Surface Characterization and Bulk Property Analysis of Aluminum Powders Treated with Hydrophobic Coatings: Stearic Acid and Phenyl-Phosphonic Acid

Stearic and phenyl-phosphonic acids were applied to fine aluminum particles to understandtheir effect on the surface chemical composition and bulk properties of the surface-treated powders.During the solution phase deposition process, the surface composition changes chemically througha condensation reaction between the acid and particle surface hydroxyl groups, forming covalentchemical bonds. The retention of both types of acids was verified through characterization usingFourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Thepresence of stearic acid on the particle surface was observed through signature absorbance peaks,including interfacial C-O bonding modes, carboxylate, and carbonyl moieties, all present on both thetreated powder. Spectra using XPS showed an increase in -CH relative intensity signal on the particlesurface when compared to the raw material when considering the the carbon 2p photoelectron peak.Similar findings confirmed the presence of the phenyl-phosphonic acid when comparing to the rawmaterial. The IR spectrum confirmed the presence of P-O-Al, P-O, and phosponates as a result ofthe surface bonding between the reagent and particles. XPS always provided evidence through thepresence of phosphorous 2p and 2s photoelecton peaks at 191.3 and 133.4 eV, respectively. The bulkproperties of both surface treated powders improved, as shown through improved apparent/tapdensity and a decreased Hausner Ratio (Group C to Group A behavior). Rheological characterizationprovided additional evidence by showing a reduced specific energy, flow rate index, and cohesion.The particle packing was improved as evidenced through reduced compressibility as a function ofapplied normal stress.