The Chemistry and Characteristics of Explosive Materials 0533135338, 0987654321, 9780533135332

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THE CHEMISTRY AND CHARACTERISTICS OF EXPLOSIVE MATERIALS

James R. Cook, Ph.D.

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Characteristics of Explosive Materials James R. Cook, Ph.D.

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VANTAGE PRESS New York

GRAND RAPIDS PUBLIC LIBRARY

While this book can be a reference source for personnel working in the fields of explosives, ammunition, and incendiary devices, readers are hereby advised to proceed with extreme caution, under the guidance of those experienced in these fields, whenever utilizing the techniques and procedures contained herein.

FIRST EDITION All rights reserved, including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. Copyright © 2001 by James R. Cook, Ph.D.

Published by Vantage Press, Inc. 516 West 34th Street, New York, New York 10001 Manufactured in the United States of America

ISBN: 0-533-13533-8

Library of Congress Catalog Card No.: 00-90929

0987654321

CONTENTS Foreword One. General Explosives Information Definitions Types of Explosions Theory of Deflagration and Detonation Properties of High Explosives Firing Circuits

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Two. Low Explosives

Three. Initiating (Primary) High Explosives

Four. Non-Initiating (Secondary) High Explosives Five. Binary Explosives Six. Special Explosives

Consolidated Data Glossary of Ballistic, Ordnance, and Pyrotechnic Terms Bibliography Index

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FOREWORD The material presented in this manual has been prepared as a source of information for personnel working directly with explosives. It is a compilation of basic information and the general characteristics of explosives based upon published data. This document is a supplement to an Explosive Safety Manual and is designed to serve as a handy reference for firing officers, ordnance servicemen, and others who daily handle the

various explosives. The information contained herein does not supersede any safety regulations currently in effect; rather it is intended to be supplementary and used in conjunction with them.

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The Chemistry and Characteristics of Explosive Materials

ONE GENERAL EXPLOSIVES INFORMATION A. DEFINITIONS 1. An explosion is produced by virtue of a very rapid, self-propagation transformation of an explosive material into more stable substances. It creates a violent bursting or expansion as the result of great pressure. An explosive may be a chemical compound, such as nitroglycerin, or a mixture of compounds, such as TNT and ammonium nitrate comprising amatol. 2. The characteristic effect of explosives generally is the result of the great pressure that is produced when a liquid or solid is suddenly converted into a much larger volume of gas and the effective volume of this gas is greatly increased by the explosive effect of the heat that is simultaneously liberated. 3. An explosive is defined as a material that can undergo very rapid self-propagating decomposition with the formation of more stable materials, the liberation of heat, and the development of a sudden pressure effect through the action of the heat on produced or adjacent gases. 4. A propellant is an explosive that is suitable for effecting the controlled propulsion of a solid body, such as a bullet or a rocket. Because of the need for maintaining close control of pressure, low explosives have been found suitable for this purpose. Propellants may contain high explosives as an ingredient. It should be kept in mind, however, that under certain conditions propellants may detonate! 5. Low explosives are characterized by rapid burning, with autocombustion (deflagration) producing a large volume of gas and great heat. The temperature and gaseous products of explosion have the ability to suddenly displace the surrounding medium. A low explosive produces a pushing or heaving effect.

6. High explosives are characterized by a rapid chemical reaction, which causes a violent chemical disintegration throughout the explosive substance. A high-velocity pressure wave is created that moves outward to cause a shattering or disruptive action.

B. TYPES OF EXPLOSIONS 1. Mechanical

This is an explosion or sudden release of pressure, such as the disruption of a steam boiler. In this case, the pressure rises until the strength of the container is exceeded; the high pressure is then released explosively and rapidly returns to atmospheric pressure.

PRESSURE

TIME —————__»>

2. Chemical

This is the rapid release of a large amount of energy from chemical reactions. These reactions involve a rearrangement of atoms (e.g., hydrogen, carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen) present in the chemical explosive material. This release of energy manifests itself as heat and primarily gaseous products of explosion. Upon release from confinement, the gaseous products of detonation expand suddenly and compress the layer of surrounding air, so that it is under high velocity. At the leading edge is a shock front, in which the pressure rises abruptly. A condition of reduced pressure trails the shock front. The shock front, the high-pressure area behind it, and the following rarefaction form a complete wave, which is known generally as a blast or shock wave. A shock wave in air is usually referred to as a ‘‘blast wave’’ because it resembles and is accompanied by a very strong wind. For explosions water or in the ground, however, the term ‘‘shock’’ is normally used, because the effect is like that of a sudden impact.

PRESSURE

TIME

3. Nuclear

The energy of a nuclear explosion is produced as a result of the formation of different atomic nuclei by the redistribution of the protons and neutrons within the interacting nuclei. The forces between the protons and neutrons within atomic nuclei are tremendously greater than those between atoms. As a result, nuclear energy is of a much higher order of magnitude than conventional (or chemical) energy when equal masses are considered. The shock front created is the same as that of the chemical explosion but has a longer duration.

C. THEORY OF DEFLAGRATION AND DETONATION 1. Deflagration If a particle of an explosive is subjected to heat so as to cause a rapid increase in its temperature, the heat liberated by decomposition of the explosive increases the rate of reaction. At some

temperature,

characteristic of the explosive, the output of heat is sufficient to enable the reaction to proceed and be accelerated without further input of heat from the outside source. At this ignition temperature, deflagration begins. It is a surface phenomena, with the reaction products flowing away from the unreacted material. Deflagration of most particles in an explosive can occur nearly simultaneously. The final effect of deflagration under

confinement is explosion, which may be violent deflagration or even

detonation. An increase in confinement, which produces increased pressure, increases the rate of reaction and the temperature. 2. Detonation

Upon initiation, a detonation zone travels outward from point of initiation through the explosive material. This detonation zone includes a very narrow shock zone (in which the pressure reaches its peak) and a chemical reaction zone. Following this detonation zone are the detonation products, which flow toward the undetonated explosives at high velocity.

A= DETONATION PRODUCTS B= CHEMICAL REACTION

ZONE

C= SHOCK ZONE D= UN-REACTED MATERIAL E=DETONATION ZONE

3. Rate of Burning Normally the term ‘‘rate of burning’ applies to the high-temperature oxidation of an organic material or other fuel. Some high explosives and all propellants can undergo a type of auto-combustion in which the oxygen present in the material is utilized for oxidizing the carbon and hydrogen. This type of burning is self-sustaining from layer-to-layer of the material. High explosives are not used under conditions in which they undergo burning rather than detonation except as ingredients of propellant compositions. 4. Rate of Detonation

The detonation rate is the velocity of advance of the detonation zone. It is determined by the degree of confinement and loading density. Each explosive has a characteristic maximum rate of detonation for a given density, although in the least sensitive explosives, particle size has some effect on this value. In general, the detonation rates of explosives are reflected by their relative brisance (shattering or fragmentation) val-

ues. The higher the rate of detonation, the greater the brisance, and the

more effective it is as a booster charge to initiate another explosive.

D. PROPERTIES OF HIGH EXPLOSIVES 1. Sensitivity to Impact Explosives present a considerable hazard when subjected to shock or impact. In practice, sensitivity to impact is expressed as the minimum 4

height of fall or a given weight required to cause at least one explosion in ten trials, or to cause explosions in 50% of the trials (Picatinny Arsenal). In general, the sensitivity of an explosion increases with temperature. The molten material is much more sensitive than the hot, solid material.

2. Sensitivity to Friction The first stage of frictional initiation usually is a burning process. An exception to this is Lead Azide in which detonation starts at the point of initiation. The sensitivity of explosives to friction is determined by the Pendulum Test. A 7-gm. sample of the explosive is spread upon an anvil, and the shoe of a pendulum is allowed to sweep back and forth over the anvil until it comes to rest. Ten tests are conducted and the number of snaps, cracklings, ignitions, or explosions is noted.

3. Sensitivity to Heat and Spark a. Heat causes the decomposition of an explosive at a rate that varies with temperature. Almost all explosives are characterized by a critical temperature. It is easy to induce a self-propagating detonation when the explosive is of the initiating type, but it is not practical to initiate the detonation of high explosives, such as TNT and Tetryl, by externally applied heat unless the explosive is under considerable pressure. Explosive-temperature tests establish time-temperature curves, and from this can be found the temperature required to cause flashing or explosion in whatever length of time is desired. b. Discharge of static electricity can intensely heat a volume of air; this causes the ignition of solid or liquid explosives or the explosion of mixtures of explosive dust with air. No standard test has been established to evaluate sensitivity to sparks.

4. Sensitivity to Frictional Impact

Sensitivity to mechanical shock is determined by the Bullet-Impact

Test. Five or more tests are conducted and the percentage of explosions

is noted. This provides another means of differentiating detonation sensitivity. 5. Sensitivity to Initiation

Explosives vary in sensitivity to initiation by another explosive.

Particle size affects the sensitivity to some extent, as do temperature,

5

density, and physical state. Relative sensitivity to initiation is determined by means of the Sand Test. This test is conducted using an initiator, such as Lead Azide, and decreasing the weight until the minimum amount is obtained, which will cause complete detonation of 0.40 gm. of the powdered explosive when pressed in a blasting-cap shell under a pressure of 3,000 psi. Some explosives cannot be detonated directly with Lead Azide or Mercury Fulminate. In these cases, diminishing weights of Tetryl are employed to determine the minimum amount required to cause complete detonation of the 0.40 gr. of explosive.

6. Stability Certain chemical compounds can undergo explosion when heated, indicating that there is something unstable in their molecular structures. In some cases, this condition of molecular instability is so great that decomposition takes place at ordinary temperatures at rates that are characteristic of the compounds. TNT has been found to undergo negligible decomposition in twenty years, Inositol Hexanitrate decomposes rapidly in a few days, and Mercuric Azide sometimes explodes as rapidly as it crystallizes from solution. In some cases, the presence of moisture can accelerate such decomposition. Because of the necessity for withstanding long-term storage and adverse tropical temperatures, military explosives are selected so as to have maximum chemical stability as well as other satisfactory characteristics. A number of tests have been developed to determine the relative stability of high explosives and propellants. These tests are conducted by heating a sample at an elevated temperature for a certain time and measuring the effect of such treatment. The tests generally used include: 75 Deg C International Tests, 100 Deg C Heat Test, Vacuum Stability Test, and Potassium Iodide-Starch Test. 7. Brisance

Brisance represents the shattering power of an explosive, as distinguished from its total work capacity. This characteristic determines the effectiveness of an explosive in fragmenting shells, bomb casings, grenades, etc. The rate of detonation is a major factor in the brisance of explosive. Several tests are currently in use to determine relative brisance. These are: Sand Test, Plate Dent Test, and Fragmentation Test.

8. Initiating Value

The initiating value of a compound depends in general upon the rate of detonation for the task to be accomplished. 9. Sympathetic Detonation Sympathetic detonation is an explosion that results from the nearby detonation of other explosives, without the projection of burning embers or missiles. The distance at which a charge of explosive can be detonated by another charge of the same explosive increases with an increase in the size of the initiating charge. Initiation of a second charge occurs when the produced pressure wave strikes before the pressure and velocity decrease to too low a value. The interposition of a solid barrier decreases the maximum distance for sympathetic detonation. This effect is very significant for small charges but is of much less importance with larger charges. 10. Power

The total work capacity of an explosive is a function of the total available heat liberated at the instant of detonation, but its power is determined by the rate at which the heat energy is liberated. The calcuexlated heat of explosion, as determined in a Calorimeter Bomb and

pressed as calories per gram, is considered to represent the useful work capacity of an explosive. The Ballistic Pendulum Test measured the rela-

tive power of an explosive. The Trauzl Lead Block Test measures the distention effect of an explosive under moderate confinement detonated it is in a lead chamber. Because of the shortcomings of individual tests, necessary to use all three jointly as the best means to evaluate relative explosive power.

11. Cratering Effect it and A buried explosive exerts its pressure on the earth around Rupture. If the causes movement over a distance known as the Radius of s of explosion product the , depth of burial is less than the radius of rupture y circular roughl a blow through the surface of the ground and form produces depression—a crater. An explosion on the surface of the ground

a shallow crater. When the explosive is buried in the ground at a depth greater than the radius of rupture, the compression effect downward and horizontally and the lifting upwards can result in a cavity beneath the surface known as a Camoflet. 12. Munroe Effect

This effect utilizes the intensification of the effect that occurs when detonation waves from different directions meet and reinforce each other. An example is the Shaped Charge, which consists of the essential parts shown below: A - DETONATOR B - EXPLOSIVE C- LINER D - STAND OFF E - TARGET

The focused disruptive action of a lined charge is due to the jet formed by the solid collapsed liner. The detonation of similar unlined and lined charges shows that the unlined charge is less effective. Standoff increases shaped-charge effectiveness.

E. FIRING CIRCUITS 1. Explosive Train

Normally, explosives are initiated electrically through an explosive train. Typical explosive trains are:

a.

Low Explosive

Squib or Primer b.

Igniter Main Charge High Explosive Detonator or Primer Booster Main Charge

2. Equipment The following minimum equipment is required for electrical firing: a. Power Source: This may be a battery pack, blasting machine, or | generator. Careful selection of the power source is essential, based upon power requirements. Certain initiators have extremely high resistance, including gap-bridge initiators with infinite resistance. These initiators require high voltage. Certain other initiators of the bridgewire type may have resistances of 1 ohm or less and require little voltage, but may require considerable current. A blasting machine should NEVER be used to fire initiators wired into a parallel circuit because of power drop. b. Firing Lines: These are used to complete a circuit from the power source to the initiators. Again, the selection of proper lines is important in order not to introduce undue resistance into the firing circuit. c. Galvanometer or Circuit Tester: Before attempting to fire a charge, the initiators and firing line should be tested for continuity. Firing lines should be tested while alternately shorting and opening one end. Initiators should be checked prior to being placed in the circuit and priming the charge, being certain that the proper circuit tester is used. The galvanometer utilizes a Silver-Chloride cell as a power source. This cell must NEVER be changed by unauthorized personnel. d. Wire Strippers: This is a tool for cutting and stripping insulated

firing leads and leg wires. e. Tape: Tape is used to ensure positive bonding in place of initiators, etc.

3. Types of Circuits a. Series Circuit: This method of connecting multiple charges provides a single path of the current to flow through each initiator in turn. The series hook-up should be used when a high-voltage source is available and when it is important that every initiator fires.

b. Parallel Circuit: This method provides an individual circuit for each initiator. The parallel hook-up should be used when a low-voltage

high-amperage, power source is available and when it is only essential that one or more of the initiators fire, such as multiple priming of a single charge.

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TWO LOW EXPLOSIVES The term ‘‘low explosives’ refers to the speed of reaction of an explosive upon proper initiation, and not to its sensitivity. Included in this group is the most ancient true explosive known—Black Powder—as well as some of the most hazardous explosives. The explosives in this group undergo auto-combustion at rates that vary from a few centimeters per minute to approximately 400 m/sec. Low explosives undergo oxidation reactions or decomposition; elements or compounds are converted directly into other elements and compounds. By physically conditioning some compounds, which are normally high explosives (such as nitrocellulose), they can be made capable of functioning as a low explosive

when ignited.

BLACK POWDER COLOR AND APPEARANCE pellets. Grayish-black to shiny black; powder to fairly large, irregular SENSITIVITY

incandesBlack powder is extremely sensitive to ignition by flame, than Tetryl, as cent particles, or electric spark. It is less sensitive

the pendujudged by impact tests, and undergoes no ignition during

non-radiant heat lum friction test. It is relatively insensitive to

energy.

HANDLING PRECAUTIONS ically set 1. Operations shall be conducted in a building specif aside for the purpose. 2. Only non-sparking tools shall be used. 11

3. Conductive shoes, safety glasses, and fire-resistant coveralls shall be worn. 4. Anytime there is spillage, ALL operations MUST cease until area is cleaned up, using water and a mop. 5. Thoroughly clean all equipment after loading operations. 6. All buildings and workbenches shall be statically grounded.

DETONATION TEMPERATURE 457 Deg. C. (855 Deg. F.) STABILITY In the absence of moisture, it has a high degree of stability. It is undesirably hygroscopic. When properly sealed, it can be kept in storage.

SOLVENT Water.

USE Ignition of smokeless powder, time fuzes, saluting charges, catapult charges, and ignition of rocket and missile propellants.

LOADING Poured or pressed at 6,000 psi.

GENERAL REMARKS It does not melt, but will ignite at 190 Deg. C (374 Deg. F). The rate of detonation is 400 m/sec. (1,312 ft/sec.). The drop-test value is 16 inches and bullet impact is 100%. When wet, it will react with steel, copper, and brass. IT IS THE MOST SENSITIVE AND DANGEROUS OF EXPLOSIVES. Extreme care MUST be taken to eliminate dust.

COMPOSITION A mixture of Charcoal, Sulfur, and Potassium Nitrate is the standard

Black Powder, in the approximate proportions ‘of 15:10:75. Now 12

there are also compositions containing Bituminous Coal instead of Charcoal, and Sodium Nitrate instead of Potassium Nitrate.

SMOKELESS POWDER COLOR AND APPEARANCE _ Light-brown to black in small flakes, perforated grains, or large propellant shapes. SENSITIVITY It is highly sensitive to spark or open flame, but relatively insensitive to shock or impact. It can be detonated when in the form of a fine powder or dust.

HANDLING PRECAUTIONS 1. If powder is exposed to moisture, segregate until found satisfactory by tests. 2. An examination shall be made of leaky containers for the odor of decomposition or the evolution of reddish fumes; containers should be disposed of when this condition exists. 3. Spilled powder will be immediately cleaned up. 4. Safety tools will be used. 5. Do not expose containers to direct rays of sun.

IGNITION TEMPERATURE 300 Deg. C (572 Deg. F).

STABILITY Smokeless powder is highly unstable, and close surveillance must be maintained at all times. SOLVENTS Sodium Hydroxide and Acetone. USE Propellants for guns, rockets, and jatos. 13

LOADING Pellets, grains, strips, or cords.

GENERAL REMARKS The burning rate varies greatly, being influenced by grain size, configuration, confinement, and additives. There is slight reaction with metals. Although smokeless powders are classified as non-hygroscopic, they must be kept dry, as moisture greatly influences stability and burning rate. Most smokeless powders, if subjected to sufficient initiating influence, will detonate with the violence of a high ex-

plosive.

COMPOSITION Basically, it contains Cotton, Nitric and Sulfuric Acids, Ether, Alco-

hol, and Diphenylamine. Certain additives change the characteristics: (1) Nitroglycerin or TNT converts single-base powder to double-base powder, increasing sensitivity and burning rate; and (2) Nitroguanidine increases the burning rate and stability; decreases the heat of combustion, flash and smoke; and changes the color of the powder to white.

COMPOSITE PROPELLANTS COLOR AND APPEARANCE Reddish-brown to black. It usually comes in comparatively large grains or cast in a tube. It may appear either hard or rubbery. Often, silver flakes may be seen throughout the mass.

SENSITIVITY They are usually sensitive to spark or flame. Some formulations will not sustain auto-combustion at atmospheric pressure, while others will burn violently or detonate with little initiation.

HANDLING PRECAUTIONS Handle with caution and keep formulations flame, and static electricity. 14

away from sparks,

SOLVENT Acetone.

USE Propellant for rockets and missiles.

GENERAL REMARKS The ignition temperature, burning rate, reaction with metals, hygroscopicity, and stability vary with formulation and composition. The characteristics must always be determined prior to handling, storing,

or shipping.

COMPOSITION It is not possible to cover each of the explosives in this class separately. There are many formulations, with new ones constantly being developed. Basically, they are all composed of Fuel, Oxidizer, Binder, Catalyst, and may contain high»explosives.

PYROTECHNIC

COMPOSITIONS

COLOR AND APPEARANCE The color is varied, while the appearance is either a loose powder or a pressed form. SENSITIVITY All pyrotechnic compositions are very sensitive to spark, flame, and friction.

HANDLING PRECAUTIONS Handle all items with great care. USE

Flares, signals, smoke puffs, spotting charges, and fireworks.

GENERAL REMARKS copIgnition temperature, burning rate, reaction with metals, hygros

burn icity, and stability vary with composition. Most compositions 15

violently and with intense heat. It should be noted that because of their extreme sensitivity to spark, flame, and friction, and to broad

manufacturing use, pyrotechnic compositions are probably involved in more accidents than ANY other explosives. Here again there are many formulations with new ones constantly being developed.

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THREE INITIATING (PRIMARY) HIGH EXPLOSIVES Primary high explosives, or initiating agents, include priming compositions and initial detonating agents. Priming compositions are physical mixtures of materials that are very sensitive to impact or percussion and, when so exploded, undergo very rapid auto-combustion. The products of such an explosion are hot gases and incandescent solid particles. Priming compositions are used for the ignition of initial detonating agents, Black Powder igniter charges, and propellants in small arms ammunition. Initial detonating agents are high explosives that are so sensitive to heat, impact, and friction that they undergo detonation when subjected to a flame or percussion. They are used to initiate detonation of the lesssensitive high explosives comprising bursting charges, demolition high explosives, and Dynamites. Most of these agents have distinctly lower rates of detonation and brisance values than those of the explosives they are used to initiate.

MERCURY FULMINATE COLOR AND APPEARANCE It is white when pure, but is a yellow or gray crystalline powder

under most conditions. The crystals are octahedral, usually truncated.

SENSITIVITY Mercury Fulminate is more sensitive to impact than Lead Azide and Lead Styphnate. The drop-test value is 2 inches and the bullet impact is 100%. It is extremely sensitive to percussion. It is more sensitive

to heat and friction than Lead Azide and Lead Styphanate. It is

desensitized with water or water-alcohol mixtures. 17

HANDLING PRECAUTIONS It is normally stored and moved wet, and then dried out for use in small quantities. Handle very carefully, especially when dry. Prevent contact of the agent with the skin.

DETONATION TEMPERATURE 210 Deg. C (410 Deg. F). It may detonate any time when above 85 Deg. C (185 Deg. F). STABILITY Stability is POOR. Heat and elevated temperature will cause and accelerate deterioration. Impurities impair its stability in storage. SOLVENT It is soluble in Aqueous Ammonium Hydroxide or Potassium Cyanide, and in Pyridine.

USE Initial detonating agent and priming compositions.

LOADING Pressed at pressures of 10,000 to 15,000 psi. GENERAL REMARKS It can be desensitized by dead pressing at 28,000 to 30,000 psi. The rate of detonation is 5,029 m/sec. (16,500 ft/sec.). A No. 6 blasting cap will detonate it underwater. When

mixed with 23% water, it

will flash from a flame. Sulfuric Acid will cause deterioration of the agent. Aluminum and Magnesium create a rapid reaction. It also reacts with copper and brass at a slower rate. In the presence of moisture, it forms an Amalgam, which is a sensitive salt. It is highly toxic and the dust should not be inhaled.

COMPOSITION Mercury, Nitric Acid, and Ethanol.

18

LEAD AZIDE COLOR AND APPEARANCE It is white when pure. Under ordinary conditions, it is buff yellow. It forms needlelike crystals. Dextrinated Lead Azide is manufactured in the form of rounded aggregates.

SENSITIVITY Dextrinated Lead Azide is less sensitive to impact than Mercury Fulminate, Lead Styphante, Diazodinitrophenol, Tetracene, or Crystalline Lead Azide. It has a drop-test value of 4 inches and a 100% bullet impact test. HANDLING PRECAUTIONS It is normally stored and moved wet, and then dried out for use in small quantities. Handle very carefully, especially when dry. Prevent contact of the agent with the skin.

DETONATION TEMPERATURE 383 Deg. C (721 Deg. F). When heated to between 245 Deg. to 250 Deg. C (473 Deg. to 482 Deg. F), it will decompose into Lead and Nitrogen without explosion.

STABILITY Lead Azide is very stable. Stored underwater, it is not affected by moisture or heat. SOLVENT Ammonium Acetate.

USE

caps. Detonators, priming compositions, and commercial blasting

LOADING Pressed at pressures of 3,000 to 50,000 psi.

1

GENERAL REMARKS It cannot be dead pressed. The rate of detonation varies from 4,300 m/sec. to 5,000 m/sec. (14,108 ft/sec. to 16,404 ft/sec.) for densities

of 2.56 to 4.00. It is non-hygroscopic. With 50% moisture content, it will detonate; with 10% moisture content, it will detonate Tetry].

There are no reactions with metals when dry. In the presents of moisture, it will react with copper. It is slightly toxic, causing headaches. COMPOSITION Lead Nitrate, Sodium Azide, and Dextrin (a water soluble gum).

LEAD STYPHNATE COLOR AND APPEARANCE Light orange or brown; it can be a deep yellow. It forms cubic crystals.

SENSITIVITY Lead Styphnate is less sensitive to impact than Mercury Fulminate, but more than Lead Azide. It is more sensitive to flame and spark than Mercury Fulminate and Lead Azide. The drop-test value is from 2 to 3 inches, and the bullet impact is 100%.

HANDLING PRECAUTIONS It is normally stored and moved wet, and then dried out for use in small quantities. Handle very carefully, especially when dry. Prevent contact of the agent with the skin.

DETONATION TEMPERATURE 282 Deg. C (540 Deg. F). STABILITY It is very stable while in storage. SOLVENT Acetone and Ammonium Acetate.

20

USE Priming compositions, cover charge for Lead Azide, and initiating agent in primers.

LOADING Pressed at a density of 3.10. GENERAL REMARKS The rate of detonation is 5,181 m/sec. (17,000 ft/sec.). It will not

detonate Tetryl or RDX but will detonate un-pressed PETN and 40% straight Dynamite. It cannot be steamed, since it will detonate. Lead Styphnate is non-hygroscopic, so it can be stored underwater. It is slightly toxic. There is no metallic reaction. COMPOSITION Lead Nitrate, Oxide.

Sodium

Styphnate,

Acetic

DIAZODINITROPHENOL

Acid,

and Magnesium

(DDNP)

COLOR AND APPEARANCE Greenish-yellow to brown; it forms tabular crystals.

SENSITIVITY The impact sensitivity is the same as Mercury Fulminate, and friction sensitivity is the same as Lead Azide. It is more easily ignited than Mercury Fulminate and will detonate when struck a sharp blow. Flame will cause it to flash if it is not over 2 or 3 gm and is unconfined. Any confinement will cause it to detonate in the presence of flame. The drop-test value is 3 inches and bullet impact is 100%.

HANDLING PRECAUTIONS It is normally stored and moved wet, and then dried out for use in small quantities. Handle very carefully, especially when dry. Prevent contact of the agent with the skin. 21

DETONATION TEMPERATURE 155 Deg. to 180 Deg. C (311 Deg. to 356 Deg. F). STABILITY The stability is good, better than Mercury Fulminate, but not as good as Lead Azide. It can be stored either wet or dry. SOLVENT Acetone and Sodium Hydroxide. USE Blasting caps, detonators, and priming compositions.

LOADING Pressed as high as 130,000 psi. It is usually loaded at densities of 1.58 to 1.63.

GENERAL REMARKS It can be desensitized by water, although it is non-hygroscopic. It cannot be steamed. The rate of detonation is 6,900 m/sec. (22,638

ft/sec.) at a density of 1.58. There is no metallic reaction. It is twice as powerful as Mercury Fulminate and about the same as TNT. It will detonate Explosive D and cast TNT.

COMPOSITION Picric Acid, Sodium Nitrate, and Hydrochloric Acid.

TETRACENE COLOR AND APPEARANCE It is a colorless or pale yellow, fluffy material. SENSITIVITY Tetracene is as sensitive to impact as Mercury Fulminate. It is easy to ignite. When exposed to flame, it undergoes a mild explosion and produces much black smoke. It is extremely subject to ‘‘dead pressing.’’ The drop-test value is 2 to 3 inches. 22

HANDLING PRECAUTIONS It is normally stored and moved wet, and then dried out for use in small quantities. Handle very carefully, especially when dry. Prevent contact of the agent with the skin.

DETONATION TEMPERATURE 154 Deg. C (309 Deg. F). STABILITY It is relatively stable at temperatures not greater than 75 Deg. C (167 Deg. F). 100 Deg. C (212 Deg. F) will cause decomposition within 48 hours. Its stability is approximately that of Mercury Fulminate. It can be stored wet with water or a mixture of water and Ethanol. SOLVENT Strong Hydrochloric Acid. It will decompose in boiling water.

USE Because of its relatively high heat of explosion and gas volume, it is used in priming compositions; along with Lead Azide, it is used in explosive rivets.

LOADING Pressed to not more than 3,000 psi. GENERAL REMARKS Un-pressed, it can cause the detonation of loose or pressed PETN ; when ignited by flame, as well as a low-order detonation of Tetryl. Pressed Tetracene will not detonate PETN. COMPOSITION It is prepared by the reaction of Aminoguanidine and Nitrous Acid. This is brought about by the reaction of 1- Aminoguanidine Hydrogen Carbonate or Sulfate with Sodium Nitrite in the presence of Acetic Acid.

2

FOUR NON-INITIATING (SECONDARY) HIGH EXPLOSIVES This group comprises explosives that require another explosive for initiation to detonation and are used as booster and bursting charges and for blasting and demolition purposes. Single compound high explosives include both organic and inorganic compounds; however, Ammonium Nitrate is the only important inorganic high-explosive. The organic highexplosive compounds include Nitrates, Nitro-Compounds, and Nitramines, such as Nitroglycerin, TNT, and RDX. It is probable that important future developments will be based on the Nitration of Glycols or Polyhdroxy-Compounds of synthetic origin.

AMMONIUM

NITRATE

COLOR AND APPEARANCE Normally colorless to white in a crystalline or granular form.

SENSITIVITY Ammonium Nitrate is the least sensitive of explosives, being so insensitive that it cannot be used alone. It has a bullet impact value of 0% and a drop-test value of 31 inches. When molten, the droptest value is only 12 inches. It is unaffected by the pendulum-friction test. When mixed with fuel oil, it becomes quite sensitive to initiation by a no. 8 blasting cap.

HANDLING PRECAUTIONS N/A DETONATION TEMPERATURE It does not explode when subjected to the explosion-temperature test. It melts at 169.6 Deg. C (337.3 Deg. F) and decomposes above 24

210 Deg. C (410 Deg. F). When confined so that a pressure of 2,500 psi or more is developed, it can be made to explode by heat alone.

STABILITY Very stable at temperatures below 150 Deg. C (302 Deg. F). SOLVENT Water.

USE Binary explosives, Dynamite, cratering explosives, Aerex.

LOADING It can be cast or extruded, or pressed at 2,500 psi. GENERAL REMARKS The rate of detonation is 2,700 m/sec. (8,858 ft/sec.) at a density of 0.9. It reacts with copper in the presence of moisture to form salt that is as sensitive as Lead Azide. It also corrodes iron, steel, brass, lead, and cadmium. It is very hygroscopic. It presents a dangerous fire hazard, increasing the intensity of combustion of any flammable material mixed with or adjacent to it. COMPOSITION Ammonia and Nitric Acid.

TETRACENE COLOR AND APPEARANCE It is a colorless or pale yellow, fluffy material.

SENSITIVITY Tetracene is as sensitive to impact as Mercury Fulminate. It is easy to ignite. When exposed to flame, it undergoes a mild explosion

and produces much black smoke. It is extremely subject to ‘‘dead pressing.’’ The droptest value is 2 to 3 in. 2

HANDLING PRECAUTIONS It is normally stored and moved wet, and then dried out for use in

small quantities. Handle very carefully, especially when dry. Prevent contact of the agent with the skin.

DETONATION TEMPERATURE 154 Deg. C. (309 Deg. F). STABILITY It is relatively stable at temperatures not greater than 75 Deg. C. (167 Deg. F). 100 Deg. C (212 Deg. F) will cause decomposition within 48 hrs. Its stability is approximately that of Mercury Fulminate. It can be stored wet with water or a mixture of water and Ethanol. SOLVENT Strong Hydrochloric Acid. It will decompose in boiling water.

USE Because of its relatively high heat of explosion and gas volume, it is used in priming compositions; along with Lead Azide, it is used in explosive rivets.

LOADING Pressed to not more than 3,000 psi. GENERAL REMARKS Un-pressed, it can cause the detonation of loose or pressed PETN when ignited by flame, as well as a low-order detonation of Tetryl. Pressed Tetracene will not detonate PETN.

COMPOSITION It is prepared by the reaction of Aminoguanidine and Nitrous Acid. This is brought about by the reaction of 1- Aminoguanidine Hydrogen Carbonate or Sulfate with Sodium Rug, in the presence of Acetic Acid.

26

NITROGLYCERIN COLOR AND APPEARANCE Colorless liquid. SENSITIVITY Nitroglycerin is more sensitive to impact than Mercury Fulminate. It is sensitive to friction, and an increase in temperature increases

its impact sensitivity markedly. Unconfined Nitroglycerin in very small quantity burns without explosion; but confined and exposed to a flame, it detonates with a loud report. It is about as sensitive to initiation as Mercury Fulminate or Lead Azide. Forty percent straight Dynamite can be detonated by Lead Styphnate. Nitroglycerin can be transported as a mixture of 70 parts of Nitroglycerin and 30 parts of Acetone by weight. The mixture can be detonated by a No. 8 blasting cap. Nitroglycerin has a drop-test value of 1 inches. An emulsion of 87% Nitroglycerin and 13% water is sufficiently insensitive to permit safe handling.

DETONATION TEMPERATURE 222 Deg. C. (432 Deg. F). STABILITY It is quite stable at temperatures less than 50 Deg. C (122 Deg. F). At higher temperatures, decomposition is increased, becoming quite unstable at 100 Deg. C (212 Deg. F). It is the least stable of the

standard military non-initiating explosives. SOLVENT Mixes with all solvents. It will decompose in a solution of Sodium Sulfide.

USE

Propellant compositions, gelatinizing agent for Nitrocellulose, solvent for TNT, and DNT, Dynamites, gelatin explosives, and shooting of wells. It is also used medicinally for coronary ailments. 27

GENERAL REMARKS The rate of detonation, when properly initiated, is 7,700 m/sec (25,262 ft/sec.) at a density of 1.6. There is no reaction with metals,

although rust increases the rate of decomposition. It is quite toxic and will cause severe and persistent headaches, from which some relief can be obtained with strong black coffee or Caffeine Citrate. It is the most hazardous explosive made and extreme precautions MUST be taken when handling it.

COMPOSITION It is manufactured by the Nitration of Glycerin with a mixture of Nitric and Sulfuric Acids.

NITROCELLULOSE COLOR AND APPEARANCE Almost any color—light amber, white, gray, or black. It comes as flakes, pellets, or various-sized grains with one or more perforations.

SENSITIVITY Dry Nitrocellulose is very sensitive to impact, friction, heat, and sparks. Impact tests show it is almost as sensitive as Mercury Fulminate. The drop-test value is 3 inches with a 100% bullet impact. When it contains 42% moisture, it can still be detonated by a stick of Dynamite.

DETONATION TEMPERATURE 230 Deg. C (446 Deg. F).

STABILITY Poor stability! The rate of deterioration increases in the presence of moisture and the ballistic value of the propellant is changed. It can undergo very slow decomposition even at ordinary temperatures. Increased temperature greatly increases the decomposition rate as does the presence of free Acid or Alkali. Increased Nitrogen content will also decrease the stability of Nitrocellulose. 28

SOLVENT Acetone, and a mixture of Alcohol and water will act as solvents.

It can be decomposed by a 10% solution of Sodium Hydroxide.

USE Depending upon its nitrogen content, it is used in plastics, celluloid, blasting explosives, single-base smokeless powder, double-base smokeless powder, primers, detonators, and blasting gelatins. LOADING Pressed or extruded.

GENERAL REMARKS Hygroscopicity is only slight; Nitrocellulose can be stored wet. There is no reaction with metals and it is non-toxic. The rate of detonation is 7,300 m/sec. (23,950 ft/sec.) at a density of 1.2.

COMPOSITION Cotton fiber or wood pulp, plus Nitric and Sulfuric Acids. Types of Nitrocellulose are: Pyroxylin Pyrocellulose

Gun Cotton

— _

8

—

12.6 +/-

—

13.35% +

12.2% nitrogen 0.1% nitrogen

nitrogen

TETRYL COLOR AND APPEARANCE

Light yellow buff color and consists chiefly of aggregates of crystals. Crystals are slightly softer than talc. It is gray when pressed because of the presence of graphite, which is the binding agent or lubricant.

SENSITIVITY Tetryl is a very sensitive non-initiating high explosive. The droptest value is 8 inches and bullet impact is 70%. The dust is very sensitive to sparks. It fails to explode in the pendulum friction test. It is relatively insensitive to shock; therefore, it does not require packing in a wet condition. 29

DETONATION TEMPERATURE 164 Deg. C (327 Deg. F).

STABILITY Excellent stability at temperatures of 120 Deg. C (248 Deg F) or less. It has withstood storage at magazine temperatures for twenty years without significant impairment. The physical deterioration of Tetryl is not a problem.

SOLVENT Acetone. It can be decomposed by Aqueous Sodium Sulfide. USE Boosters, detonators, and blasting caps, and as an ingredient of a binary explosive. LOADING Pressed at 3,000 to 30,000 psi.

GENERAL REMARKS It has a crystal density of 1.73 and a cast density of 1.62. It is slightly hygroscopic. The rate of detonation is 7,300 m/sec. (23,950 ft/sec.) at a density of 1.67 and 7,850 m/sec. (25,755 ft/sec.) at a density of 1.71. It cannot be steamed. In the presence of 0.5% of moisture,

Tetryl has some corrosive effect on steel and zinc, but little or no effect on copper, tin, lead, nickel, cadmium,

aluminum, brass, or

bronze. Tetryl has a strong coloring action on the human skin and can cause a dermatitis. The use of cold cream containing 10% Sodium Perborate has been found to minimize these effects. Inhalation of Tetryl dust has recognized toxic effects. COMPOSITION Nitric Acid, Sulfuric Acid, and Methylamine products 2, 4, 6-Trini-

trophenylmethylnitramine.

30

TRINITROTOLUENE

(TNT)

COLOR AND APPEARANCE Forms colorless or light yellow rhombohedral crystals. Color darkens with age; when exposed to light, it becomes deep brown. It comes in flakes, pressed, pellet, or cast forms.

SENSITIVITY TNT is one of the least sensitive of the standard military explosives. The drop-test value is 14 inches (solid) and 2 inches (liquid). The bullet impact is 2% (solid) and 70% (liquid). TNT is not affected by the pendulum-friction test. It has high minimum detonating-charge values for initiation by Lead Azide and Mercury Fulminate. It can be detonated by a No. 6 electric blasting cap, but the presence of only 7% moisture prevents detonation. The fine dust is sensitive to electric spark. The molten TNT may be an extremely hazardous material under certain conditions. Explosions in melting equipment have been attributed to the liquid TNT being subjected to shock while under some confinement.

DETONATION TEMPERATURE 475 Deg. C (887 Deg. F). STABILITY It is one of the most stable of the high explosives. Molten TNT can be stored at 85 Deg. C (185 Deg. F) for two years without any decrease in purity. TNT has withstood storage at ordinary magazine temperatures for twenty years without deterioration. Moisture and sea water have NO effect on TNT relative to stability. Impurities,

Nitrites, and eutectic mixtures may cause a chemical reaction and

cause TNT to exude. SOLVENT Acetone, Toluene, and Sodium Sulfide.

USE

Normally, it is used as a main charge filler in binary explosives, in propellant compositions, and in priming compositions. It is sometimes used as a booster explosive when pressed from fine crystalline powder. 31

LOADING It has a melting temperature of 80.75 Deg. C (177.4 Deg. F). The crystal density is 1.65; pressed density is 1.34 to 1.60 for pressures of 3,000 to 50,000 psi. The cast density is 1.56 and the liquid density is 1.465. Normally, it is loaded by melting and pouring (melt-pour process). On solidifying, molten TNT contracts approximately 12% in volume (.120 inches). TNT can be melted and solidified at least sixty times without impairing its sensitivity or melting point.

GENERAL REMARKS TNT is the standard explosive for tests against which ALL other explosives are compared. The rate of detonation is 6,900 m/sec. (22,638 ft/sec.) at a density of 1.56. There are no reactions with

metal except for rust, which makes the TNT more sensitive. Alkalis, Alkoxides, and Amminia all react with TNT to form other, more dangerous and sensitive compounds. Exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet light in the presence of oxygen causes progressive discoloration and decomposition with an increase in sensitivity to impact. There is no reaction with steam at low pressures. TNT is non-hygroscopic and only slightly toxic.

COMPOSITION It is manufactured by a nitration process, with Toluene and mixed Nitric and Sulfuric Acids as the raw materials.

CYCLOTRIMETHELENTRINITRAMINE (RDX-CYCLONITE) COLOR AND APPEARANCE Colorless to white, fine crystalline powder. When used in Primacord and linear-shaped charges, it is dyed pink. SENSITIVITY Impact tests show that RDX is as sensitive as Tetryl, but pendulum friction tests and rifle bullet tests (100%) indicate it to be definitely more sensitive than Tetryl. Tetryl and RDX are equally sensitive to 32

initiation by Mercury Fulminate, but RDX is more sensitive to initia-

tion by Lead Azide. The sensitivity characteristics of HMX, the chief impurity in Type B RDX, are very similar to those of RDX. Because of this, the two types of RDX are equally sensitive to impact, heat, and friction. Temperature has a marked effect on the sensitivity. Impact-tests values at 20 Deg. 88 Deg. and 105 Deg. are 9, 8, and 5 inches, respectively. RDX is less sensitive to an electric spark than Tetryl, TNT, or PETN. In the presence of more than 14% moisture, it cannot be detonated by a No. 6 electric blasting cap.

DETONATION TEMPERATURE 260 Deg. C (500 Deg. F). STABILITY At normal temperatures, the stability is highly satisfactory. At elevated temperatures of 100 Deg. C (212 Deg. F) to 150 Deg. C (302 Deg. F), the stability of RDX is slightly less than that of TNT.

SOLVENT Acetone, hot Phenol, and warm Nitric Acid will dissolve RDX. It

can be decomposed by boiling in a mild solution of Sodium Hydroxide.

USE

It is widely used as booster charge, base charge in detonators and blasting caps, Primacord, linear shaped charges, binary explosives, plastic explosives, and burster charges (when desensitized).

LOADING Poured and tamped lightly, as in Primacord, or pressed at 5,000 to 50,000 psi for boosters, etc.

GENERAL REMARKS There are two types, ‘‘A’’ and ‘‘B,’’ when referring to the method of manufacture. The classes of RDX are the granulation sizes. The

rate of detonation is 8,350 m/sec. (27,395 ft/sec.) at a density of 1.7. There is no reaction with metals. It is somewhat toxic, and

33

health measures must be observed. RDX is non-hygroscopic. It is normally packed and shipped wet. It cannot be steamed. The melting point for type ‘‘A’’ RDX is 200 Deg. C (392 Deg. F); for type *‘B”’ RDX, 190 Deg. C (374 Deg. F).

COMPOSITION It is a Nitration of Hexamethylenetetramine.

CYCLOTETRAMETHYLENETETRANITRAMINE (HMX-HOMOCYCLONITE) As a result of the manufacturing process of RDX, numerous Nitrocompounds are present in the crude RDX. The most important of these is HMX, an excellent explosive in its own right.

COLOR AND APPEARANCE Colorless to white, fine crystalline powder.

SENSITIVITY Its characteristics are very similar to those of RDX. The drop-test value is 9 inches and bullet impact is 100%. DETONATION TEMPERATURE Yo sec at 380 Deg. C (716.0 Deg. F). 5 sec at 327 Deg. C (620.6 Deg. F).

10 sec at 306 Deg. C (582.8 Deg. F). STABILITY It is more stable than RDX.

GENERAL REMARKS The melting point is 273 Deg. C (523.4 Deg. F). The rate of detonation is 9,124 m/sec. (29,934 ft./sec.) at a density of 1.84. It is 150%

as powerful as TNT.

34

PENTAERYTHRITE

TETRANITRATE

(PETN)

COLOR AND APPEARANCE As manufactured, it forms white tetragonal crystals. It is sometimes colored when a desensitizer is added for pressing. It is always white when in Primacord and linear shape charges. SENSITIVITY It is slightly more sensitive than RDX and distinctly more so than Tetryl. It is less sensitive to friction than RDX and more sensitive than Nitroglycerin, according to pendulum-friction tests. It is relatively insensitive to electric sparks, although more sensitive than RDX in this respect. PETN is very sensitive to initiation, as shown by the fact that with 35% moisture present it can be detonated by a No. 6 electric blasting cap. Overall, it is one of the more sensitive military explosives of the non-initiating class. The drop-test value is 6 inches and bullet impact is 100%.

DETONATION TEMPERATURE 215 Deg. C (419 Deg. F). STABILITY PETN is more stable than Nitrocellulose or Nitroglycerin at elevated temperatures, but distinctly less stable than RDX, Tetryl, or TNT. It is not particularly suitable for storage and use under tropical conditions. If there is some Acid or Alkali contamination, PETN will decompose to auto-combustion or detonation.

SOLVENT Acetone. PETN can be decomposed by boiling in a 2'2% solution of Sodium Hydroxide.

USE

It has been used extensively in a mixture with TNT for loading small caliber projectiles and grenades and has been used to some extent in detonating fuzes, boosters, detonators, and priming compositions. 35

LOADING It is pressed at 3,000 to 40,000 psi when used alone. In mixtures with TNT, it can be melted and poured.

GENERAL REMARKS The rate of detonation is 8,300 m/sec. (27,231 ft/sec.) at a density

of 1.7. There is little or no reaction with metals. The melting point is 140 Deg. C (284 Deg. F), and at this temperature decomposition occurs. It is very toxic by ingestion or inhalation. PETN is nonhygroscopic. It cannot be steamed. Wax is usually used as a desensitizer when making boosters. COMPOSITION Nitration of Pentaerythrital.

PICRIC ACID COLOR AND APPEARANCE It forms a bright yellow crystalline powder. SENSITIVITY Picric Acid is slightly more sensitive than TNT. It’s of the same order of sensitivity to initiation as TNT. The drop-test value is 13 inches and the bullet impact is 50%. Picric Acid is not unduly hazardous with respect to sensitivity. DETONATION TEMPERATURE 322 Deg. C (611 Deg. F).

STABILITY It has approximately the stability of TNT. Long-term storage tests at magazine temperatures have shown it does not undergo measurable deterioration. SOLVENT Alcohol or Acetone. It can be decomposed by a solution of Sodium Hydroxide. 36

USE In the United States, it is used for Explosive ‘‘D’’ and in binary explosives.

LOADING It can be cast or pressed. It is not cast in the United States because of the high melting temperature 120 Deg. C (248 Deg. F) and susceptibility to forming sensitive metallic compounds. GENERAL REMARKS The rate of detonation is 7,350 m/sec. (24,114 ft/sec.) at a density

of 1.7. It reacts with ANY metal (except aluminum or tin) to form dangerous salts that are extremely sensitive. It can be steamed, but tends to decompose at its melting temperature. The fumes are VERY toxic. Originally used as a dye, it stains the skin yellow. Picric Acid is slightly hygroscopic. It is singularly susceptible to sympathetic detonation. COMPOSITION Phenol and Nitric Acid.

HEXITE (HND) COLOR AND APPEARANCE Yellow to brownish-yellow, needlelike crystals.

SENSITIVITY Like Tetryl, it is a very sensitive non-initiation high explosive. The drop-test value is 8 inches and the bullet impact is 70%. The dust is very sensitive to sparks.

DETONATION TEMPERATURE 245 Deg. C (473 Deg. F). STABILITY It is very much like TNT with respect to stability. 37

SOLVENT Readily soluble in Acetone and warm Acetic Acid, fairly soluble in Ethanol, sparingly soluble in Ether, and insoluble in water or Chloroform. USE Boosters.

LOADING Press loaded.

GENERAL REMARKS Melts with decomposition at 243.5 Deg. C (470.3 Deg. F). The crystal density is 1.653. It is a powerful vesicant and injurious to the mucous membranes. HND cannot be steamed or melted. If ignited by a Thermite mixture, HND ‘‘WILL’’ burn under water. The rate of detonation is 6,919 m/sec. (22,700 ft/sec.). It is slightly hygroscopic.

COMPOSITION A nitration of Diphenylamine, which produces Hexanitrodipheny]amine.

AMMONIUM

PICRATE (EXPLOSIVE D)

COLOR AND APPEARANCE It is a bright yellow to orange, fine, crystalline powder. SENSITIVITY It is relatively insensitive to shock, being distinctly less sensitive to impact than TNT. It is also relatively insensitive to initiation, requiring a booster for detonation. The drop-test value is 17 inches and the bullet impact is 10%. Moisture will reduce the sensitivity to some degree.

DETONATION TEMPERATURE 318 Deg. C (604 Deg. F). 38

STABILITY It is very stable when dry, as stable as TNT. Tests during storage at magazine temperatures over a period of twenty years have shown no change in the stability of explosive ‘‘D.’’ At 100 Deg. C (212 Deg. F) it is compatible with TNT or black powder, but undergoes reaction with Nitroglycerin, Nitrocellulose, PETN, or Tetryl.

SOLVENT It is slightly soluble in Acetone. USE

Armor-piercing shells, semi-armor-piercing bombs and projectiles, binary explosives, and propellant compositions.

LOADING It must be pressed at 5,000 to 100,000 psi. The density will vary from 1.41 to 1.64. GENERAL REMARKS The rate of detonation is 7,150 m/sec. (23,458 ft/sec.) at a density of 1.63. It reacts with ALL metals in the presence of moisture to form Picric salts, which are as dangerous as Lead Azide. It melts

and decomposes at 265 Deg. C (509 Deg. F). Explosive **—D’’ is not

markedly toxic, but it discolors the skin and may cause dermatitis in some cases. Inhalation of the dust should be minimized. It can be

steamed out, but baking soda must be used in the steaming solution.

COMPOSITION Picric Acid neutralized by gaseous or Aqueous Ammonia.

NITROGUANIDINE COLOR AND APPEARANCE White crystalline powder. SENSITIVITY and Nitroguanidine is less sensitive than TNT to impact, friction, is initiation. The drop-test value is 26 inches, and the bullet impact 0%. It is one of the least sensitive of the military explosives. 39

DETONATION TEMPERATURE 275 Deg. C (527 Deg. F). STABILITY It is of the same order of stability as TNT. SOLVENT It is slightly soluble in Alcohol and Potassium Hydroxide. It can be dissolved with Sulfuric Acid. USE Its chief use is as an ingredient of propellant compositions, because of the reduced erosiveness of its gases of explosion. It is also used as a main-charge filler, in binary explosives, and for special purposes.

LOADING It is press-loaded at 3,000 psi.

GENERAL REMARKS The rate of detonation is 7,650 m/sec. (25,098 ft/sec.) at a density

of 1.50. There is no reaction with metals and it is non-hygroscopic. It decomposes when heated to 265 Deg. C (449 Deg. F). Nitroguanidine is normally non-toxic, except for the fumes when it is decomposing.

COMPOSITION It is manufactured by reacting Guanidine and Nitric Acid to form Guanidine Nitrate and dehydrating this by means of Sulfuric Acid.

HALEITE (EDNA) COLOR AND APPEARANCE White crystalline powder. SENSITIVITY EDNA is less sensitive to impact than Tetryl but more so than TNT.

It is almost as sensitive to initiation as Tetryl. The drop-test value is 10 inches with a bullet impact of 0%. 40

DETONATION TEMPERATURE 190 Deg. C (374 Deg. F). STABILITY It is slightly less stable than Tetryl. It is considered to be satisfactorily stable at the temperatures to which it may be subjected during handling and storage. SOLVENT It is soluble in Acetone, Methanol, Nitrobenzene, and Nitromethane. USE Because of its unusual sensitivity characteristics, it is used for special

applications. Also, it is used as a main-charge filler, and in binary explosives.

LOADING It is press-loaded at pressures from 5,000 to 40,000 psi. The density will vary from 1.3 to 1.58. GENERAL REMARKS It is used as a substitute for RDX. The rate of detonation is 7,750 m/sec. (25,426 ft/sec.) at a density of 1.55. There is no reaction

with metals when dry, but in the presence of moisture, it reacts with all metals except aluminum and stainless steel. EDNA does not melt but decomposes at 177.3 Deg. C (351.1 Deg. F). It is only slightly hygroscopic. It is not particularly toxic but one should avoid breathing the dust.

COMPOSITION Ethyleneurea, Nitric, and Sulfuric Acids are used in the manufacture of Haleite.

NITROSTARCH COLOR AND APPEARANCE boiled, Usually white, but can be a dirty gray color. It looks like jelly starch. 41

SENSITIVITY It is slightly less sensitive to impact than Guncotton, having a droptest value of 5 inches. It is very sensitive to spark and flame. It burns with near explosive violence. The bullet impact test is 100%. DETONATION TEMPERATURE 217 Deg. C (423 Deg. F).

STABILITY Nitrostarch is less stable than Nitrocellulose but fairly stable if kept dry. SOLVENT Acetone.

USE It is used in explosive compositions chiefly as a substitute for Nitroglycerin rather than Nitrocellulose. It makes the composition nonfreezing and not subject to the desensitization that accompanies the freezing of Nitroglycerin explosives. It is an important ingredient of some commercial explosives. It has also beerr used as an ingredient of military bursting charge explosives for grenades and trench mortar shells, demolition explosives, and a priming composition.

LOADING It is pressed into blocks for blasting. Nitrostarch can be mixed with materials for Dynamites. It cannot be melted.

GENERAL REMARKS The rate of detonation is 4,500 m/sec. (14,764 ft/sec.) at a density

of 1.6. It will corrode iron and copper. There is no melting point; it

detonates first! It is non-toxic to handle, but the inhalation of the

fumes from the raw explosive or the products of explosion should be avoided. It is only slightly hygroscopic. It is quite satisfactory for use in any climate as far as temperature is concerned.

COMPOSITION It is manufactured by the nitration of Starch with mixed Acids. 42

FIVE BINARY EXPLOSIVES Of the dozen or so standard non-initiating high explosives used for military purposes, only TNT melts at a temperature below 100 Deg. C (212 Deg. F) and can be melt-loaded with the use of low-pressure steam kettles. Since melt-loading offers great advantages over press-loading, binary explosives have been developed that consist of a mixture of TNT with another explosive, with a second explosive, and a non-explosive material, such as aluminum, or aluminum alone. This has made available explo-

sives that are superior to TNT with respect to fragmentation and blast effect.

AMATOL COLOR AND APPEARANCE Dark brown sugary substance. SENSITIVITY 50-50 Amatol is slightly more sensitive than TNT. It is less sensitive to initiation than TNT. The drop-test value is 12 inches and the bullet impact is 100%.

DETONATION TEMPERATURE 265 Deg. C (509 Deg. F).

STABILITY It is slightly less sensitive than TNT. As long as it is kept dry, there

are no problems, but moisture will dissolve the Ammonium Nitrate. There is very slight reaction between TNT and Ammonium Nitrate at 100 to 120 Deg. C (212 to 218 Deg. F).

43

SOLVENT Water and Acetone.

USE It is normally used as a main charge filler. LOADING With less than 25% of TNT, it is press-loaded. With 25% or more of TNT, it is melt-loaded.

GENERAL REMARKS The rate of detonation is 6,435 m/sec. (21,112 ft/sec.) at a density of

1.55. In the presence of moisture, itis very corrosive to metals, particularly copper. It will not melt with less than 25% TNT content, but with that TNT content, it will melt at a temperature of 81 to 82 Deg. C (177.8 to 179.6 Deg. F). The toxicity depends upon the TNT content. It is extremely hygroscopic. Any impurities will cause excessive exudation. It can be steamed with care, but when the odor of Ammonia is smelled, steaming operations should be STOPPED instantly!

COMPOSITION Ammonium Nitrate 80% 65% 60% 50%

TNT 20% 35% 40% 50%

50-50 Amatol is standard. The above data applies to that composition.

AMMONAL COLOR AND APPEARANCE Light gray, rocky substance.

SENSITIVITY Ammonal is about as sensitive to shock as TNT. It is more sensitiv e than Amatol to initiation. 44

DETONATION TEMPERATURE 265 Deg. C (509 Deg. F), but sometimes as low as 254 Deg. C (489 Deg. F).

STABILITY It is similar is stability to Amatol. SOLVENT Water and Acetone.

USE Used as a substitute for TNT as a main charge filler. LOADING Melt-loaded.

GENERAL REMARKS The aluminum in the mixture creates a bright flash and much more blast effect than straight TNT. The rate of detonation is 6,400 m/ sec (21,000 ft/sec) at a density of 1.6. When dry, it reacts with iron or steel. The melting point is 81 Deg. C (178 Deg. F). The fumes are VERY toxic. Because of the Ammonium Nitrate, it is very hygroscopic. It exudes in warm weather when impurities are present. It will burn underwater. It cannot be steamed. COMPOSITION Ammonium Nitrate TNT Flaked Aluminum

22% 67% 11%

45

MINOL COLOR AND APPEARANCE Gray, rocky-appearing substance. SENSITIVITY Minol is more sensitive to shock than TNT. The drop-test value is 10 inches, and the bullet impact is 48%. It is as sensitive to initiation as TNT or Tritonal.

DETONATION TEMPERATURE 254 Deg. C (489 Deg. F). STABILITY Stability is POOR. While the thermal stability is comparable with that of Tritonal and Amatol, the presence of moisture causes reaction between its Ammonium Nitrate and aluminum, with liberation of gaseous products of reaction. SOLVENT Water and Acetone. USE It is used as a substitute for TNT.

LOADING Melt-loaded.

GENERAL REMARKS The melting temperature is 81 Deg. C (177 Deg. F). The rate of detonation is 6,000 m/sec. (19,685 ft/sec.) at a density of 1.7. It

will react with iron and steel when dry. The fumes are VERY toxic. It is very hygroscopic. It cannot be steamed.

46

COMPOSITION TNT Ammonium Nitrate Powdered Aluminum

40% 40% 20%

BARATOL

COLOR AND APPEARANCE Buff to straw yellow, solid substance.

SENSITIVITY Baratol is more sensitive than TNT. The drop-test value is 12 inches and the bullet impact is 20%. DETONATION TEMPERATURE S00 Dee, C725 Dez: £').

STABILITY It is very stable, about the same as pure TNT. SOLVENT Acetone.

USE It is used as a substitute for TNT.

LOADING Melt-loaded.

GENERAL REMARKS The melting temperature is 96 Deg. C (205 Deg. F). The rate of detonation is 5,791 m/sec. (19,000 ft/sec.) at a density of 2.55. -There is no reaction with metals. The toxicity is the same as TNT.

It is non-hygroscopic and can be steamed out. 47

COMPOSITION TNT Barium Nitrate

33% 67%

TRITONAL COLOR

AND APPEARANCE

Silvery solid.

SENSITIVITY The pendulum friction test shows no measurable difference in sensitivity between Tritonal and TNT. The impact tests indicate it to be somewhat more sensitive than TNT and less so than Tetryl. The drop-test value is 10 inches and the bullet impact is 60%. Liquid Tritonal is slightly more sensitive than in the solid.

DETONATION TEMPERATURE 470 Deg. C (878 Deg. F). STABILITY Tritonal has approximately the same stability as TNT, if free from moisture. However, deterioration in the presence of moisture is not serious. The tendency to exude is less than that of TNT. SOLVENT Acetone.

USE It is used as a substitute for TNT in bombs and underwater ordnance

because of its exceptional blast effect. LOADING Melt-loaded.

GENERAL REMARKS ) The melting temperature is 81 Deg. C (178 Deg. F). The rate of detonation is 6,700 m/sec. (21,982 ft/sec.) at a density of 1.72. The 48

fumes are DANGEROUS, with the same toxicity as TNT. It is nonhygroscopic. It will burn underwater, but it can be steamed out. It is subject to exudation at elevated temperatures. COMPOSITION TNT Flaked Aluminum

80% 20%

PENTOLITE COLOR

AND APPEARANCE

White to light yellow, fluffy material.

SENSITIVITY It is as sensitive as Tetryl and somewhat more sensitive than TNT. The drop-test value is 13 inches and the bullet impact is 80%. The presence of rust or grit increases the sensitivity of Pentolite.

DETONATION TEMPERATURE 220 Deg. C (428 Deg. F).

STABILITY It is very stable in the raw state. Once it has been melted, it forms a eutectic and has a tendency to become unduly Acid. It undergoes some exudation if stored at temperatures higher than 50 Deg. C (122 Deg. F). This may be because of the formation of a eutectic mixture

of TNT and impurities of PETN. SOLVENT Acetone.

USE It is used as a bursting charge for grenades and a booster-surround charge. It is also used for shaped charges.

49

LOADING Melt-loaded.

GENERAL REMARKS ' The melting temperature is 80 Deg. C (176 Deg. F). The rate of detonation is 7,450 m/sec. (24,442 ft/sec.) at a density of 1.65. It is slightly toxic and non-hygroscopic. Pentolite is an excellent

fragmentation explosive that is not too suitable for use in producing blast effect. Because of the somewhat lower stability and greater sensitivity of PETN as compared with RDX, the corresponding relationship of Pentolite to Composition ‘‘B,’’ and the tendency of Pentolite to undergo some exudation above 50 Deg. C (122 Deg. F), the present trend is toward replacing Pentolite by Composition ‘‘B’’ as well as PETN by RDX. COMPOSITION TNT PETN

50% 50%

TETRYTOL COLOR AND APPEARANCE Yellow, solid.

SENSITIVITY Its degree of sensitivity is between Tetryl and TNT. The drop-test value is 11 inches and the bullet impact is 30%.

DETONATION TEMPERATURE 320 Deg. C (608 Deg. F). STABILITY It is fairly stable if kept under 65 Deg. C (149 Deg. F). Higher temperatures cause some separation of an oily exudate and distortion of blocks of Tetrytol. While Tetryl undergoes partial decomposition on melting, this does not happen with Tetrytol. 50

SOLVENT Acetone.

USE It has been used as a demolition explosive, a bursting charge for mines, and in burster tubes of chemical shells.

LOADING Melt-loaded.

GENERAL REMARKS The melting temperature is 68 Deg. C (154 Deg. F), since TNT and Tetryl form an eutectic mixture. The rate of detonation is 7,300 m/ sec. (23,950 ft/sec.) at a density of 1.6. It will corrode aluminum when dry, and brass, steel and copper when wet. It is very toxic and non-hygroscopic. Tetrytol can be steamed-out. COMPOSITION TNT Tetryl

30% 70%

PICRATOL COLOR AND APPEARANCE

Brownish-yellow physical mixture of TNT and Explosives “‘D.”’ SENSITIVITY Impact tests indicate Picratol to be as sensitive to impact as TNT. Pendulum friction tests show no difference between TNT, Picratol,

and Explosives ‘‘D.’’ The drop-test value is 14 inches and the bullet impact is 0% (but will ignite 40% of the time). The overall sensitivity is no greater than that of TNT.

DETONATION TEMPERATURE 285 Deg. C (545 Deg. F). St

STABILITY At ordinary temperatures, Picratol appears to be of the same high order of stability as its ingredients. SOLVENT Acetone.

USE It is a substitute for Explosive ‘‘D’’ in armor-piercing shells. LOADING Melt-loaded.

GENERAL REMARKS The melting temperature is 90 Deg. C (194 Deg. F). The rate of detonation is 6,940 m/sec. (22,769 ft/sec.) at a density of 1.62. It will form Picric salts, which are as dangerous and sensitive as Lead

Azide.

It is very toxic. It is non-hygroscopic,

and it can be

steamed out.

COMPOSITION TNT Explosive “D”

48% 52%

EDNATOL COLOR

AND APPEARANCE

Cream to a light yellow, solid.

SENSITIVITY Ednatol is more sensitive to initiation but less sensitive to shock than TNT. The drop-test value is 20.5 inches and the bullet impact is 0% (sometimes it will ignite). The pendulum friction test indicates no greater sensitivity to friction than that of its ingredients. 52

DETONATION TEMPERATURE 190 Deg. C (374 Deg. F). STABILITY Ednatol has been found to withstand storage temperatures at 65 Deg. C (149 Deg. F) for two years without change in stability, sensitivity to initiation, or brisance. It does not undergo exudation at that temperature.

SOLVENT Acetone.

USE It is a substitute for Composition ‘‘B’’ and can be used in shells, bombs, and special ammunition components. LOADING Melt-loaded.

GENERAL REMARKS The melting temperature is 100 Deg. C (212 Deg. F). The rate of detonation is 7,340 m/sec. (24,081 ft/sec.) at a density of 1.62. Dry Ednatol has no corrosive action on aluminum, stainless steel, cadmium, or nickel but causes very slight corrosion of copper, brass, mild steel, and zinc. In the presence of 0.5% of moisture, corrosion

is much more pronounced and cadmium and nickel also are affected. It is only slightly toxic and is non-hygroscopic. As an explosive for producing blast effects, it is superior to Amatol, Pentolite, and Composition ‘‘C-3’’ and nearly equal to Composition “‘B.”’ It can be steamed-out. COMPOSITION TNT Haleite

45% 55%

53

COMPOSITION

‘‘A”’

COLOR AND APPEARANCE White to buff, solid. The color depends upon the particular desensitizing wax used in the manufacture.

:

SENSITIVITY Composition ‘‘A’’ is less sensitive to shock and friction than TNT, but more sensitive to initiation. The drop-test value is 16 inches and the bullet impact is 0%. These sensitivity characteristics render it suitable for use under conditions where it is subjected to high setback forces.

DETONATION TEMPERATURE 250 Deg. C (482 Deg. F). STABILITY Below 75 Deg. C (167 Deg. F), the stability is very good. Between 70 Deg. C (158 Deg. F) and 100 Deg. C (212 Deg. F), the wax coating on crystals will soften and may run. This would leave bare RDX at the top of the container, thus creating an unsafe condition.

SOLVENT It is completely soluble in Benzene and Acetone when these are used successively.

USE It is used as a main-charge filler and in special munitions. LOADING Press-loaded at pressures of 3,000 to 12,000 psi.

GENERAL REMARKS The rate of detonation is 8,100 m/sec. (26,575 ft/sec.) at a density of 1.59. There is NO melting temperature. There is no reaction with metals. Composition ‘‘A’’ is non-toxic and non-hygroscopic. 54

It cannot be steamed. It is 50% more effective than TNT in fragmen-

tation tests. The wax in the composition acts as a desensitizer and as a binding agent when pressed.

COMPOSITION Type

RDX

Wax

Remarks

“A” “A-2”

91% 91%

9% 9%

Beeswax Petroleum wax

“A-3”

91%

9%

Petroleum (the change is in RDX granulation and the wax coating of the granules). This is the type most commonly used.

COMPOSITION

‘‘B”’

COLOR AND APPEARANCE Brownish-yellow, solid. SENSITIVITY Composition ‘‘B’’ is slightly more sensitive than TNT but much less sensitive than RDX. Cast Composition ‘‘B’’ is distinctly more sensitive to impact than the powdered material. It can be drilled without undue hazard. Cast Composition ‘‘B’’ is somewhat less sensitive to initiation than the pressed material. The drop-test value is 13 inches and the bullet impact is 15%. DETONATION TEMPERATURE 278 Deg. C (532 Deg. F). STABILITY It is as stable as RDX, except that over 71 Deg. C (160 Deg. F), it

may exude wax or a combination of wax, RDX, and TNT. It is of

a high order of chemical stability but should not be stored at elevated temperatures. 55

SOLVENT Acetone.

USE It is used as a main-charge filler in shrapnel charges and in special munitions.

LOADING Cast or pressed.

GENERAL REMARKS The rate of detonation is 7,800 m/sec. (25,591 ft/sec.) at a density

of 1.66. The melting point is 81 Deg. C (178 Deg. F). While slightly toxic, it is non-hygroscopic. It can be steamed. COMPOSITION RDX TNT Wax Polyisobutyl

55.2% 40.0% 3.6% 1.2%

CYCLOTOLS The RDX-TNT compositions are also known as Cyclotols. In addition to the commonly known Composition ‘‘B,’’ there are several other variations in composition.

COMPOSITION ‘‘B-2”’ Its color is a light yellow. It is slightly more sensitive than Composition ‘‘B,’’ but more brisant. The rate of detonation is 7,900 m/sec. (25,919 ft/sec.) at a density of 1.7. It is melt-loaded and exhibits

very good stability. It is composed of 60% RDX, 40% TNT, and 1% wax as a desensitizer. Characteristics are generally the same as Composition ‘‘B.”’

56

CYCLOTOL 70/30 The color varies from white to buff. It is more sensitive than the Composition “‘B.’’ All other characteristics are the same as Composition *‘B.”’ Itis composed of 70% RDX, 30% TNT, and a wax desensitizer.

OCTOL 75/25 The characteristics of this composition are similar to Composition “*B.”’ It is composed of 75% HMX, and 25% TNT.

TORPEX COLOR AND APPEARANCE Silvery-white solid when cast.

SENSITIVITY It is more sensitive to initiation than cast TNT. It is more sensitive to impact than Composition ‘‘B.’’ The drop-test value is 8 inches and the bullet impact is 100%.

DETONATION TEMPERATURE 260 Deg. C (500 Deg. F). STABILITY It is as stable as Composition ‘‘B.’’ However, if all traces of moisture

are not removed during manufacture, a reaction occurs that liberates gas, which may cause rupture of the ammunition component or increase in sensitivity to shock.

SOLVENT Acetone.

USE It is used in all underwater ordnance.

LOADING Melt-loaded. oi|

GENERAL REMARKS The rate of detonation is 7,600 m/sec. (24,934 ft/sec.) at a density of 1.81. It is noted for its great blast effects. It will corrode brass and has a melting point is 88 Deg. C (190 Deg. F). It is non-hygroscopic and only slightly toxic. It cannot be steamed. It will burn underwater. COMPOSITION RDX TNT Flaked Aluminum

41% 41% 18%

DEPTH BOMB EXPLOSIVE (DBX) COLOR AND APPEARANCE Gray solid when cast. SENSITIVITY DBX is less sensitive than Torpex. The drop-test value is 10 inches and the bullet impact is 80%.

DETONATION TEMPERATURE 254 Deg. C (489 Deg. F). STABILITY The stability is fair. It will exude at elevated temperatures or when containing impurities. SOLVENT Acetone. USE It is used in all underwater ordnance.

LOADING Melt-loaded.

58

GENERAL REMARKS The rate of detonation is 6,800 m/sec. (22,310 ft/sec.) at a density

of 1.68. It is superior to Torpex for its blast effects. It will corrode brass, copper, and (208-221 Deg. F). DBX is somewhat manner as Amatol.

bronze. The melting point is 98-105 Deg. C Because of the presence of Ammonium Nitrate,

hygroscopic and reacts with metals in the same It will burn underwater.

COMPOSITION RDX TNT Flaked Aluminum Ammonium Nitrate

21% 40% 18% 21%

HBX COLOR

AND APPEARANCE

Gray solid when cast.

SENSITIVITY HBX is less sensitive to impact and initiation than both Torpex and Composition ‘‘B.’’ The drop-test value is 14 inches and the bullet impact is 48%.

DETONATION TEMPERATURE 185 Deg. C (365 Deg. F). STABILITY Its stability is very good. Since it contains no Ammonium Nitrate, HBX does not have the objectionable hygroscopicity of DBX. SOLVENT Acetone.

USE

It is used in underwater ordnance as a substitute for Torpex. 59

LOADING Melt-loaded.

GENERAL REMARKS The rate of detonation is 7,400 m/sec. (24,278 ft/sec.) at a density

of 1.55. It will corrode brass. The melting point is 81 Deg. C (178 Deg. F). HBX is only slightly toxic. It cannot be steamed.

PTX-1 COLOR AND APPEARANCE Yellow, solid.

SENSITIVITY It is superior to Tetrytol or Ednatol. The drop-test value is 17.3 inches and the bullet impact is 20%. STABILITY It is a little more stable than Tetrytol. SOLVENT Acetone.

USE Special purpose munitions. LOADING Melt-loaded.

GENERAL REMARKS The rate of detonation is 7,376 m/sec. (24,200 ft/ sec.) at a density of 1.66. The melting point is 67 Deg. C (153 Deg. F). It has no reaction with metals. It cannot be steamed.

60

COMPOSITION RDX TNT

30% 20%

Tetryl

50%

PTX-2 COLOR AND APPEARANCE Yellow, solid.

SENSITIVITY It is more sensitive than Composition “‘B.’’ The drop-test value is 13.8 inches and the bullet impact is 60%. STABILITY Its stability is fair. SOLVENT Acetone.

USE Special purpose ammunition. LOADING Melt-loaded.

GENERAL REMARKS The rate of detonation is 8,065 m/sec. (26,460 ft/sec.) at a density of 1.7. The melting point is 67 Deg. C (153 Deg. F). It has no reaction with metals. PTX-2 is non-hygroscopic.

COMPOSITION 43.2% 28.8% 28.0%

RDX TNT PETN

61

SIX SPECIAL EXPLOSIVES This section contains the explosive characteristics of plastic explosives, liquid explosives, Dynamites, and those which do not necessarily fall within one of the previous categories.

COMPOSITION

C-3

COLOR AND APPEARANCE Yellow to brown, puttylike solid.

SENSITIVITY Composition C-3 is as sensitive to impact as TNT and is not exploded in the pendulum friction test. It is less sensitive to initiation than TNT. The drop-test value is 14 inches and the bullet impact

is 40%. DETONATION TEMPERATURE 280 Deg. C (536 Deg. F). STABILITY The chemical stability is satisfactory, but the physical stability is not. When stored at 77 Deg. C (171 Deg. F), it undergoes considerable exudation. It becomes hard at —29 Deg. C (—20 Deg. F). SOLVENT Acetone.

USE It is used in shaped charges, special ammunition, and demolition work. 62

LOADING Press-loaded.

GENERAL REMARKS The rate of detonation is 7,625 m/sec. (25,016 ft/sec.) at a density

of 1.6. There is no reaction with metals. It is somewhat hygroscopic and is quite toxic. The fumes are particularly bad, causing dermatitis. There is no melting point, but it softens above 77 Deg. C (171 Deg. F). COMPOSITION RDX TNT Tetryl Mononitrotoluene Dinitrotoluene

77% 4% 3% 5% 10%

COMPOSITION COLOR

C-4

AND APPEARANCE

Dirty white to light brown, puttylike solid.

. SENSITIVITY Composition C-4 is as sensitive to impact as C-3, but they are of the same order of sensitivity to initiation. Composition C-4 can be detonated by a No. 6 blasting cap. It is not affected in the pendulum friction test. The drop-test value is 19 inches and the bullet impact is 0%.

DETONATION TEMPERATURE 290 Deg. C (554 Deg. F). STABILITY The stability is very good. It is much less volatile than Composition C-3. 63

SOLVENT Acetone.

USE Demolition blocks and specialized uses. LOADING Press-loaded.

GENERAL REMARKS The rate of detonation is 8,400 m/sec. (27,559 ft/sec.) at a density

of 1.59. There is no melting point and no reaction with metals. C4 is essentially non-hygroscopic. It lacks the toxicity characteristics of Composition C-3. It stays pliable down to —57 Deg. C. (—71 Deg. F). When hot, it is very sticky and talc is needed to keep it from sticking to hands and gloves. COMPOSITION RDX Polyisobutylene Motor Oil Di-(2-Ethylhexyl) Sebacate

91.0% 2.1% 1.6% 5.3%

PEP-3 COLOR AND APPEARANCE Light brown to red, puttylike material. SENSITIVITY PEP-3 has the same sensitivity as Composition C-4.

DETONATION TEMPERATURE 215 Deg. C (419 Deg. F). STABILITY It is a very stable compound.

SOLVENT Acetone.

USE Demolition blocks and specialized uses. LOADING Press-loaded.

GENERAL REMARKS The rate of detonation is 7,780 m/sec. (25,525 ft/sec.) at a density

of 1.59. There is no melting point and no reaction with metals. It is more pliable than Composition C-4.

COMPOSITION PETN

86%

Plasticizer Oil

14%

PICATINNY LIQUID EXPLOSIVE (PLX) COLOR AND APPEARANCE Light yellow, liquid. SENSITIVITY The drop-test value is 20 inches and the bullet impact is 0%. Certain

metals and impurities can desensitize the liquid.

DETONATION TEMPERATURE 430 Deg. C (806 Deg. F). STABILITY Its stability is good. USE It is used as a blasting or cratering explosive.

65

LOADING Poured or pumped. GENERAL REMARKS The rate of detonation is 6,165 m/sec. (20,226 ft/sec.) at a density

of 1.12. It will corrode brass. The melting point is -29 Deg. C (—20 Deg. F) and it will boil at 101 Deg. C (214 Deg. F). It is slightly toxic and hygroscopic. COMPOSITION Nitromethane Ethylenediamine

AEREX

86% (by volume) 5% (by volume)

(SOLID)

COLOR AND APPEARANCE Composed of yellowish, beady prills.

SENSITIVITY It can be initiated by a No. 6 blasting cap. The components are quite insensitive to initiation until combined. SOLVENT Water.

USE It is used as a blasting or cratering charge.

LOADING Poured or tamped. GENERAL REMARKS The rate of detonation is 3,170 m/sec. (10,400 ft/ sec.) at a density of 0.9 to 1.0. It is quite hygroscopic. 66

COMPOSITION Component “A” (Liquid) Component “B” (Ammonium Nitrate)

16% 84%

AEREX (LIQUID) COLOR AND APPEARANCE Reddish, liquid. SENSITIVITY It can be initiated by a No. 6 blasting cap. The components are quite insensitive to initiation. USE Blasting charge. LOADING Poured.

GENERAL

REMARKS

The rate of detonation is 6,187 m/sec. (20,300 ft/sec.) at a density

of 1.1. It is non-hygroscopic. It can be desensitized by metals and impurities. COMPOSITION 94% (by volume) 16% (by volume)

Component “A” Component “B”

DYNAMITES COLOR AND APPEARANCE Formed in cartridges of varying sizes.

SENSITIVITY All Dynamites are sensitive to a No. 6 blasting cap. They are relatively insensitive to shock and impact.

67

STABILITY The stability of all is fair to good. In storage, those containing Nitroglycerin should be turned at least twice a month to counter the tendency of the Nitroglycerin to run and settle at the bottom when warm. The turning action keeps the Nitroglycerin distributed within the cartridge. Dynamites containing Nitroglycerin should not be allowed to freeze.

USE Blasting and cratering. A composition having great heaving force and relatively low rate of detonation is preferable for blasting soft rock or earth, while a gelatin Dynamite of low heaving force and high rate of detonation is used for hard tough rock.

LOADING Dynamites are press-loaded into cartridges of varying sizes or may be free-running. GENERAL REMARKS All Dynamites except the gelatin are hygroscopic. They are seriously affected by moisture, which causes those containing Nitroglycerin to exude. The toxicity is considerable in all of them. Type

Nitroglycerin

Straight Dynamite

20—56%

Ammonium Dynamite

12—22%

Ammonia Gelatin

22—35%

Gelatin Dynamite

20—91%

Nitrostarch Explosive

0%

Cratering Explosive

0%

68

Rate of Detonation

2,000— 5,000 6,562—16,404 2,700— 4,600 8,858—15,092 4,400— 5,700 14,436—18,701 4,000—

m/sec. ft /sec. m/sec. ft /sec. m/sec. ft /sec.

7,000 m/sec.

13,123—22,966 4,572 15,000 4,426 14,500

ft /sec. m/sec. ft /sec. m/sec. ft /sec.

COMPOSITION Type

Materials

Straight Dynamite Ammonium Dynamite

Nitroglycerin and inert materials. Nitroglycerin, Sodium or Ammonium Nitrate, inert material.

Ammonia Gelatin

Nitroglycerin, Nitrocellulose, Sodium

Gelatin Dynamite Nitrostarch Explosive

Cratering Explosive

or Ammonium Nitrate. Nitroglycerin and Nitrocellulose in a codoidal mixture. Nitrostarch, Barium Nitrate, TNT, dry inert fuels. Ammonium Nitrate, Dinitrotoluene, Ferrosilicon, and red dye.

69

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