The Characterisation Of Pyrotechnic Systems Using Thermal Methods

Thermal methods, including both thermal analysis and calorimetry, are powerful techniques often used for the characterisation of pyrotechnic systems. This paper will provide an overview of how these methods can be applied to studies on pyrotechnic systems in areas such as reactivity, reaction mechanisms and ageing on storage.The techniques to be discussed include:Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA)Modulated Temperature DSC (MTDSC)Thermogravimetry (TG)Simultaneous TG-DTA and TG-DSCSimultaneous TG-DTA-mass spectrometryThermomicroscopyAdiabatic Combustion CalorimetryIsothermal MicrocalorimetryThe applications of the above methods are shown by reference to selected pyrotechnic systems. The advantages of the development of specialist instrumentation, particularly for studies under ignition conditions, are illustrated and the benefits of using chemical analysis, in conjunction with the thermal techniques, are discussed.