Effect of Tammann Temperature and Relative Humidity on Lead Chromate and Magnesium-Based Compositions

Abstract

Smoke and flash composition based on PbCrO4 and Mg powder in the ratio 80:20 is a binary composition intended to produce orange smoke and brilliant white light on ignition. PbCrO4 acts both as an oxidiser and the colouring agent. The composition is highly sensitive to shock and friction as its friction 811dit npact sensitivities are 36 and 195, respectively. fuspite of its inert nature, the composition self-ignited on two ocassions, during mixing and processing, resulting in disastrous fIres and widespread damage to life and property. The ignition of high energy mixture occurs when the reactants acquire activation energy to be it1 a reactive state. In this state, the reaction occurs with the release of considerable energy. This paper deals with the effect of Tammann temperatue vis-a-vis the moisture content of the composition in inducing self -ignition in the energetic mixture.