HMTD is a primary explosive that can be made from hexamethy- lenetetramine, hydrogen peroxide and citric acid. This explosive is to be used with a booster explosive such as picric acid (Section I, No. 21) or RDX Section I, No. 15) in the fabrication of detonators (Section 6, No. 13).
MATERIAL REQUIRED:
- Hexamethylenetetramine
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Citric acid
- Containers, bottles or glasses
- Paper towels
- Teaspoon
- Pan
- Water
- Tape
SOURCES:
- Drugstores under names of urotropine, hexamin, methenamine, etc.
- Army heat tablets.
- 6% hair bleach (or stronger if possible)
- Drug stores or food stores (“Sour Salt”)
PROCEDURE:
1. Measure 9 teaspoons of hydrogen peroxide into a container.
2. In 3 portions, dissolve 2-1/2 teaspoons of crushed hexamethy- lenetetramine in the peroxide.
3. Keep the solution cool for 30 minutes by placing container in a pan of cold water.
4 . In 5 portions, dissolve 4-1/2 teaspoons of crushed citric acid in the hexamethylenetetramine-peroxide solution.
5. Permit solution to stand at room temperature until solid par tides form fit the bottonr. of container.
NOTE: Complete precipitation will take place in 8 to 24 hours.
CAUTION: At this point the mixture is a primary explosive. Keep away from flame.
6. Filter the mixture through a paper towel into a container to collect the solid particles.
7. Wash the solid particles collected in the paper towel with 6 teaspoons of water by pouring the water over them. Discard the liquid in the container.
8. Place these explosive particles in a container and allow to dry.
CAUTION: Handle dry explosive with great care. Do not scrape or handle it roughly. Keep away from sparks or open flames. Store in cool, dry place.