Effect of aluminum content on detonation velocity and density of emulsion explosives

The performance of nonideal explosives, such as emulsion explosives, can be altered by metal powders like aluminum (Al) while keeping their other components the same. The high demand of emulsions coupled with various specific requirements, recommends a study on the performance of explosives. A research study on the detonation velocity of emulsion explosives variation with varying Al content in the emulsion matrix was carried out. The Al content in the emulsion matrix was varied from 0 to 20% and the corresponding density and detonation velocity (confined and unconfined) were measured. The misfire of emulsion explosives occurred at 20% Al content both in confined and unconfined conditions. The paper also focuses on the emulsion’s density dependence on different Al content. The variation of density observed was in the range from 1.16 to 1.42 g/cc. The results obtained can be used by blasting engineers to design higher explosives.