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Types of Blasting Explosives

There is a diverse range of blasting explosives; however, there are five main categories for classifying them: primary and secondary; high and low, and blasting agents. A variety of applications exist for each category of blasting explosives such as military applications, mining and excavation, underwater applications and demolitions. Some explosives date back centuries, while others are fairly recent introductions to modern society. The one thing they all have in common is that each has distinct characteristics requiring careful handling and deployment.

Primary Explosives
- Primary explosives are not the main explosion, but instead are used to detonate the main explosion. This makes a primary explosive a detonator. Primary explosives are highly sensitive to the heat from fuses and therefore function as efficient detonators. Because primary explosives are so heat sensitive, you must keep them away from heat sources. Some examples of primary explosives include mercury fulminate and lead azide.
Secondary Explosives
- Secondary explosives are found at most military installations. These explosives are used in specific circumstances only, but have important applications. The main use of secondary explosives is to bolster the main explosion or as a main charge. Some examples include TNT and high-melting point explosives, or HMX.
High Explosives
- High explosives are the real deal. As the main explosion, high explosives harness a lot of power and are less sensitive than many other explosives. This is why they often need a primary and sometimes a secondary explosive device. They are used for military applications such as bombs and missiles, but most commonly used in mining and excavation. Some examples include RDX and nitroglycerin.
Low Explosives
- Low explosives do not have the same explosive potential as high explosives, but instead are used to propel objects through the air at high rates of speed. Two of the most well-known examples of low explosives date back centuries: gunpowder and fireworks. However, do not let the term "low explosives" seduce you. They are dangerous and even deadly. Many people have lost extremities from mishandling fireworks and gunpowder.
Blasting Agents
- Blasting agents are not used in the military, but instead have applications in mining and excavation. The main reason is because they are inexpensive and safe to use, but highly powerful. One example of a blasting agent is dynamite. With the right amount of dynamite, you would have no problem blasting out the side of a mountain. Dynamite is also very stable; you can hit it with a rock, drop it or burn it and it will not explode accidentally.

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