Tetrazene Initiating Compound Supplier South Africa

What Is Tetrazene?

Tetrazene (1-(5-tetrazolyl)-4-guanyltetrazene hydrate) is a nitrogen-rich organic primary explosive used specifically as a sensitising additive in initiating mixtures for commercial detonators and percussion caps. It is not typically used as the primary explosive alone, but rather in combination with lead styphnate and/or lead azide in the initiating layer of a detonator assembly. Tetrazene’s specific function is to sensitise the initiating mixture to friction and stab initiation — tetrazene is highly sensitive to friction and mechanical impact, and its presence in the mix ensures reliable initiation of the assembly under the physical shock of a firing pin strike (in percussion caps) or stab pin (in stab detonators). Without tetrazene sensitisation, some lead styphnate-based mixes can be insufficiently sensitive to friction to initiate reliably under a firing pin.

Role in Detonator Assembly

In a commercial electric detonator or percussion cap assembly, the initiating layer typically consists of a blend of primary explosive compounds — each providing a specific function: lead styphnate (easy to initiate by electrostatic discharge and flame), tetrazene (sensitises to friction and stab), and lead azide (high-brisance output to initiate the PETN base charge). The precise formulation and ratios of these components are optimised by the detonator manufacturer for the specific detonator type, firing mechanism, and safety requirements. Tetrazene is particularly important in percussion-initiated assemblies and stab detonators where the firing pin or stab must reliably initiate the assembly under field conditions. The composition, handling, and mixing of primary explosive initiating compounds is strictly regulated to licensed facilities.

Regulatory and Supply Requirements

Tetrazene is classified as a primary explosive under the Explosives Act (South Africa) and is subject to the strictest explosive storage and handling requirements. Supply is restricted to licensed detonator and explosive component manufacturers. All relevant manufacturing, storage, and environmental licences must be in place at the receiving facility before supply can be arranged. Terracore Chemicals supplies tetrazene to licensed explosive component manufacturers in South Africa and the region. Enquiries require complete licensing documentation for the receiving facility.