The origin of performance differences between two conducting composition (CC) primers

Abstract Performance of model CC primers based on production M5 2 DEFA and M52A3B1 primers are compared. The relationships between the carbon black content and experimental parameters resistance, resistance spread, energy sensitivity and functioning times are determined. Although both types of primer have comparable energy sensitivity at equal carbon black content, resistances are much higher and functioning times longer for the M52A3B1 type. It is suggested that the longer functioning times result from a slower buildup to fast burning following ignition. The consequences of this for developing a CC primer with low energy sensitivity are outlined.