TM 31-210
Improvised Munitions Handbook
| Section I |
No. 22 |
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DOUBLE SALTS |
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| Double Salts is used as a primary explosive in the fabrications of detonators (Section VI, No. 13). It can be made in the field from silver (coins), nitric acid, calcium carbide, and water. | |
| MATERIALS REQUIRED: | |
| Nitric acid (90% conc.) (Section I, No. 4) | |
| Silver metal (silver coin, about 5/8 in. diameter) | |
| Calcium carbide (acetylene or calcium carbide lamps) | |
| Rubber and glass tubing (approx. 1/4 in. inside diameter) | |
| Paper towels | |
| Heat-resistant bottles or ceramic jugs, 1 to 2 quart capacity, and one cork to fit. (Punch hole in cork to fit tubing.) | |
| Teaspoon (aluminum, stainless steel or wax-coated) or equivalent measure | |
| Glass container | |
| Heat source | |
| Long narrow jar (olive jar) | |
| Tape | |
| Water | |
| Alcohol | |
| PROCEDURE: | |
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1. Dilute 2-1/4 teaspoons of nitric acid with 1-1/2 teaspoons of water in a glass container by adding the acid to the water. |
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2. Dissolve a silver coin (a silver dime) in the diluted nitric acid. The solution will turn to a green color. |
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NOTE: It may be necessary to warm the container to completely dissolve the silver coin. |
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CAUTION: Acid will burn skin and destroy clothing. If any is spilled, wash it away with a large quantity of water. Do not inhale fumes. |
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3. Pour solution into a long narrow (olive) jar and place it in a bottle of hot water. Crystals will form in the solution; heat until crystals dissolve. |
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4. While still heating and after crystals have dissolved, place 10 teaspoons of calcium carbide in another glass bottle and add 1 teaspoon of water. After the reaction has started add another teaspoon of water. Then set up as shown. |
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5. Bubble acetylene through the solution for 5 to 8 minutes. A brown vapor will be given off and white flakes will appear in the silver solution. |
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6. Remove the silver solution from the heat source and allow it to cool. Filter the solution through a paper towel into a glass container. Green crystals will collect on the paper. |
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7. Wash the solids collected on the paper towel with 12 teaspoons of alcohol. The solid material will turn white while the solvent in the container will have a green color. |
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8. Place the white solid material on a clean paper towel to air dry. |
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CAUTION: Handle dry explosive with great care. Do not scrape or handle roughly. Keep away from sparks or open flames. Store is cool, dry place. |
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