Reactive Joining
Reactive multilayer foils are a new class of nano-engineered materials that are typically fabricated by vapor depositing hundreds of nanoscale layers that alternate between elements with large negative heats of mixing, such as Ni and Al. These ignitable reactive foils support self-propagating exothermic reactions that travel at speeds ranging from 1-30 m/s and can be employed as local heat sources for joining of similar and dissimilar materials.