Comparison of structure, morphology, and topography of fertilizer-based explosives applied in the mining industry

Samples of ANFO and an explosive matrix were studied using IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy to compare their structure, morphology, along with topography. IR and SEM analyses of ANFO showed that ammonium nitrate used for the manufacturing of this type of explosive has the same structure but different morphology, which is dependent on provenance. The results of XRD, IR and SEM analyses for both tested samples of the emulsion explosive matrix have shown that its chemical composition has a major impact on their structure, morphology, and topography. The observed differences are due to the different composition of the dispersed phase and/or applied methodology during the preparation of the emulsion matrix.