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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Explosives

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6706240

This is a method for preparing a sensitive, solidified, explosive composition from insensitive components. A liquid solution containing at least 50 weight % ammonium nitrate is prepared using liquid ammonia, water, or ammonium hydroxide as the solvent. From about 96 to about 35 parts by weight of this ammonium nitrate solution is admixed with about 4 to about 65 parts by weight of a light metal fuel such as magnesium, magnesium alloys, admixtures of magnesium and aluminum, and mixtures thereof. The metal fuel must have at least about 50 weight % magnesium content and be capable of undergoing chemical reaction with the ammonium nitrate solution. The solution and the metal fuel is reacted at ambient temperature for from about 1/2 to about 24 hr to provide a sensitive, solidified, explosive composition. (2 claims)

Assignee:
Dow Chemical Co.
Patent Number(s):
US 3177102
OSTI ID:
6706240
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English