twelti - 13-6-2019 at 11:34
Is there any reason why for example dextrine is often used to desensitize lead azide, and maybe stearic acid for something else? Is there any way to
know or predict which inert material would be better for a given EM?
Fulmen - 13-6-2019 at 15:48
Desensitizer usually works by preventing conditions that can increase sensitivity. For instance lead azide is very sensitive to crystal size. Crystals
as large as 1mm are liable do spontaneous explosion due to internal stresses, so dextrin is added during the precipitation process to produce a fine
amorphous product. Stearic acid is usually employed as a lubricant, this can prevent friction between coarse grains.