Semi-fusible and infusible explosives

The molecular composition of picric acid was established in the early ninteenth century when it was the only highly-nitrated aromatic compound then known. It was evident that its oxygen content was insufficient for complete combustion (to C02 and H20). This was considered to be an adequate foundation for the erroneous theory that, because of its insufficient oxygen content, the substance has no explosive properties. It was believed that explosive properties are achieved only by mixing picric acid with oxidizing agents such as chlorates, or sodium or potassium nitrates. 

These mixtures found no practical application since picric acid gradually reacts with salts to form picrates with the evolution of free acid. The picrates so formed are highly sensitive to friction and impact, and the free acid acts corrosively. Mixtures with chlorates showed a particular sensitiveness to friction and impact, hence doubt was expressed as to their practical value. Nevertheless, the idea of completing the defective oxygen balance in aromatic nitro compounds by the addition of such oxidizing agents as nitrates was carried out in such a way as to produce mixtures useful for various practical purposes. 

Cheltsov [45] obtained (1886) a stable explosive, suitable for storage, called Gromoboi or Ma izit, by mixing ammonium picrate with ammonium nitrate in the ratio of 72.5 27.5. 

To achieve the necessary stability he used its ammonium salt, which has no acidic properties instead of picric acid. 

The same principle has been employed in some countries (e.g. U.S.A.) to produce the explosives in which the chief component was ammonium picrate together with ammonium nitrate. 

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Fusible explosives Mixtures of nitro compounds Mixtures with ammonium nitrate Manufacture and selection of fusible mixtures The flegmatizaiion of fusible mixtures Semi-fusible and infusible explosives Mixtures with nitrates — mainly with ammonium nitrate Mixtures with aluminium and other metak The preparation of S-iypc mixtures Mixtures with chlorates and perchlorates Mixtures with potassium and sodium chlorates Mixtures with potassium and ammonium perchlorates Plastic explosives... 

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