Analysis of Combustion Properties of Tungsten/Copper Oxide Pyrotechnic Delay Composition

ABSTRACT In response to issues such as poor accuracy and unstable delay times encountered in the practical use of tungsten‐based delay compositions, an analysis of the combustion performance of tungsten‐based delay compositions with the addition of copper oxide was conducted. This study selected five tungsten‐based composite delay compositions prepared by blending tungsten‐based delay compositions with copper oxide at different content, aiming to investigate the influence of varying copper oxide proportions on the combustion characteristics of tungsten‐based delay compositions. Microscopic morphologies and thermal decomposition behaviors of the tungsten/copper oxide delay compositions were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), while combustion products were examined by X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The results indicate that copper oxide exerts a strong catalytic decomposition effect on tungsten‐based delay compositions. Specifically, a low concentration of copper oxide enhances the combustion rate of tungsten‐based delay compositions, while an increase in copper oxide content subsequently slows down the combustion rate. Notably, tungsten‐based delay compositions with 9% copper oxide content demonstrate high precision, good stability, and a relatively slow combustion rate, offering a wider range of adjustability for controlling the combustion speed of delay compositions and providing a feasible method for managing the delay time range in practical applications.