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Updated: Aug 5, 2026
08:35
Minimum Burning Pressures of Water-based Emulsion Explosives
Published on: October 31, 2017
Thermal Breakdown Mechanisms of Emulsion Explosives in Deep Mining
Alexander M Djerdjev1, Pramith Priyananda1, Nathan Paris2
1School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia.
ACS Omega
|July 28, 2026
Summary
High-temperature emulsion explosives degrade via molecular pathways. Surfactant chemistry and additives like sodium ions can enhance thermal stability, preventing premature failure.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Explosives Technology
Background:
- Emulsion explosives require stability under extreme conditions.
- Understanding thermal degradation is crucial for safety and performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate thermal breakdown mechanisms of emulsion explosives up to 150 °C.
- Analyze the impact of surfactant chemistry and additives on stability.
Main Methods:
- Thermal analysis of emulsion explosives.
- Rheological performance testing.
- Interfacial stability assessment at elevated temperatures.
Main Results:
- Ester-based emulsifiers hydrolyze at 150 °C, causing film rupture and coalescence.
- Urea-containing emulsions weaken via ammonia release.
- Sodium ions improve thermal stability through specific ion-surfactant binding.
- Calcium ions accelerate urea-emulsion crystallization.
Conclusions:
- Identified key molecular-level degradation pathways for emulsion explosives.
- Demonstrated tunability of thermal stability through additive selection.
- Provided insights for designing high-temperature resistant explosive formulations.
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