low explosive

chemical product

Also known as: deflagrating explosive

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Last updated

June 30, 2026

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A low explosive, also known as a propellant, is a chemical substance that burns rapidly rather than detonating. Unlike high explosives, which create a shock wave and high pressure, low explosives produce relatively low pressures through fast burning.123

The most well-known low explosive is black powder, a mixture of saltpeter, sulfur, and charcoal. When ignited in a confined space, the gases produced propel objects, such as bullets from a gun. Modern propellants include double-base gunpowders and composite propellants. While largely replaced by smokeless powders in firearms, black powder is still used for ignition charges and in fireworks.42

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explosive
Types of chemical explosives
…explosives and (2) deflagrating, or low, explosives. Detonating explosives, such as TNT and dynamite, are characterized by extremely rapid decomposition and development of high pressure, whereas deflagrating explosives, such as black and smokeless powders, involve merely fast burning and produce relatively low pressures. Under certain conditions, such as the use…
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…explosives and (2) deflagrating, or low, explosives. Detonating explosives, such as TNT and dynamite, are characterized by extremely rapid decomposition and development of high pressure, whereas deflagrating explosives, such as black and smokeless powders, involve merely fast burning and produce relatively low pressures. Under certain conditions, such as the use…
Read More