Novel Evaluation for The Effect of binder percentage on Tungsten-Based Delay Compositions

Abstract

Tungsten delay systems widely used in mining and blasting operations which encourage the scientific research about improving the performance and reliability of these compositions. Binders' types and its percentage have a great effect in the performance of delay compositions. For this purpose, new research applied to different delay compositions which based on tungsten, BaCrO4, KClO4 and polyvinyl acetate (PVA) according to different percentage of (PVA). The PVA weight percentage varied from 5% to 15%. The compositions are fabricated by mixing, granulated and finally loaded in aluminium tube. Novel methods have been applied to predict the performance of delay element by ICT code. Which the resulted heat of formation and density have been illustrated. Ignition static test for delay element using central testing unit (CTU) by Schaffler company showed enhancement in burning rate by 7% to 37%. Characterization of the prepared compositions is carried out through sensitivity tests (impact, friction, ignition, electrostatic discharge (ESD) and thermal analysis test using DSC and TAM apparatus. All the obtained results from tested delay compositions ensure safety behaviour during handling, fabrication, transportation and storage.