We also work on mechanistic models describing ignition and combustion of metals and metal-based reactive materials, which can be used to describe the performance of complex energetic systems, in which such materials are used. Most new materials designed in our Lab are nanocomposite powders prepared using mechanical milling of readily available powders of metals, metalloids and metal oxides.

Thermal analysis is used extensively to characterize reactions occurring in the prepared materials upon their heating. Common materials characterization techniques, such as X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy, are used as well.

A set of customized ignition and combustion experiments are aimed to characterize ignition delays, burn rates and flame temperatures for the prepared materials in different oxidizing environments.