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To analyze the mechanical properties and reaction characteristics of Al-ZrH₂-PTFE (aluminum-zirconium hydride-polytetrafluoroethylene) composites under quasi-static compression, five types of specimens with different ZrH₂ contents (0%, 5%, 10%, 20% and 30%) were prepared by molding-vacuum sintering. The true stress-strain curves and reaction rates of the different specimens were measured using quasi-static compression. The specific reaction processes were recorded by a high-speed camera. The corresponding reaction products were characterized by the XRD phase analysis, the calorific value was tested by a Calorimeter, and the reaction mechanism was analyzed. According to the results, the strength of the composites increased first and then decreased with the increase in the content of ZrH₂. It reached a maximum of 101.01 MPa at 5%. Violent reaction occurred, and special flames were observed during the reaction of the specimens with 5% ZrH₂. With the increase in the content of ZrH₂, the chemical reaction was hard to induce due to the reduction in strength and toughness of composites. The reaction mechanism of Al/ZrH₂/PTFE reveals that high temperatures at crack tip induced the reaction of Al and PTFE. Subsequently, ZrH₂ decomposed to release hydrogen and generate ZrC. Calorimetric experiment shows that the calorific value of Al/ZrH₂/PTFE with 20% ZrH₂ is higher than that of Al/PTFE. The findings verify the potential of ZrH₂ as an energetic additive for the enhancement of strength and release of the energy of the composites.