Abstract: Disclosed herein are pyrophoric composite materials comprising nanoporous pyrophoric alpha iron nanoparticles dispersed in a ceramic matrix for use as aerial decoys. The composite material is prepared using tape casting methods to produce a thin film. The iron precursor in the film is then activated by reduction under a hydrogen atmosphere. The composite nanoporous pyrophoric alpha iron nanoparticles and ceramic material is an improvement over current pyrophoric decoys as it eliminates the use of harmful chemicals and the need for a substrate to support the composite.

Abstract: An improved method for the production of pyrophoric materials which does not employ hot NaOH and produces pyrophoric materials on various types of ceramic, metal, nanomaterial substrates. The method impregnates the substrate materials with pyrophoric iron or other materials resulting in materials that are “tunable” with respect to its pyrophoric output as determined by its temperature, rise time sustenance etc through selective variation of particle size, morphology, and diluents or reactive materials.