TM 31-210
Improvised Munitions Handbook
| Section I |
No. 17 |
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HMTD |
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| HMTD is a primary explosive that can be make from hexamethylenetetramine, hydrogen peroxide, and citric acid. sodium chlorate, copper sulfate, and ammonia. This explosive is to be used with a booster explosive such as picric acid (Section I, No. 21) or RDX (Section I, No. 15) in the fabrication of detonators (Section VI, No. 13). | |
| MATERIALS REQUIRED: | SOURCES: |
| Hexamethylenetetramine | Drugstores under names of urotropine, hexamin,
methenamine, etc. Army heat tablets. |
| Hydrogen peroxide | 6% hair bleach (or stronger if possible) |
| Citric acid | Drug stores or food stores ("Sour Salt") |
| Containers, bottles or glasses | |
| Paper towels | |
| Teaspoon | |
| Pan | |
| Water | |
| Tape |
| PROCEDURE: | |
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1. Measure 9 teaspoons of hydrogen peroxide into a container. |
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2. In 3 portions, dissolve 2-1/2 teaspoons of crushed hexamethylenetetramine in the peroxide. |
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3. Keep the solution cool for 30 minutes by placing container in pan of cold water. |
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4. In 5 portions, dissolve 4-1/2 teaspoons of crushed citric acid in the hexamethylenetetramine-peroxide solution. |
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5. Permit solution to stand room temperature until solid particles at the bottom of container. |
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NOTE: Complete precipitation will take place in 8 to 24 hours. |
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CAUTION: At this point the mixture is a primary explosive. Keep solution away from flame. |
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6. Filter the mixture through a paper towel into a container to collect the solid particles. |
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7. Wash the solid particles collected in the paper towel with 6 teaspoons of water by pouring the water over them. discard the liquid in the container. |
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8. Place these explosive particles in a container and let them dry. |
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CAUTION: Handle dry explosive with great care. Do not scrape or handle it roughly. Keep away from sparks or open flame. Store in cool, dry place. |
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