Explosive Materials & Chemical Composition Flashcards

Water-gel (slurry) explosives achieve their sensitivity through which mechanism?

Answer: Sensitization by dissolved TNT or other explosive ingredients, or by hollow microspheres creating hot spots

Water gels use either dissolved TNT/MMAN or gas-filled microballoons as sensitizers, allowing the aqueous AN-based matrix to support detonation.

Black powder differs from high explosives primarily because it:

Answer: Deflagrates rather than detonates, propagating by subsonic burning rather than a supersonic shock wave

Black powder (KNO₃, charcoal, sulfur) is a low explosive that burns rapidly by deflagration and cannot sustain a detonation wave, which is why it is used in fuses and pyrotechnics.

Which regulatory body in the United States classifies and regulates explosive materials under the Organized Crime Control Act?

Answer: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

The ATF administers the federal explosives law under 18 U.S.C. Chapter 40, licensing manufacturers, importers, dealers, and users of explosive materials.

What is 'Composition C-4' and what is its primary explosive ingredient?

Answer: A plastic explosive containing approximately 91% RDX with a plasticizer binder that allows it to be molded

C-4 is a plastic-bonded explosive (PBX) consisting of approximately 91% RDX mixed with a plasticizer (polyisobutylene) and oil, valued for its moldability and high detonation velocity of ~8,050 m/s.

The detonation velocity of an explosive is affected by which combination of factors?

Answer: Charge density, degree of confinement, charge diameter, and temperature

VOD (velocity of detonation) varies with loading density, degree of confinement, charge diameter relative to critical diameter, and to a lesser extent temperature—all standard considerations in blast design.

In explosive formulations, what does the term 'phlegmatization' refer to?

Answer: Desensitizing an explosive with a coating or additive to reduce sensitivity to accidental initiation

Phlegmatization (or phlegmatizing) involves coating explosive particles with wax, oils, or polymers to reduce sensitivity while preserving detonability when properly initiated.

A blaster notices that cartridged dynamite cartridges have turned dark brown and emit a sharp, sweet odor. This most likely indicates:

Answer: Deterioration and possible exudation of nitroglycerin, making the cartridges extremely hazardous

Discoloration and a characteristic NG odor are signs of deteriorating dynamite where nitroglycerin has migrated outward—such cartridges must be treated as extremely sensitive and disposed of by qualified personnel.