ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the basic characteristics of each explosive, their composition and the influence of the different parameters upon their efficiency in rock blasting. The industrial chemical explosives are classified in two large groups, according to their shock wave velocity. They are: Rapid and detonating explosives and Slow and deflagrating explosives. The deflagrating explosives include gunpowders, pyrotechnic compounds and propulsive compounds for artillery and fireworks, with practically no application in mining or civil engineering, with the exception of ornamental rocks. Ammonium Nitrate is a white inorganic salt with a melting point of 160.6°C. The explosive characteristics of ANFO also vary with density. The prill size of AN also has influence upon the density of the explosive. The critical diameter of this explosive is influenced by its confinement and charge density. The principal types of aqueous explosives obtained from Ammonium Nitrate, in two large groups, which are the slurries and the emulsions with their mixtures.
