TM 31-210
Improvised Munitions Handbook
| Section I |
No. 20 |
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PREPARATION OF LEAD PICRATE |
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| Lead picrate is used as a primary explosive in the fabrication of detonators (Section VI, No. 13. It is to be used with a booster explosive such as picric acid (Section I, No. 21) or RDX (Section I, No. 15). | |
| MATERIALS REQUIRED: | SOURCES: |
| Litharge (lead monoxide) |
Section I, No, 18 or plumbing supplies |
| Picric acid | Section I, No. 21 |
| Wood alcohol (methanol) | Paint removers; some antifreezes |
| Wooden or plastic rod | |
| Dish or saucer (china or glass) | |
| Teaspoon | |
| Improvised Scale | Section VII, No. 8 |
| Containers | |
| Flat pan | |
| Heat source (optional) | |
| Water (optional) |
| PROCEDURE: | |
| 1. Weigh 2 grams each of picric acid and lead monoxide. Place each in a separate container. | |
| 2. Place 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) of the alcohol in a dish. Add the picric acid to the alcohol and stir with the wooden or plastic rod. |
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| 3. Add the lead monoxide to the mixture while stirring. | |
| CAUTION: At this point the solution is a primary explosive. Keep away from flame. |
| 4. Continue stirring the mixture until the alcohol has evaporated. The mixture will suddenly thicken. | |
| 5. Stir mixture occasionally (to stop lumps from forming) until a powder is formed. A few lumps will remain. |
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| CAUTION: Be very careful of dry material forming on the inside of the container. |
| 6. Spread this powdered mixture, the lead picrate, in a
flat pan to air dry. |
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| NOTE: If possible, dry the mixture in a hot, not boiling, water bath for a period of 2 hours. |
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