ABSTRACT
Achieving the desired level of sensitivity of pyrotechnic composition is of utmost importance to ensure its ignition and safety. A low sensitive composition requires a higher stimulus for ignition while a composition with higher sensitivity ignites with a lower stimulus. A higher sensitive composition shall also require special safety precautions due to the potential hazards. This chapter highlights various factors affecting sensitivity of pyrotechnic compositions and measurement of various types of sensitivities of pyrotechnic compositions, such as impact sensitivity, percussion sensitivity, friction sensitivity, thermal sensitivity, electrostatic charge (spark) sensitivity. The chapter also provides details on safety indices of a few pyrotechnic compositions and safety certificate of pyrotechnic compositions. References are provided at the end of the chapter.
