A comparative study on the modulation of Al/Co3O4 nanocomposites energy release by V4C3 MXene and PVDF

Fluoropolymers are effective binders and modifiers in Al-based metastable intermolecular composites (MIC) due to their high reactivity and heat release. Recently, two-dimensional functional MXenes offer a distinct modulation pathway in energetic materials which remains unexplored. In this study, we investigated the energy release performance of Al/Co 3 O 4 MICs with modifier of MXene V 4 C 3 and the conventional fluoropolymer polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) as comparison. The Al/Co 3 O 4 /V 4 C 3 and Al/Co 3 O 4 /PVDF composites with varying PVDF/V 4 C 3 contents were prepared and evaluated through thermal analysis, closed-bomb pressure tests, high-speed flame observation, and condensed combustion residue analysis. PVDF promotes pre-ignition via in-situ gas evolution, significantly increasing pressurization rates (up to 4.91 MPa/s), whereas V 4 C 3 enhances thermal stability, shifting the ignition onset temperature from 466.9 °C to 551.7 °C with 70% higher pressurization rate. Both additives convert an uncontrolled explosion into sustained, stabilized combustion with longer flame duration and reduced particle agglomeration. Based on a comparative analysis of the underlying mechanisms by which PVDF and V 4 C 3 modulate the properties of Al/Co 3 O 4 composites, this work provides new design insights for developing advanced Al-based MIC with tailored performance.