Electrothermal Response and Functional Characteristics of Barium Ferrocyanide–Based Squibs

In an attempt to replace toxic ingredients like lead ferrocyanide (LFCN) in electrical squibs, experiments were conducted by using barium ferrocyanide (BFCN) as an ingredient of squib composition. Electrothermal response (ETR), functional characteristics such as no-fire current (NFC) and all-fire current (AFC), were studied and compared with lead ferrocyanide-based squibs. Threshold firing currents were determined using the Bruceton staircase method. The squibs were also subjected to accelerated ageing and performance was evaluated. The results indicate better performance of barium ferrocyanide squibs to electrothermal response and a higher threshold no fire current, making it comparatively safe to handle as compared to lead ferrocyanide–based squibs. The results of accelerated ageing indicate a reasonable shelf life. ETR technique is found to be a good diagnostic tool for quality control.