Oxidation of fine aluminum powders with water and air

Abstract

Fine aluminum powders (RA20–RA60 grades, SUAL-PM) with specific surface area from 0.37 to 0.73 m²/g and high aluminum contents (95–98 wt %) are studied. The powders are found to be waterwettable without additions of surfactants and characterized by high rates of gas liberation in reacting with a calcium hydroxide solution under normal conditions. All RA20–RA60 powders are shown to be highly reactive upon oxidation with air and close to aluminum nanopowders in the parameters of their activity when heated in air. Their stability in water could prevent active (metallic) aluminum losses during their storage.