Three series of tungsten type delay compositions numbered 0^# (adding no Fe₂O₃),1^# (adding 2% normal Fe₂O₃) and 2^# (adding 2% nanoFe₂O₃) were prepared to investigate the effects of nanoFe₂O₃ on the burning characteristics of tungsten type delay composition. The experimental results show that the changes of burning rate of 1_# and 2_#,compared with 0_#,are not distinct,however,the standard deviation of burning rate of 1_# and 2_# is decreased by 29% and 47%,and the relative error of 1_# and 2_# is decreased by 35% and 51%. Furthermore,the three compositions were tested by using TGDTA method,and the results show that the effects of normal Fe₂O₃ and nanoFe₂O₃ on the thermal characteristics of tungsten type delay composition are similar,and the processes of reaction are changed,moreover the ignition temperature is decreased by about 10 ℃,and the gas productions are reduced.