Thermal reaction characterization of micron-sized aluminum powders in CO2

Abstract

The thermal reaction characterization of micron-sized aluminium powder in carbon dioxide were investigated by simultaneous thermal analysis technology (TG/DSC), using a series of heating rates (5, 10, 15, 20°C/min). The results showed that the reaction process of micron-sized aluminium powder in carbon dioxide was divided into three stages: the initial slow oxidation stage, the sharp oxidation stage and the last oxidation stage. The thermal performance was increased with the increase in the heating rates. Evolution of the samples was determined by collecting the products at the initial, sharp, and last oxidation stages of the process. The reaction products morphology was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The corresponding chemical changes were analysed by X-ray diffraction spectrometry (XRD). The effects of heating rate on the thermal reaction characteristics were discussed. A new reaction mechanism of micron-sized Al particle in CO₂ with gradually increased temperature was proposed.