Formulation of multi-component explosives

摘要

Process for the formulation of a multi-component explosive composition from non-detonable components comprising a defined body of unconsolidated particulate aluminum fuel granules and an oxidizing liquid. Specific particulate aluminum fuel has an average particle size within the range of about 1/64-1/4 inch and is packed within a container or other confining structure to provide an average bulk density within the range of 0.2-1.0 gm/cc. The aluminum fuel particles are generally wadded-up aluminum foil granules. The oxidizing liquid added to the body of aluminum fuel fills the void space between granules of aluminum entrapping some voids within the granules to provide an average bulk density of the mixture of oxidizing liquid and particulate aluminum within the of 1.2-1.7 gm/cc, creating an explosive, formulation which is detonable in a diameter of 4 inches at 20 DEG C. by a one pound pentolite booster and normally by a 1/2 pound pentolite booster. The oxidizing liquid can comprise an aqueous solution of an oxidizing agent selected from the group consisting of alkali metal and ammonium nitrates, alkali metal and ammonium perchlorates, alkaline earth metal nitrates, alkaline earth metal perchlorates and mixtures thereof and may also include a hygroscopic freezing point depressant which may act as a sensitizer. An alternative oxidizing liquid for use with the particulate aluminum fuel comprises a nitroparaffin selected from the group of nitromethane, nitroethane, nitropropane and mixtures thereof. A specific oxidizing liquid is a nitromethane and nitroethane mixture having a nitromethane to nitroethane ratio of 0.6-1.2, more particularly, about 1.0.