The effect of the energetic additive coated MgH2 on the power of emulsion explosives sensitized by glass microballoons

Abstract

Traditional emulsion explosives, in spite of excellent water resistance, safe handling and good storage performance, have low power problems which seriously hinders their use. In order to improve the power of emulsion explosives, a hydrogen based emulsion explosive was devised. Scanning electron microscope pictures and experimental storage results show that the coating effect and stability of coated magnesium hydride (MgH2) are very good. The power of an emulsion explosive sensitized by glass microballoons was significantly increased (24.30 mm compression of lead block) after adding coated MgH2, compared to only 16.10 mm compression when not added. Thus emulsion explosives with coated MgH2 as an energetic additive have many potential applications.