A moist explosive mixture can be made from sulfuric acid, nitric acid and methyl alcohol. This explosive can be detonated with a blasting cap.
MATERIAL REQUIRED:
- Sulfuric acid
- Methyl alcohol
- Eyedropper or syringe with glass tube
- Large diameter glass (2 qt.) jar
- Narrow glass jars (1 qt.)
- Absorbent (fine sawdust, shredded paper, shredded cloth)
- Cup
- Pan (3 to 5 gallon)
- Teaspoon
- Wooden stick
- Steel pipe with end cap
- Blasting cap
- Water
- Tray
SOURCES:
- Clear battery acid boiled until white fumes appear
- Field grade nitric acid (Section I, No. 4) or 90% conc. (sp. gr. of 1.48)
- Methanol
- Wood alcohol (not denatured alcohol)
- Anti-freeze (non-permanent)
PROCEDURE:
1. Add 24 teaspoons of sulfuric acid to 16-1/2 teaspoona of nitric acid in the 2 quart jar.
CAUTION: Acid will burn skin and destroy clothing. If any is spilled, wash it away with a large quantity of water. Do not inhale fumes.
3. Rapidly swirl the jar to create a whirlpool m the liquid (without splashing) while keeping the bottom portion of the jar in the water.
4. While continually swirling, add to mixture, 1/2 teaspoon at a time, 13-1/2 teaspoons of methyl alcohol, allowing mixture to cool at least one minute between additions.
CAUTION: If there is a sudden increase in the amount of fumes produced or if the solution suddenly turns much darker or begins to froth, dump solution in the water within 10 seconds. This will halt the reaction and prevent an accident.
5. After the final addition of methyl alcohol, swirl for another 30 to 45 seconds.
6. Carefully pour the solution into one of the narrow glass jars. Allow jar to stand in water for approximately 5 minutes until two layers separate.
7. With an eyedropper or syringe, remove top layer and carefully put into another narrow glass jar. This liquid is the explosive.
CAUTION: Explosive is shock sensitive.
8. Add an equal quantity of water to the explosive and swirl. Allow mixture to separate again as in step 6. The explosive is now the bottom layer.
9. Carefully remove the top layer with the eyedropper or syringe and discard.
10. Place one firmly packed cup of absorbent in the tray.
11. While stirring with the wooden stick, slowly add explosive until the mass is very damp but not wet enough to drip. Explosive is ready to use.
NOTE: If mixture becomes too wet, add more absorbent.
If storage of explosive is required, siore in a sealed container to prevent evaporation.
CAUTION: Do not handle liquid explosive or allow to contact skin. If this happens, flush away immediately with large quantity of water. Keep grit, sand or dirt out of mix.
HOW TO USE:
1. Spoon this mixture into an iron or steel pipe which has an end cap threaded on one end. If a pipe is not available, you may use a dry tin can or a glass jar.
2. Insert blasting cap just beneath the surface of the explosive mix.
NOTE: Confining the open end of the container will add to the effective ness of the explosive.
Methyl Nitrate Dynamite,
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