Compounds containing [B10H10]2− cluster are promising candidates that can be used as high energetic fuels and burning rate modifiers for propellants. The ignition and combustion behaviors of [N(C2H5)4]2B10H10 were investigated using a laser ignition system in air. Results show that [N(C2H5)4]2B10H10 (∼2.0 mm) is ignited with a delay of around 350 ms and threshold ignition energy of 0.7 J at laser ignition power density of 1.14×107 W/m2. Furthermore, the combustion of [N(C2H5)4]2B10H10 in air is found to undergo three stages of decomposition, incomplete combustion of the volatile pyrolytic products, and ejection and combustion of the molten dehydrogenated framework, giving massive smoke and a characteristic pyrotechnic flame.

Microscale combustion has potential application in a micro power generator. This paper studied the ignition and combustion behavior of individual graphite microparticles in a micro-combustor to explore the utilization of carbon-based fuels at the microscale system. The individual graphite microparticles inside the micro-combustor were ignited by a highly focused laser in an air flow with natural convection at atmospheric temperature and pressure. The results show that the ignition of graphite microparticles was heterogeneous. The particle diameter had a small weak effect on ignition delay time and threshold ignition energy. The micro-combustor wall heat losses had significant effects on the ignition and combustion. During combustion, flame instability, photophoresis, repetitive extinction and reignition were identified. The flame structure was asymmetric, and the fluctuation of flame front and radiation intensity showed combustion instability. Photophoretic force pushed the graphite away from the focal point and resulted in extinction. Owing to large wall heat loss, the flame quickly extinguished. However, the graphite was inductively reignited by laser.