PETN (Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate) Supplier South Africa

What Is PETN?

Pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) is a nitrate ester secondary explosive — one of the most widely used secondary explosives in commercial detonator and detonating cord manufacturing. As a secondary explosive, PETN requires the output of a primary explosive or detonator to initiate (it cannot be set off by friction, heat, or electrostatic discharge in the way primary explosives can), but once initiated it produces a high-velocity detonation wave with excellent brisance (shattering effect). PETN’s combination of high detonation velocity (~8,400 m/s at crystal density), good chemical stability, and compatibility with most metals and polymers makes it the standard base charge explosive in commercial electric detonators, non-electric detonators, and the explosive core of detonating cord (Cordtex / Primacord). PETN is also used in explosive relay and booster charges in detonation systems.

Use in Detonator and Detonating Cord Manufacturing

In commercial detonator manufacturing, PETN is used as the base charge — the secondary explosive charge that the initiating layer (lead styphnate, tetrazene, lead azide) initiates. The base charge is the main explosive output of the detonator that initiates the primer or booster in the explosive column. PETN is the preferred base charge for most commercial detonators due to its reliability, well-characterised performance, and long track record in commercial blasting. In detonating cord manufacturing, PETN is the explosive core — the continuous explosive train that runs through the cord and transmits the detonation signal from the initiation point to the downline charges. Detonating cord is used in surface and underground blasting to initiate multiple charges simultaneously or in controlled delay sequences. PETN-core detonating cord (0.4 g/m to 40 g/m) is the industry standard for surface blasting delay systems.

Requisitos regulamentares e de fornecimento

PETN is classified as a secondary explosive and a Schedule 1 explosive under the Explosives Act (South Africa). Despite being a secondary explosive (less sensitive than primaries), PETN is still a high-performance explosive that requires appropriate explosive manufacturing licences, storage facilities, and handling procedures at the receiving facility. PETN is supplied wetted (≥25% water by mass) or phlegmatised for transport safety under UN 0411. Terracore Chemicals supplies PETN to licensed detonator and detonating cord manufacturers. All enquiries require current manufacturing and storage licence documentation for the receiving facility.