Explosives aluminized formulations

Blast type warhead (with Dentex and aluminized explosive formulations) -used for damaging soft and semi-hard targets. 

Table 3.3 Some aluminized explosive formulations and their density and velocity of detonation .

Explosifs 6 I aluminium. Fr for Aluminized Explosives. Several Fr formulations are listed in Vol I of Encycl under ALUMINUM CONTAINING EXPLOSIVES, on p A146-L. Examination in 1902 by CSE (Commission des Substances Explosives) showed that some of these exp Is, as, for example, Formula. 226 (p A146 L)> were more powerful than PA (Picric Acid). More recently (1948 1950), Medard (p A148-L) determined the properties of die following Fr aluminized explosives ... 

The three propellants listed in Table I have been tested in the cured state and classed propellant explosive (solid) Class B by the Interstate Commerce Commission (6). The aluminized formulation, Arcite 373D, gave the same test results when uncured. In addition, Arcite 373D and Arcite 386, both cured and uncured, tested zero cards in the standard Naval Ordanance Laboratory card-gap test (I, 2). 

Binary explosives are used primarily where only limited quantities are required or when a need for explosives cannot be anticipated. Because they are not considered as explosives until mixed, they can be safely stored and transported. A liquid-liquid type, PLX, was developed for minefield clearing and is composed of nitromethane sensitized with ethylene diamine. Commercial binary explosive products include Astrolite, based on hydrazine and NH4NO3. Astrolite was offered in both aluminized and non-aluminized formulations, the former advertised as the most powerful chemical explosive available. A more widely sold binary, Kinestik, combines finely pulverized NH4NO3 and nitromethane. This combination, offered by several vendors, is the only binary explosive currently available commercially. To ensure complete migration of the liquid into the solid phase, a dye is added to the liquid. When the intact mixed explosive is examined, dye can be extracted from the solid with acetone, examined by TLC or GC-MS, and compared to the dye used by producers of the product. Identification of the NH4NO3 is straightforward and nitromethane can be identified by low-temperature GC. 

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