Defence Technology (Nov 2022)

Recent advances in the synthesis and energetic properties of potassium-based potential green primary explosives

  • Qamar-un-Nisa Tariq,
  • Saira Manzoor,
  • Maher-un-Nisa Tariq,
  • Wen-Li Cao,
  • Jian-Guo Zhang

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 18, no. 11
pp. 1945 – 1959

Abstract

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Primary explosives are utilized as a reliable initiator for secondary explosives in an extensive range of military and civilian operations. Heavy–metal–based primary explosives are moderate performing, more sensitive, and environmentally hazardous, posing a direct and indirect threat to health and safety. Therefore, heavy–metal–based primaries have been replaced by environment-friendly metal-based primary explosives, such as potassium complexes. This review presents not only a summary of the current progress of new-generation potassium-based primary explosives and their methods of preparation, energetic properties, and applications, but also a further comparison with traditional primary explosives. In addition, this work discusses the necessity of heavy metal–free primary explosives and the major challenges faced in replacing traditional primary explosives.

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