What are the differences between emulsion explosive composite plastic film and traditional plastic film?

The key differences between emulsion explosive composite plastic films and traditional plastic films are found in their strength, flexibility, and protective properties. These differences arise primarily from the specific design and functionality required for each type of film. Here's a detailed comparison:

1. Strength
Emulsion Explosive Composite Plastic Films:
Emulsion explosive composite films are specifically engineered for enhanced strength to handle the mechanical stresses associated with the storage, transport, and handling of explosive materials. These films often incorporate a combination of high-strength polymers (such as nylon, polyester, or other specialized materials) to provide tear resistance and mechanical integrity. The composite structure may also include reinforced layers or mesh materials to enhance tensile strength, making the film resistant to rupture or puncture under extreme pressure or during mishandling.

These films are designed to withstand external forces without compromising the safety of the explosive material they encapsulate.
The composite nature of the film also means it can have a multilayered structure that provides added strength through each layer's unique properties (e.g., barrier layers for protection, tough outer coatings, etc.).
Traditional Plastic Films:
Traditional plastic films, such as those used for general packaging (e.g., polyethylene or polypropylene), are typically designed for light-duty applications. They may not have the same level of tensile strength or resistance to puncture or abrasion required for safely handling emulsion explosives. While some traditional films can be strong enough for everyday uses, they usually lack the specialized reinforcing layers or material blends found in composite films used in explosive applications.

2. Flexibility
Emulsion Explosive Composite Plastic Films:
Emulsion explosive films are engineered to be both strong and flexible to accommodate the expansion, compression, and movement of explosive compounds without damaging the material inside. Flexibility is crucial for ensuring the film can conform to irregular shapes or rough handling while maintaining integrity and safety.

The flexibility of composite films is often achieved by incorporating elastomers or stretchable polymers in the composition. These materials allow the film to bend or stretch slightly without cracking or breaking, even under stress.
The elasticity is important for shock absorption, ensuring that the film can accommodate the potential pressure changes or vibrations during transport without causing the explosive content to become unstable.
Traditional Plastic Films:
Traditional films are often flexible, but their flexibility is generally aimed at meeting packaging needs (e.g., for food, consumer goods, or light protective coverings). They are not typically designed to withstand the extreme conditions that emulsion explosive films must endure.

These films may not have the same level of impact resistance or the ability to handle high levels of stretch without tearing. While polyethylene or PVC films are flexible in normal conditions, they might not provide the same mechanical resilience as composite films specifically designed for explosive containment.

3. Protective Properties
Emulsion Explosive Composite Plastic Films:
The protective properties of composite films for emulsion explosives are far more advanced and tailored to meet the stringent safety requirements of explosive materials:

Chemical Resistance: The film must be chemically inert and resistant to reactions with the explosive material inside. This prevents corrosion or degradation that could affect the integrity of the explosive compound.
Barrier Properties: Emulsion explosive films are designed with excellent moisture, gas, and oxygen barrier properties to ensure the explosive remains stable. Some films also have UV resistance to prevent the breakdown of chemicals caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight.
Anti-static Properties: Some emulsion explosive films include anti-static coatings to prevent sparks that could potentially trigger detonation. This feature is particularly important when handling sensitive explosives.
Temperature Resistance: These films are often designed to resist extreme temperature changes, ensuring the explosive material remains stable in a range of environmental conditions.
Traditional Plastic Films:
Traditional plastic films typically provide basic protective properties, such as:

Moisture Resistance: Films like polyethylene and polypropylene offer some degree of moisture resistance, but they may not have the same level of barrier protection as films designed for explosives.
UV Resistance: Some traditional films may be treated with UV inhibitors, but these films are generally not as effective in prolonged exposure to UV light compared to the specialized coatings on explosive films.
General Mechanical Protection: While traditional films can protect against general environmental factors (e.g., dust, dirt, and debris), they do not provide the shock absorption or chemical resistance required for safely containing explosives.

4. Multilayered Design and Specialization
Emulsion Explosive Composite Plastic Films:
The composite design of these films often includes multiple layers, each serving a different function:

Outer Layer: Provides abrasion resistance, UV protection, and mechanical strength to withstand physical wear and environmental exposure.
Middle Layer(s): These layers may contain materials for barrier protection (e.g., to block oxygen, moisture, or volatile gases), and could include anti-static or flame-retardant features.
Inner Layer: The inner layer might include coatings or adhesives to securely contain the explosive materials, preventing any leakage or contamination.
Traditional Plastic Films:
Traditional films are usually single-layer, without the complex, multi-functional structure required for handling hazardous materials like explosives. They may offer one or two protective functions (e.g., basic moisture or UV resistance), but they lack the specialized barrier and safety features of composite films used in emulsion explosives.

5. Safety Features
Emulsion Explosive Composite Plastic Films:
Safety is paramount in the design of these films:

Explosion-proof: The films are engineered to reduce the risk of accidental detonation. For example, films may include shock-resistant or vibration-dampening layers to minimize the risk of initiating a reaction.
Leak-Proofing: The films are designed to be leak-proof, ensuring that explosive compounds are securely contained and cannot escape or leak during transport.
Temperature and Pressure Resistance: Composite films often incorporate materials that can withstand extreme pressure and temperature fluctuations that could otherwise destabilize the explosive contents.
Traditional Plastic Films:
Traditional plastic films are not designed with such extreme safety features in mind. They are made for general protective applications like packaging, where impact resistance, shock protection, and chemical resistance are not critical concerns. Thus, they are not suitable for handling dangerous materials like emulsion explosives.