Publications

Unsteady reaction behaviors in reactive Co/Al multilayer foils

McDonald, Joel P.; Jones, E.D.; Hodges, Vernon C.; Adams, David P.

Reaction dynamics in exothermic Co/Al multilayer foils are studied with high speed digital photography. Unsteady, spin-like reaction propagation is observed in which the net synthesis of a foil is accomplished through advancing transverse bands that propagate perpendicular to the net reaction direction. This unsteady behavior is connected to the final reacted foil surface morphology that exhibits periodic structures. The evolution of the reaction front shape and corresponding surface morphology are discussed with respect to Co/Al foil characteristics. © 2009 Materials Research Society.