Towards "Green" ANFO: Study of Perchlorates and Inorganic Peroxides as Potential Additives

Area of Science:

• Explosives Engineering
• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Ammonium nitrate-fuel oil (ANFO) is a widely used explosive known for its low cost but suffers from high rates of misfires.
• Unfired ANFO poses significant safety risks and environmental contamination concerns.
• Improving the sensitivity and stability of ANFO is crucial for safer handling and detonation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of perchlorate and inorganic peroxide additives in enhancing ANFO sensitivity.
• To evaluate the impact of these additives on the thermal and energetic properties of ANFO.
• To determine the potential for reducing ANFO misfires through additive incorporation.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis and incorporation of selected perchlorates and inorganic peroxides into ANFO formulations.
• Testing of friction and impact sensitivity for additive-modified ANFO.
• Thermal analysis to determine decomposition temperatures of modified ANFO.

Main Results:

• Minor increases in friction and impact sensitivity were observed with additive supplementation.
• A moderate reduction in the decomposition temperature of ANFO was achieved with the additives.
• The additives demonstrated viability for use in ANFO, paving the way for bulk charge shock wave tests.

Conclusions:

• Additives can enhance the sensitivity of ANFO, potentially mitigating misfire risks.
• The observed reduction in decomposition temperature suggests improved thermal stability characteristics.
• Further research into shock wave sensitivity of bulk charges with these additives is warranted.