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Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were produced by wire explosion process and characterized through X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies and by TEM studies. The particle size analysis indicates that they follow log-normal distribution and the mean size of the ZnO nanoparticles formed is about 44 nm. Optical band gap of ZnO is found to be 3.21 eV by UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). The synthesized ZnO nano particles were used as photo catalyst for degradation of methylene blue (MB) in aqueous solution. Nano zinc oxide of 100 mg/L was found as the optimum quantity for UV photo degradation of 10 mg/L MB. ZnO nanoparticles were verified for its reusability. The results of the study are compared with commercial ZnO nanoparticle and with Degussa P-25 TiO 2 . LC-MS studies were carried out to identify the intermediates and degradation pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The shape of electrical trees formed in XLPE cable insulation at low temperature under AC and harmonic voltages are fibrillar type. Life of cable insulation failure due to electrical treeing was analysed through Weibull distribution studies. It is observed that the voltage wave shape and peak factor exhibit high influence on the life of cable insulation due to electrical treeing. Harmonics with higher THD’s and the failure rate of cable insulation due to treeing are the same. The presence of 4th and 5th harmonics in supply voltage could cause early failure of cable insulation. Ultra High Frequency (UHF) signal radiated during tree growth process, under harmonic voltages lies in the range 0.5–1.5 GHz. Phase Resolved Partial Discharge (PRPD) analysis using spectrum analyser has revealed that under 50 Hz, discharges occur near zero crossing and in the presence of harmonics, it occurs when the rate of voltage rise is high. The discharge occurs at its peak under low frequency AC voltage of 1 Hz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The UHF signals are generated due to partial discharges formed by particle movement in Gas Insulated Switchgears (GISs). It is observed that the bandwidth of UHF signals generated due to partial discharges formed by particle movement in GIS is independent of operating pressure and the applied voltage. The levitation voltage of the particle sitting on the dielectric barrier is high compared to that of it on the ground electrode. When a particle is present in between the barrier and an electrode, at certain voltage level the movement of particle will be in pseudo resonance with the applied voltage frequency. When the particle is on the barrier, on application of voltage the particle moves to the center of the electrode axis causes discharges thereby radiating UHF signals, with its dominant frequency in the range of 3–4GHz, which is much different from that of the UHF signal generated due to partial discharges formed by particle movement. When the particle moving between the high voltage electrode and the barrier, at some time its motion get collapses and the particle settles in the low field region away from the axis of the electrode and generates UHF signals having characteristics of UHF signals generated due to corona discharge. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: An experimental investigation has been carried out to measure the size of nano-aluminium agglomerates emerging from the combustion of nano-aluminized sandwiches and composite solid propellants. Nano-aluminium of median size of 50nm produced in-house by the electrical wire explosion method is used in these samples. Propellants with different sizes of coarse and fine ammonium perchlorate are considered. Surface features of sandwiches and a propellant whose burning was interrupted by rapid depressurization are examined in a scanning electron microscope. The combustion products of the sandwiches and propellants are quenched close to the burning surface and collected in a quench collection set-up. The surface features of rapid-depressurization quenched sandwiches exhibit relatively large nano-aluminium clusters—of the order a few micrometres—particularly in the binder lamina. Quench-collected nano-aluminium exhibits significant agglomeration, but only a small fraction of the agglomerates are in the 1–3μm range, except for both the coarse and fine AP particles used in the formulation being large, but even there they do not exceed ∼5μm in size. This is expected to be benign for reduced smoke propellant applications from exhaust signature point of view, and to decrease the specific impulse losses without sacrificing the energetics of the propellant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The UHF signals are generated due to PD formed by particle movement in liquid nitrogen under AC voltages. The levitation voltage of a particle in liquid nitrogen measured through UHF technique and by conventional PD measurement technique is the same, confirming the sensitivity of UHF technique for identification of PD activity. The frequency content of UHF signal generated due to particle movement in liquid nitrogen, under AC voltages, lies in the range 0.5–1.5GHz. The characteristics of UHF signal generated due to particle movement between the barrier and high voltage/ground electrode is much similar to the signal generated by particle movement in clean electrode gap. Pseudo resonance phenomena can occur in liquid nitrogen due to particle movement. It is also observed that the partial discharge magnitude, in general, be high when the particle moves between the barrier and high voltage electrode when compared to the barrier and the ground electrode. Percentage of clay in epoxy nanocomposites has not altered the levitation voltage of the particle in the electrode gap. Zero span analysis clearly indicates that pseudo resonance occurs when particle moves (in a short gap) between the barrier and high voltage/ground electrode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Liquid nitrogen (LN2) is used as an insulant as well as coolant in high temperature superconducting power equipments. Particle contamination in liquid nitrogen is one of the major cause for formation of partial discharges during operation. An attempt has been made in the present study to understand the feasibility of using Ultra High Frequency (UHF) sensors for identification of partial discharge (PD) formed due to particle movement in liquid nitrogen under AC voltages. It is observed that the partial discharge formed in LN2 radiates UHF signal. The results of the study indicate that the conventional partial discharge measurement and UHF peak amplitude measurement have direct correlation. The Phase Resolved Partial Discharge (PRPD) analysis indicates that the partial discharge formed due to particle movement occurs in the entire phase windows of the AC voltage. The PD magnitude increases with increase in applied voltage. The frequency content of UHF signal generated due to particle movement in liquid nitrogen under AC voltages lies in the range of 0.5–1.5GHz. The UHF sensor output signal analyzed using spectrum analyzer by operating it in zero-span mode, indicates that burst type PD occurs due to particle movement. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Variety of fluorescent fibers with different absorption/emission characteristics were used for identification of corona and surface discharges, and we find that a particular type of fluorescent fiber is more sensitive to identify discharges in liquid nitrogen insulation than UHF technique. The characteristic spectral content of the fluorescent signal due to corona and surface discharge activity formed in liquid nitrogen is observed up to 3 MHz. • Enhancement in the magnitude of fluorescent signal/UHF signal is observed for increase in applied voltage beyond the corona inception voltage (CIV). Also, it is observed that while reducing the applied voltage, the corona activity quenches at much lower voltage than the inception voltage. • It is observed that 3 wt% of nano mgo added GFRP epoxy nanocomposite sample exhibits enhanced surface discharge inception voltage (SDIV) compared to samples with other concentrations of mgo and that the SDIV is lower for AC voltage when compared with the DC voltage conditions. • A phase-resolved partial discharge (PRPD) analysis was also carried out to identify corona and surface discharge activity using fluorescent fiber sensor and with UHF sensor. From the PRPD studies, it is observed that the corona discharge occurs near the peak magnitude whereas surface discharge is observed at the rising part of AC voltage. Identification of incipient discharges is a major challenge in liquid nitrogenbased super-conducting power apparatus. In the present study, a variety of fluorescent fibers with different absorption/emission characteristics were used for the identification of corona and surface discharges, and we find that a particular type of fluorescent fiber is more sensitive to identify discharges in liquid nitrogen insulation than the UHF technique. Enhancement in the magnitude of fluorescent signal/UHF signal is observed for an increase in applied voltage beyond the corona inception voltage (CIV). Also, it is observed that while reducing the applied voltage, the corona activity quenches at a much lower voltage than the inception voltage. No characteristic variation in rise time or the fall time of the fluorescent signal is observed on corona inception and due to discharges at higher voltages. The corona inception voltage is least for AC voltage conditions, and slightly higher inception voltage is observed for positive DC and negative DC voltage conditions. Different weight percentages of MgO doping in GFRP nanocomposites are prepared and used in the surface discharge studies. It is observed that the 3 wt% sample exhibits enhanced surface discharge inception voltage (SDIV) compared to samples with other doping concentrations and that the inception voltage is lower for AC voltage when compared with the DC voltage conditions. The characteristic spectral content of the fluorescent signal due to corona and surface discharge activity is observed up to 3 MHz. A phase-resolved partial discharge (PRPD) analysis was also carried out to identify corona and surface discharge activity using fluorescent fiber sensor and with a UHF sensor. From the PRPD studies, it is observed that the corona discharge occurs near the peak magnitude whereas surface discharge is observed at the rising part of AC voltage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Converter transformers are one of the key components in high voltage DC power networks. The insulation of these transformers is stressed by both AC and DC voltages. Therefore, AC and DC voltage tests are routinely applied during factory tests to verify the performance of the insulation structure. Partial discharges in an insulation system are incipient discharges that can damage materials and may eventually lead to complete failure of the insulation system during operation. Recently it has been shown that monitoring such discharges formed under AC stress is feasible using Ultra High Frequency (UHF) measurement technique and that there is a reasonable correlation between the partial discharge magnitude and the amplitude of the UHF signal generated by partial discharges. However, the partial discharge activity under DC voltages is not fully understood. This paper describes a study using the UHF technique to improve our understanding of particle-induced partial discharge activity under DC voltages in mineral oil insulation. UHF signals generated due to conducting particle contamination in transformer oil under AC and DC voltages are compared and analyzed. A method for distinguishing particle discharges in regions of high or low electric field stress is proposed based on frequency-domain analysis of the measured UHF signal. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The tracking phenomenon, a carbonaceous process, in epoxy nanocomposite material has been studied under the AC and DC voltage in the present work. It was observed that the tracking is more severe under the DC voltages, especially under positive DC voltage when compared to negative DC voltage. The leakage current during the tracking studies was measured and moving average technique was used to characterize the trend of current flow. It was noticed that an increase in nanoclay content to epoxy resin shows a reduction in magnitude of leakage current flow during tracking test. It was also observed that the magnitude of leakage current is more under negative DC voltage compared with positive DC/AC voltage. The magnitude of leakage current and the tracking time shows inverse relationship as evident from the present study. A drastic reduction in contact angle was observed for the specimens subjected to tracking test. It was confirmed that surface discharges also cause permanent damage to the insulating material. The WAXD studies indicated that up to 5wt% of nanoclay in epoxy resin resulted in exfoliated structure. The TEM studies were carried out on the nanocomposite structures. The TG–DTA results showed that a maximum degradation of epoxy resin occurs at around 300°C. From the EPR study it is realized that, in the tracking formed zone the spin concentration is more in epoxy nanocomposites indicating that tracking as a damage generating process. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The nano aluminium particles were produced in different ambience by the wire explosion process. The influence of pressure in the exploding wire chamber on the size of the particles was analyzed. Certain physico-chemical diagnostic studies, viz., wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), thermo-gravimetric differential thermal analysis (TG–DTA) studies were carried out to characterize the produced nano aluminium powder. The compositions of the material were characterized through the energy dispersive analysis by X-ray (EDAX) results. The size of the particles was measured using transmission electron microscope (TEM) studies and particle size distribution analyses were carried out by adopting log-normal distribution. The mechanism of formation of nano powder by wire explosion technique was explained in detail. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper describes the evaluation of synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy (SFS) and excitation emission matrix fluorescence (EEMF) spectroscopy as means of monitoring transformer oil degradation. When accelerated thermal ageing method is used, the onset of degradation of transformer oil on 17th day and transformer oil with polypropylene and cellulosic paper on 23rd and 27th days is sensitively reflected in the SFS and EEMF fluorescence spectral characteristics. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Electrical trees were generated experimentally in the actual 33kV underground XLPE cable insulation material under the AC voltages. A tree like structure and a bush type of tree structure can form from the point of defect site under the AC voltages. Acoustic emission technique was adopted to identify the point of inception, propagation and termination of electrical trees. A variation in the dominant frequency content of the acoustic signal was observed as and when the tree propagates in the insulation structure. The characteristic variation in the magnitude of the acoustic emission signal with time, indicates that tree propagation as an intermittent growth process. The energy content of the acoustic signal characterizes that the energy released due to partial discharges, at every step growth of the tree structure is not the same. The partial power measurement in the present study provides an indication to the growth process of electrical trees and to the near point of failure of polymer insulation material due to electrical treeing. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Electrical trees were generated experimentally in samples from a 33 kV underground XLPE cable material under AC voltages. The formation of tree like structure and a bush type of tree structure was observed near the defect site of the insulation structure. To understand the point of inception and propagation of electrical trees, an acoustic emission technique was adopted in the present study. A characteristic change in the frequency content of the acoustic signal is observed as and when the tree propagates in the insulation structure. The partial power measurement used in the study provides an indication of the growth of electrical trees and of the imminent failure of polymer insulation material due to electrical treeing. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In the present work, the nano-Al2O3 powder was produced by the wire explosion technique. The shape and size of the particles were measured using Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) studies. The Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) studies were carried out to confirm that the particles are of sub-micron size. The compositions of the material were characterized through the Energy Dispersive Angle X-ray Analysis (EDAX) results. The Wide Angle X-ray Diffraction (WAXD) and the Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) results confirmed the nanosize powder formed by the process as crystalline γ-Al2O3 powder. It is identified that the local temperature of the medium at the time of formation of nanopowder decides the phase characteristics of the powder material. The mechanism of formation of nanopowder by wire explosion technique was explained in detail. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In the present work, tracking phenomenon in high density polyethylene material has been studied under AC voltage, with ammonium chloride as a contaminant. It is observed that the tracking time depends on both conductivity and flow rate of the contaminants. The surface conditions of the insulation structure such as normal conditions and surface discharges or tracking were characterized by using the leakage current measurement, utilizing the multi resolution signal decomposition technique. The process of identification of surface condition of the insulation structure was automated using Artificial Neural Network. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this work, tracking phenomena were studied with ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) material under AC and DC voltages, with ammonium chloride/acid rain solution as the contaminant. It is found that the tracking time depends on the conductivity and the flow rate of the contaminant. Physico-chemical analyses, including wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA) and electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA), were carried out and concluded that the tracking process is a surface degradation process. The tracking time is different for AC and DC voltages. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• In the present study, corona inception voltage in liquid nitrogen under standard lightning impulse voltage (SLIV) and oscillatory impulse voltages were studied using fluorescent fiber sensor. • Under unidirectional oscillatory impulse voltage (UOIV) and sinusoidal bidirectional oscillatory impulse voltage (SBOIV) conditions, Corona discharge occurs around the peak of the first cycle. When the applied voltage is increased, the discharges occur in the subsequent cycles. • Under switching impulse voltage (SIV), corona discharge is noticed at the rising edge in positive polarity, whereas in negative polarity, it is observed at the falling edge. The corona discharge inception voltage (CDIV) is determined to be highest under Unidirectional Oscillating Lightning Impulse (UOLI) and lowest under SI. The negative polarity exhibits more temporal spread than the positive polarity under oscillating impulse voltages. In the present study, corona inception voltage in liquid nitrogen under standard lightning impulse voltage (SLIV) and oscillatory impulse voltages were studied using fluorescent fiber sensor. A single discharge signal is observed near the peak of the applied SLIV. The amplitude of the fluorescent signal is high with positive polarity than under negative polarity. At higher voltages, the magnitude of the fluorescence signal increases and it shifts towards the rising edge of the applied voltage. Under unidirectional oscillatory impulse voltage (UOIV) and sinusoidal bidirectional oscillatory impulse voltage (SBOIV) conditions, Corona discharge occurs around the peak of the first cycle. When the applied voltage is increased, the discharges occur in the subsequent cycles. Under switching impulse voltage (SIV), corona discharge is noticed at the rising edge in positive polarity, whereas in negative polarity, it is observed at the falling edge. The corona discharge inception voltage (CDIV) is determined to be highest under Unidirectional Oscillating Lightning Impulse (UOLI) and lowest under SI. The negative polarity exhibits more temporal spread than the positive polarity under oscillating impulse voltages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were synthesized by wire explosion process through deposition of different levels of energy to the exploding conductor in oxygen ambience at different pressures. The produced nanoparticles were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive analysis of X-rays (EDAX) and by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) studies. Energy dependent formation reaction mechanisms were formulated based on Born-Haber cycle. The size dependent gas phase reaction energetics was analyzed by using Hess's diagram. Butler's multicomponent molten oxide model was adopted to predict the surface tension of ZnO. Thermodynamic modelling studies revealed that the amount of energy deposited has an impact on saturation ratio, activation free energy, and nucleation rate of nanoparticles. It is observed based on experimental and modelling studies that the amount of energy deposited to the current carrying conductor, ambient pressure of oxygen and the saturation ratio influence the size of nanoparticle formed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In the present study, wire explosion process (WEP) has been used to produce zirconium nitride (ZrN) nanoparticles. The produced ZrN nanoparticles were characterized through X-ray diffraction (XRD) and by the selected area electron diffraction (SAED) studies. The size and shape of the particles were analyzed using Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM). An analysis based on Log-normal probability distribution was used to quantify the particle size distribution of the powder. High speed photography was used to observe the wire explosion process. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Tungsten carbide nano particles were formed by carburizing tungsten/tungsten oxide/non-stoichiometric tungsten oxide particles obtained from a wire explosion process with multi walled carbon nano tubes (MWCNT). The produced powder is confirmed to be hexagonal tungsten carbide from wide angle X-ray diffraction analysis. Carburization of tungsten nano particles with MWCNT shows the presence of tungsten sub-carbides in the produced tungsten carbide particles. Transmission electron micrographs show that the tungsten carbide particles are of spherical shape and the geometric mean size of the particles obtained is about 19nm. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Nano tungsten oxide particles are produced by wire explosion process. It is realized that by exploding tungsten conductor in lower pressure of oxygen, unreacted phase of tungsten was present and it could be reduced by increasing the operating pressure and increasing the amount of energy deposited to the exploding conductor. It is realized that the nucleation rate of the particle could be high only at the point of maximum saturation ratio, irrespective of the pressure of the oxygen. The size of the critical nucleus formed is low when the saturation ratio and the nucleation rate are at maximum. The nano metal oxide particle formation by wire explosion process allows one to conclude that the second stage annealing process has a major impact on the final grain size formed. The high speed camera photographs of wire explosion process were used to understand the dynamics of particle formation by wire explosion process. The Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) analysis indicates that the nano tungsten oxide (WO3) particles are of spherical shape and the analysis of particle size indicates that it follows log normal distribution. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Nano-aluminum particles are produced by a wire explosion process in different inert gas ambience. It is observed that generated particles have different sizes and it follows log–normal probability distribution. The particle size produced by the wire explosion process varies depending on the thermal conductivity of the medium and the operating pressure of the gas. To understand the mechanism of nano-particle formation, the optical-emission spectroscopic technique is used for measuring characteristics of plasma generated during the wire explosion process. Strong emission lines were observed from the species formed during the wire explosion process. Plasma temperatures are estimated based on local thermal equilibrium principle and using Al emission lines. Plasma temperature of more than 8000K is observed in an Ar ambient. The optical emission study clearly indicates that the intensity of plasma increases with an increase in the ambient pressure. Further, it is observed that an increase in the pressure of the gas, the plasma temperature also increases. The study shows that the plasma temperature in the He gas is lesser than in the Ar gas. The plasma temperature due to the discharge plays a significant role on nano-particle formation. In addition, it is observed that irrespective of polarity, emission characteristics are almost the same. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Nano-aluminium particles of ∼50nm size, produced at this laboratory, are added to composite solid propellants based on ammonium perchlorate and hydroxyl-terminated poly-butadiene binder that exhibit plateau burning rate trends and those including burning rate catalysts. The nano-aluminized propellant burning rates are compared with corresponding micro-aluminized and non-aluminized ones in the 1–12MPa pressure range. The mid-pressure extinction of the matrixes containing the fine-sized ammonium perchlorate particles in the propellant along with the binder is investigated in all the cases to understand the mechanism of plateau-burning. Further, the variations in aluminium content, the aluminium size (within nano- and micro-ranges), bimodal combination of nano- and micro-aluminium are considered. Ferric oxide and titanium dioxide are the burning rate catalysts considered. Large scale accumulation of aluminium is observed not only in micro-aluminized matrixes, but also in nano-aluminized ones as clusters of 1–5μm size. Since aluminium is added at the expense of the coarse ammonium perchlorate particles to preserve the total-solids loading in the present formulations, addition of micro-aluminium decreases the burning rate; whereas, nano-aluminized propellants exhibit ∼80–100% increase in the burning rate under most conditions. The near-complete combustion of nano-aluminium close to the burning surface of the propellant provides heat feedback that controls the burning rate. Mid-pressure extinctions of matrixes and plateau burning rates of propellants are washed out when nano-aluminium is progressively added beyond 50% in bimodal aluminium blends, but low pressure-exponents are observed in the nano-aluminized propellant burning rates at elevated pressures. Adjusting the plasticizer content in the binder alters the pressure range of plateau burning rates in non-aluminized propellants. Catalysts increase the burning rate by ∼50–100% in non-aluminized and micro-aluminized propellants, but in nano-aluminized propellants, the μm-sized catalyst does not affect the burning rate significantly; whereas, the nanometre size catalysts increases the burning rate merely by ∼5–15%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In the present work, electrical trees in XLPE cables were experimentally generated under AC voltages. The formation of a tree-like structure and a bush type of tree structure was observed in the samples. The causes for variation in the shape of the tree structure are detailed. The importance of Weibull parameters for the present study is emphasized. Furthermore, physicochemical analysis by wide angle X-ray diffraction studies (WAXD), differential scanning calorimeter analysis (DSC), and emission spectroscopy were used to understand the characteristic variation in the material and to diagnose the state of the insulation structure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • We demonstrate the formation of homogeneous Ni 80 Cr 20 alloy nanoparticles (NPs) by novel wire explosion process (WEP). • Chemical/physical synthesis techniques do not yield desired composition due to incompatible standard reduction potential. • The superparamagnetic behavior is identified in 34 nm diameter particles and attributed to uncompensated surface spins. • From present study we conclude that WEP is a potential synthesis method to produce alloy NPs with homogeneous composition. We report a detailed study of the structural and magnetic properties of Ni 80 Cr 20 fine particles prepared by physical methods, such as mechanical alloying, wire explosion process (WEP), and chemical methods like sodium borohydride reduction, polyol method. From the analysis of structural and microstructural data, phase formation with the desired composition is confirmed in the particles prepared by the WEP. A comparative study of magnetization data of bulk and nanoparticles of Ni 80 Cr 20 suggests that a weak magnetic moment develops in nanoparticles due to finite-size effects. Analysis of magnetization data suggests a superparamagnetic (SPM) behavior in the smallest sized (34 nm) particles prepared by WEP, while nanoparticles prepared by other methods show ferromagnetic ground state. Further, it is shown that the origin of weak magnetic moment and development of SPM state in the nanoparticles is due to uncompensated surface spins with a negligible interaction effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, Al–Mg binary eutectic alloy nanoparticles were synthesized through the electrical wire explosion technique (EWET) in an inert ambience. High-speed imaging was carried out to visualize sublimation process of alloy wire and subsequent formation of nanoparticle through the condensation process. The fundamental gas-phase kinetics is investigated by the embedded atom method (EAM) and reactive hard-sphere model to elucidate the mechanisms governing the formation of finer particles of eutectic Al-Mg alloy. The condensed phase transformations are analysed through size-dependent thermodynamics and growth kinetics modelling, which has shown that the adsorption controlled growth is responsible for the generation of polydispersed particles. The formation of Al 20 Mg 23 nanoparticles and its morphological features were characterised through XRD and SEM/EDS analysis. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) along with the selected area electron diffraction (SAED) confirmed the spherical morphology, crystallinity, lognormal particle size distribution and the multiphase microstructure of the eutectic AlMg nanoparticles. The formation of multiphase alloy nanoparticles is attributed to the insignificant difference in melting temperatures of Al and Mg and phase boundary modifications due to size-effect. Scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) revealed the spatial distribution of Al and Mg within the alloy nanoparticle. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) confirmed the reduction in melting temperature and fusion enthalpy of eutectic Al–Mg alloy nanoparticles. It is proposed as a potential substitute for Al nanoparticles to reduce the ignition temperature, agglomeration and two-phase flow losses for realising improved combustion performance in solid rocket propellants. Image 1 • Size-effect and eutectic effect are combined to yield low-melting alloy nanoparticles to reduce the ignition temperature. • Low-melting multiphase eutectic Al-Mg alloy nanoparticles were synthesized by wire explosion technique and characterized. • The gas-phase kinetics is investigated by the EAM and reactive hard-sphere model to elucidate their formation mechanisms. • A new Al 30 Mg 23 phase is formed upon explosion due to non-equilibrium quenching processes. • Al-Mg eutectic nanoparticles are proposed as viable additives for solid rocket propellants and high energy applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]