scope:

This Standard relates to nine types of polyethylene materials, in granular form, suitable for the production of moulded or extruded articles specifically for use in contact with explosives. The Standard is an extension to BS 3412 and should be read in conjunction with it. It covers homopolymers and copolymers as defined in BS 3412.

No attempt is made to specify all the properties of a polyethylene or ethylene copolymer that may be of importance in a particular application. In many cases it will be necessary for the user to state his own special requirements in addition to those covered by this Standard. Attention is drawn to the limitations of melt flow rate as a parameter for defining mechanical properties and processing performance.

The Types are specified as follows:

QX-G General purpose

QX-GA General purpose with added antioxidant

QX-GC General purpose, coloured

QX-GCA General purpose, coloured and with added antioxidant

QX-D Dielectric quality

QX-DA Dielectric quality with added antioxidant

QX-DCA Dielectric quality, coloured and with added antioxidant.

QX-W Weather resistant

QX-WA Weather resistant with added antioxidant 

The materials are all graded according to their density and melt flow rate (MFR).

The general purpose types are intended for use when dielectric properties are not critical. All other types are suitable for applications where development of an electro-static charge could give rise to an explosive hazard.

The material may be suitable for certain applications where compatibility with explosives is a requirement. However, compatibility with all explosives in all environments has not been established and Design Authorities should seek advice on particular applications. Further information may be obtained from Defence Standard 13-102: Testing of Materials which are Required to be Compatible with Explosives.