Glossary of Terms

Bilayer
One layer of nickel and one layer of aluminum in a NanoFoil®. It is convenient to discuss the size or scale of the NanoFoil® microstructure in terms of bilayers, since the ratio of aluminum layer thickness to nickel layer thickness is constant but the actual thicknesses are varied.
Brazing
A process that is used to bond similar or dissimilar materials by melting a filler metal or alloy placed between the components being joined. Brazes are filler metals or alloys that melt at temperatures above 450°C.
Detonation
A chemical reaction that propagates at speeds faster than the speed of sound. The shock wave generated by such a reaction produces the typical “boom” of a detonation.
Energetics
In this context, the use of NanoFoil® as a source of initial, intense release of energy. Applications include the ignition of other chemical reactions, breaking electrical connections, breaking mechanical connections, signaling, etc.
Heat of Reaction
The amount of heat given off during NanoFoil®’s chemical reaction, measured in units of joules per gram (J/g) or joules per mole (J/mol). The heat of reaction is independent of the amount of NanoFoil®.
Heat Sink
A substance or device that absorbs and dissipates unwanted heat generated by a process or an electronic device.
Hermetic Sealing
The process by which packages or containers are sealed to protect critical components within from invasion and contamination by the external environment.
Ignition
The initiation of a chemical reaction that is exothermic, giving off heat and propagating without an additional outside energy source. NanoFoil® initiation may be considered an ignition event.
Nanoscale
Refers to miniscule particles that measure less than 100 nanometers or 100 x10-9 meters.
Reaction Velocity
When NanoFoil® is initiated at a point, the chemical reaction travels across the foil. This traveling reaction zone is termed a “reaction wave”, and its velocity may be measured. This reaction velocity is used to predict the behavior of NanoFoil® in joints and in energetic applications.
Reflow Soldering
A process that enables the soldering of components through a gradual and controlled heating of the components and solders in a furnace, typically a belt furnace.
Soldering
A process used to bond similar or dissimilar materials by melting a filler metal or alloy that is placed between the components being joined. Solders are filler metals or alloys that melt at temperatures below 450oC.
Structural Energetics
The use of reactive, energy-releasing materials as structural parts of a missile or similar structure. The reactive material holds the missile together, but upon impact, a chemical reaction is initiated and the reactive material releases large amounts of heat, further damaging the target.
Thermal Interface Material (TIM)
A conductive material used as an interface to transfer heat from a heat source to a cooling device (e.g. a computer chip as a heat source and a heat sink as a cooling device).
Reactive NanoTechnologies, Inc.
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