Abstract
Ammonium nitrate–fuel oil (ANFO) is one of the most widely used explosives for civilian purposes. Its main advantages are its low price and simple method of production. The main disadvantages of this material are low water resistance and problems related to non-ideal detonation, which can be a potential hazard when using ANFO. Due to this, research has been conducted for many years to find suitable additives for ANFO that would have the effect of offsetting its drawbacks. The aim of this review was to describe factors affecting the energetic properties of ANFO, including the highlighting of substances that could potentially be additives to ANFO formulations that would reduce the negative effects of non-ideal detonation, while avoiding adversely impacting the effectiveness of the explosive in blasting operations, as well as its sensitivity parameters.
Highlights
Introduction on Detonation ParametersMaterialsAmmonium-nitrate-based explosives are a broad class of explosive mixtures, the main component of which is ammonium nitrate, which serves as the oxidising agent [1]
Ammonium nitrate–fuel oil (ANFO) belongs to the group of non-ideal high explosives (NIHEs), which differ from conventional explosives, as these explosives are characterised by high porosity and low density, as well as by the fact that the fuel and the oxidising agent are not combined in a single molecule and can form separate phases
We summarised the most relevant recent developments in ANFO
Summary
Introduction on Detonation ParametersMaterialsAmmonium-nitrate-based explosives are a broad class of explosive mixtures, the main component of which is ammonium nitrate, which serves as the oxidising agent [1]. ANFO belongs to the group of non-ideal high explosives (NIHEs), which differ from conventional explosives, as these explosives are characterised by high porosity and low density, as well as by the fact that the fuel and the oxidising agent are not combined in a single molecule and can form separate phases. NIHE-class materials are usually characterised by low detonation-velocity values [5]. The above-mentioned feature is the main problem of ANFO-type explosives, as low detonation velocities may distort and disrupt the process of controlled detonation. This in turn can lead to potentially hazardous issues with ANFO usage and storage, as well as reducing the efficiency of the explosive
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
