FACILE SYNTHESIS OF COPPER ANTIMONITE

Abstract

Copper antimonite, CuSb₂O₄, is a candidate oxidant for use in time delays for mining detonators. A facile process for the synthesis of copper antimonite comprises the reaction of antimony trioxide with copper-ammonia complex with excess ammonia at reflux conditions (ca. 65°C) for about 1 h. Thereafter the reaction is driven to completion by driving off the ammonia by distillation. A well-crystallized product with a cuboid crystal habit approximately 4 µm in size is obtained.

Keywords:

• Copper antimonite
• Pyrotechnic
• Synthesis
• Time delay

Acknowledgments

Financial support for this research from AEL Mining Services and the THRIP program of the Department of Trade and Industry and the National Research Foundation of South Africa is gratefully acknowledged.