Explosive compositions using associate thickeners with high viscosity (block co-polymers derived from monomers such as propylene glycol)

摘要

An effective rheology modification of emulsions for emulsion explosives is provided using associative thickeners. The associative thickeners provide for rapid and reversible changes in the emulsion viscosity via the physical interaction with components of the emulsion rather than through chemical interactions. Explosive emulsions then have the desirable characteristics of (1) significant reduction in viscosity during pumping and (2) re-establishment of relatively high viscosity when pumping is terminated without damage to the emulsion components. The associative thickener comprises blocks of hydrophilic copolymer prepared with small amounts of hydrophobic co-monomer. The hydrophilic copolymer is prepared from monomers selected from the group of acrylamide, styrene, vinylpyrrolidone, vinyl acetate, ethylene glycol, poly(ethylene glycol), ethylene oxide, vinyl alcohol and propylene glycol, and their hydrophilic derivatives. The hydrophobic co-monomer is selected from the group consisting of N-alkylacrylamides.