Electrostatic Discharge Sensitivity of Composite Energetic Materials

It is becoming increasingly important to understand the electro static discharge (ESD) sensitivity of energetic materials. The source for ESD can occur when two materials are brought into contact and then separated. The friction between the particles as they move can generate an electric charge build up within the mixture and results in a difference of electrical potential that can lead to an ESD event. Nano-particle composite energetic materials (CEM) show great potential for energy generation applications and much research confirms the enhanced reactivity of these materials. Less well documented are the many accidental ignition events of some nano-CEM formulations that have resulted in personal injury or property damage. Very often unintentional ignition occurs when naturally occurring static electricity is discharged into the CEM. For this reason, CEM response to electrical stimuli was investigated and a correlation between the composite's electrical conductivity and ignition sensitivity was examined. This study begins to explore critical parameters influencing electrostatic discharge ignition, specifically electrical resistivity and conductivity of particulate mixtures.