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Cermetomer or Cermetomer composite was coined in 2014 to identify composite structures consisting of alternating layers of a metal, polymer, and ceramic. In addition, the desired functional orientation of the composite is perpendicular to the orientation of the layers that make up the composite. As an example: Multiple layers of thin film layer of polymer/aluminum oxide/aluminum/aluminum oxide/polymer has been use as a rocket fuel. In this example the polymer layer acts as a fuel and barrier layer to minimize the thickness of the aluminum oxide layer. The aluminum oxide layer passivates the aluminum metal layer from rapid oxidation.

When the composite is ignited the polymer layer burns and the heat generated expands areas of the polymer near the combustion point. The expansion of the polymer fractures the aluminum oxide layer exposing aluminum metal to oxygen. This results in the aluminum generating relatively large amounts of heat (burning). An accelerated burning rate from the synergistic processes result in an almost explosive reaction. One such composite consisting of multiple alternating layer of a fluoropolymer/aluminum oxide/aluminum/aluminum oxide/fluoropolymer was commercially used at one time as the explosive source for car safety air bags.