TM 31-210
Improvised Munitions Handbook
| Section I |
No. 8 |
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FERTILIZER AN-AL EXPLOSIVE |
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| A dry explosive mixture can be made from
ammonium nitrate fertilizer combined with fine aluminum powder. This
explosive can be detonated with a blasting cap. |
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| MATERIALS REQUIRED: | SOURCES: |
| Ammonium nitrate fertilizer (not less than 32% nitrogen) | Farm or Feed Store |
| Fine aluminum bronzing powder | Paint Store |
| Measuring container (cup, tablespoon, etc.) | |
| Mixing container (wide bowl, can, etc.) | |
| Two flat boards (one should be comfortably held in hand and one very large, i.e. 2 x 4 and 36 x 36 in.) | |
| Storage container (jar, can, etc.) | |
| Blasting cap | |
| Wooden rod - 1/4 inch diameter | |
| Pipe, can or jar | |
| PROCEDURE: |
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1. Method I - To obtain a low velocity explosive. |
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a. Use measuring container to measure four parts fertilizer to one part aluminum powder and pour into the mixing container. (Example: 4 cups of fertilizer to 1 cup aluminum powder.) |
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b. Mix ingredients well with the wooden rod. |
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2. Method II - To obtain a much higher velocity explosive. |
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a. Spread a handful at a time of the fertilizer on the large flat board and rub vigorously with the other board until the large particles are crushed into a very fine powder that looks like flour (approx. 10 min per handful). |
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NOTE: Proceed with step b below as soon as possible since the powder may take moisture from the air and become spoiled. |
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b. Follow steps a and b of Method I. |
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3. Store the explosive mixture in a waterproof container, such as glass jar, steel pipe, etc., until ready to use. |
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| HOW TO USE: | |
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Follow steps 1 and 2 of "How To Use" in Section I, No. 7. |
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