Special materials in pyrotechnics VII: Pyrotechnics used in thermal batteries

Thermal batteries are unique direct current (DC) electrical power sources with long shelf live, high reliability and higher power density than classical alkaline batteries. This paper gives a brief overview into the working principle of thermal batteries and reviews the properties of zirconium/barium chromate (Zr/BaCrO4) pyrolant previously used as first fire and iron/potassium perchlorate (Fe/KClO4) pyrolant (Heat), commonly applied as heating pellet in thermal batteries and its hazard properties. The review gives 64 references to the public domain. CAS-Nos. Zr: [7440-67-7], BaCrO4: [10294-40-3], Fe: [7439-89-6], KClO4: [7778-74-7], Viton: [9011-17-0].CAS-Nos. Zr: [7440-67-7], BaCrO4: [10294-40-3], Fe: [7439-89-6], KClO4: [7778-74-7], Viton: [9011-17-0]. Keywords: Barium chromate, Heat-powder, Iron, Lithium, Molten salt, Potassium perchlorate, Pyrotechnics, Thermal battery, Zirconium