In last decades there were strong efforts to replace heavy metals containing primary explosives. As one of these possible replacement potassium 4,6-dinitrobenzofuroxane (KDNBF) was considered but this compound's sensitivity was not well characterised. Effort was focused especially on electrostatic discharge (ESD) sensitivity mesurements of Meisenheimer aducts of metal ions with DNBF and primarily with potassium ion. Potassium aduct (KDNBF) has an application in explosive industry as the component of initiators and primers. In preliminary measurements of prepared KDNBF were obtained ESD minimal iniciation energy (MIE) down to levels of µJ. In comparission to practicaly used primmary explosives MIE values i.e. lead azide (dextrinated; 6-12 mJ) or lead styphnate (rehydrated; 40-100 µJ). From these number it is obvioud that electrostatic spark represents high risk in KDNBF safety. Known additive used to suppress ESD risks is graphite its effect was examinated depending on its content and quality.
KDNBF, ESD, primary explosive, graphite