Templated synthesis of Cr2O3 material for energetic composites with high performance

A facile templated approach has been developed for the synthesis of Cr2O3 chromium (III) oxide material with low particle size and tunable textural properties. While chromium nitrate nonahydrate was used as chromium source, fumed silica was selected as template. The Cr2O3 powders were characterized by X-ray Diffraction, High Resolution Transmission Electron Microcopy and nitrogen physisorption. Results showed that the particles size and the textural properties of the as-synthesized Cr(2)O(3)materials depend on the fumed silica/Cr-precursor weight ratio. Used in energetic composites, like nanothermites implementing metal and oxide nanopowders, the silicatemplated Cr2O3 material leads both to make easier the ignition and to increase the combustion velocity of the mixture.