Preparation of High-Energy Mixtures

Preparation of the individual components Materials to be used in the manufacturing process may have to be initially dried, as well as ground or crushed to achieve the proper particle size, and screened to separate out large particles or foreign objects. Oxidizers should never be processed with the same equipment used for fuels, nor should oxidizers and fuels be stored in the same area prior to use. All materials must be clearly labeled at all times. 

Pyrotechnic compositions in particular have acquired a reputation for variability in manufacturing—compositions made on Monday will occasionally not behave the same as compositions made on Thursday. Why is always the question, and the source can be any one of a number of individual factors discussed previously in this chapter, or a combination of several factors. Troubleshooting is a part of the life of anyone who is involved in manufacturing pyrotechnics. 

The list of likely suspects always includes particle size variation, moistnre, and chemical purity, as well as each stage in the manufacturing process. Establishing and maintaining good quality control procedures on incoming shipments of chemical 

Possible Areas Where Variation in the Performance and Sensitivity of Pyrotechnic Mixtures Can Occur During the Manufacturing Process 

Starting chemicals—purity and age Particle size/shape (surface area) 

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