of stable reactive multilayer foils and their use in joining applications.