Types of Explosive Waste

The term explosive waste commonly is used to refer to propellants, explosives, and pyrotechnics (PEP), which technically fall into the more general category of energetic materials. These materials are susceptible to initiation, or self-sustained energy release, when exposed to stimuli 

Explosives Explosives are classified as primary or secondary based on their susceptibility to initiation. Primary explosives, which include lead azide and lead styphenate, are highly susceptible to initiation. Primary explosives often are referred to as initiating explosives, because they can be used to ignite secondary explosives. 

Secondary explosives, which include TNT, cyclo-l,3,5-trimethylene-2,4,6-trinitramine (RDX or cyclonite), High Melting Explosives (HMX), and tetryl, are much more prevalent at military sites than are primary explosives. Since they are formulated to detonate only under specific circumstances, secondary explosives often are used as main charge or boostering explosives. 

Secondary explosives can be loosely categorized into melt-pour explosives, which are based on TNT, and plastic-bonded explosives 

Light yellow or buff crystalline solid soluble in alcohol, ether and hot water detonates at around 240°C. 

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