P. D. Lightfoot, R. C. Fouchard, A.-M. Turcotte, Q. S. M. Kwok and D. E. G. Jones
ABSTRACT: A hazard assessment provides important information for determination of safe conditions for the manufacture, storage and transportation of pyrotechnics. Sensitivity to thermal stimuli is an important aspect of an overall hazard assessment. This paper describes a number of laboratory techniques that can be used to determine thermal properties of pyrotechnics and other energetic materials. The experimental methods and variable parameters of thermogravimetry (TG), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), accelerating rate calorimetry (ARC), heat flux calorimetry (HFC) and simultaneous TG/DTA (SDT, for simultaneous differential thermal analysis) are described, along with the information they provide. Experimental examples are provided in each case. All the techniques described are in use at the Canadian Explosives Research Laboratory. No single technique is without its limitations, and a combination of techniques, to provide complementary information, is often the best approach. Many of the methods employed are described in ASTM standards.
Keywords: thermal hazards, differential scanning calorimetry, DSC, thermogravimetry, TG, differential thermal analysis, DTA, accelerating rate calorimetry, ARC, heat flux calorimetry, HFC, simultaneous differential thermal analysis, SDT
Ref: JPyro, Issue 14, 2001, pp15-26
(J14_15)
© Journal of Pyrotechnics and CarnDu Ltd
