Pyrotechnics

IAM performs classified research on behalf of the South African Defence Force that entails the use of pyrotechnics in specialized applications. However, the main client is AEL Mining Services. In this regard the research effort is focussed on the removal of all lead and toxic heavy metal compounds from mining detonators. IAM had reasonable technical success in this regard but further development work is required at AEL before industrialization can commence. In short, IAM has developed fast, medium and slow burning time delay compositions that are lead-free. It also succeeded in the development of a thermite system capable of initiating high explosives via an ultra-high temperature shock. This is significant as this makes it possible to eliminate the lead-containing primary explosives from the detonator train.