Starting with methods used to ignite a propelling charge by means of a piece of glowing charcoal, iron or a burning match in the first firearms of the 14th century, this article contains a detailed description of the direction‐setting milestones and their effects on the development of handguns. The decisive turn‐around in ordnance engineering came with the discovery of impact‐sensitive mixtures and the manufacture or employment of primary explosives, such as mercury fulminate and, in particular, lead trinitroresorcinol and tetrazene, which were used worldwide in the SINOXID primer composition of Dynamit Nobel. With the development of a SINTOX primer composition which set standards by replacing lead, barium and antimony compounds of the SINOXID primer with harmless components, Dynamit Nobel, very early on took account of the public's increasing environmental awareness and health concerns. The same claim is met by the SINCO booster as an environmentally compatible and stable category of substances. Especially also suitable for gas generation in safety systems of motor vehicles for occupant protection. Over many decades, Dynamit Nobel's special achievements have always been characterized by new and innovative pioneering products meeting the changing needs of technology and environment. In many of his entrepreneurial functions both inside and outside the company, Dr. Homburg has shown great scientific and technical competence as a committed exponent of chemistry and technology at Dynamit Nobel. This contribution on primer compositions is dedicated to Dr. Homburg on the occasion of his 60th birthday .
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Brede et al. (1996) studied this question.