Inhibition mechanism of an expandable chemical inhibitor on aluminum dust explosions

Abstract

In this study, an expandable chemical inhibitor was development synthesized using the mechanical alloying technique to mitigate aluminum dust explosions. The inhibition mechanism of aluminum dust explosion was further explored through numerical simulations. The results indicate that KHCO₃-EG powder achieved a maximum reduction of 89.85 % for flame propagation velocity. KHCO₃-EG compound powder formed a barrier that obstructed O₂ access and reduced heat transfer effects between powder particles by creating a dense, porous carbon layer with a worm-like structure. KHCO₃-EG compound powder absorbed heat produced during the combustion of aluminum particles, undergoing thermal decomposition to produce K-containing products. Kinetic simulations demonstrated that the composite inhibitor significantly decreased the concentrations of AlO and O, leading to stable O₂ formation. Catalytic cycles (K⇔KO and KO⇔KO₂) further decreased O atoms, lessening collisions between active groups and reducing explosive intensity. The study contributes theoretical and technical support for preventing and controlling aluminum dust explosion disasters.