Advancements in Civil Explosives: Novel Formulations and Sustainable Fuel Solutions

 Zdravka Mollova
University of Mining and Geology “St. Ivan Rilski”, 1700 Sofia; E-mail: z.mollova@mgu.bg

ABSTRACT. The article presents the development of a new explosive mixture based on agricultural ammonium nitrate, possessing high detonation capability, increased water resistance, and physical stability. The concept for its creation is based on obtaining an oil-in-water (O/W) type microemulsion, produced using vegetable oil. Calculations conducted showed that the use of 100 % rapeseed oil methyl esters compared to diesel fuel improves emulsification by 14 %, reducing emulsification time by 15 %. Due to the structure of the microemulsion, ordinary agricultural ammonium nitrate can successfully retain around 7.5 % of the microemulsion. This amount of fuel phase is sufficient for obtaining an explosive composition with an appropriate oxygen balance. Substituting the porous ammonium nitrate (PAN) with agricultural ammonium nitrate – the cheapest oxidizer for the production of the newly developed explosive mixture, reduces its production cost and significantly increases the competitiveness of the product.

Key words: ANFO, ammonium nitrate, microemulsion, plant oil.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.58903/dv69110148

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