Which explosive type is described as having poor water resistance?

Which explosive type is described as having poor water resistance?

• A. Dynamite
• B. Emulsions
• C. Watergel
• D. ANFO

Answer: (D)

Water resistance is about how well an explosive holds its strength when water gets into the borehole. If moisture dilutes the charge, its energy and brisance drop, and performance suffers. ANFO—a mixture of ammonium nitrate and fuel oil—lacks a waterproof binder, so water can dissolve the ammonium nitrate and dilute the fuel oil. In wet conditions, this washes out part of the explosive and reduces its effectiveness, which is why it’s described as having poor water resistance. Emulsions and water gels, on the other hand, use water-resistant binders and formulations that stay intact in moist or wet holes, maintaining performance. Dynamite can be moisture-sensitive, but the key point here is that ANFO performs poorly when water is present.

Water resistance is about how well an explosive holds its strength when water gets into the borehole. If moisture dilutes the charge, its energy and brisance drop, and performance suffers. ANFO—a mixture of ammonium nitrate and fuel oil—lacks a waterproof binder, so water can dissolve the ammonium nitrate and dilute the fuel oil. In wet conditions, this washes out part of the explosive and reduces its effectiveness, which is why it’s described as having poor water resistance. Emulsions and water gels, on the other hand, use water-resistant binders and formulations that stay intact in moist or wet holes, maintaining performance. Dynamite can be moisture-sensitive, but the key point here is that ANFO performs poorly when water is present.