MULTIPLE COMBUSTION INDUCED BY BALL-MILLING

An unusual multiple combustion effect has been observed during the mec hanochemical reaction of zirconium and sulphur powders. Ball milling i nduces combustion in this highly exothermic system, but the combustion is quenched repeatedly, after consuming only a fraction of the reacta nts. The process concludes with a final, more energetic combustion, re leasing about 70% of the reaction heat. The evaporation of sulfur at t he reaction site may explain this behavior. (C) 1996 American Institut e of Physics.