Fire and Explosion Hazards of Fine Powders

In this chapter, the basics of combustion are outlined followed by the fundamentals specific to dust explosions. The measurement and application of dust explosion characteristics, such as ignition temperature, range of flammable concentrations minimum ignition energy are covered. Finally the available methods for control of dust explosion hazard are discussed. 

Introduction to Particle Technology, 2nd Edition Martin Rhodes 

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Finely divided aluminium powder or dust forms highly explosive dispersions in air [1], and all aspects of prevention of aluminium dust explosions are covered in 2 recent US National Fire Codes [2], The effects on ignition properties of impurities introduced by recycled metal used to prepare dust were studied [3], Pyrophoricity is eliminated by surface coating aluminium powder with polystyrene [4], Explosion hazards involved in arc and flame spraying of the powder are analysed and discussed [5], and the effect of surface oxide layers on flammability was studied [6], The causes of a severe explosion in 1983 in a plant producing fine aluminium powder are analysed, and improvements in safety practices discussed... 

There is no report of any fire or explosion hazard. However, on the basis of its structure and analogy with dirhenium decacarbonyl [14285-68-8], it may be anticipated to ignite when heated above 150°C (302°F). The fine powder is susceptible to produce pyrophoric tetramer. 

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