GB1098679A - Ammonium nitrate and explosive compositions containing the same - Google Patents

Abstract

Substantially spherical ammonium nitrate prills having a particle density of at least 1.5 gm./c.c. are pressed between rollers to form discs or flakes suitable as an explosive ingredient in explosive compositions. The discs have a solid, imperforate central portion of density at least 1.6 gm./c.c. and a less dense cohesive periphery of fractured ammonium nitrate particles. The discs have a surface area of 1 to 50 square metres per gram. Modifying agents including magnesium nitrate, calcium nitrate, sulphonated aromatic dyestuffs, alkylaryl sulphonates, organic amines, clay, kaolin, bentonite, diatomaceous earth or talc can be incorporated into or coated on the prills prior to pressing. The ammonium nitrate discs are incorporated into explosive compositions comprising fuel oil, ammonia gels, semi-gels, gas producing compositions or solid propellants. Modifiers are also included in the composition and comprise di- and trinitrololuene; liquid nitrated esters, e.g. nitroglycerine and diethylene glycol dinitrate; polyvinyl nitrate and nitrostarch; synthetic polymeric matrices; inorganic phosphates; iron cyanide complexes; copper oxides and rosin. Incorporated additives include ferrophosphorus, lead salts, ferrosilicon, iron oxides, wheat bran, corn meal, wheat flour, coal, carbon, rosin, soybean meal or bagasse. Catalysts incorporated into the composition include chromate salts, dichromate salts or ferric salts. Up to 2.5% of water based on the weight of ammonium nitrate can be added to the ammonium nitrate discs.