Thermal properties and firing characteristics of the Zr/KClO4/Viton A priming compositions

Zirconium powder is a powerful reducing agent that reacts with oxidizer at elevated temperature, releasing enough heat to ignite pyrotechnic mixtures. In this work, the thermal properties of Zr/KClO4/Viton A priming compositions made by different preparation methods were first investigated using thermal analysis techniques. Then these priming compositions were pressed into the charge holders of pressure cartridges. The firing characteristics of the pressure cartridge were evaluated by using the Bruceton method. The data indicate that the thermal behavior and firing characteristic of Zr/KClO4/Viton A priming compositions were changed because of the different methods of preparation.