How To Make Low Explosives -------------------------- Up to this point, I have referred only to high explosives, but there are many formulas for low explosives, which, although they do not have the power or impact of the high explosives, are generally speaking safer to use and handle. It may seem at first that an explosive compound that has less power is a disadvantage, but this is not true. If a high-explosive charge were used to set off a bullet in a gun, the gun would probably explode in the user's face. Therefore, low explosives have a definite purpose and use, and are not interchangeable with high explosives. Although I stated above that, generally speaking, low explosives are more stable than high explosives, there are some low-explosive compounds that are as dangerous as high-explosive compounds, if not more so. Below is a chart of the most common low-explosive compounds and their stabilities and merit. [Potassium and sodium nitrate gunpowders]: These are without a doubt one of the safest low explosives to handle. They are especially good when packed into a tight container, and exploded under pressure. [Smokeless powder]: This type of low explosive is much like the one mentioned above, in the sense that it is extremely stable, but it is much more powerful. It also needs the element of pressure in the actual demolition work. [Potassium chlorates with sulfates]: Any mixture of potassium or sodium chlorates should be avoided at all costs, since most combinations will explode immediately, on formation, and those that don't are extremely unstable and likely to explode at any time. [Ammonium nitrate with chlorates]: This is similar to the compounds discussed above. These are extremely hazardous compounds, with very unstable ingredients. [Potassium chlorate and red phosphorus]: This combination is probably the most unstable and highly sensitive of all the low explosives. It will explode immediately and violently upon formation, even in the open when not under pressure. [Aluminum or megnesium with potassium chlorate or sodium peroxide]: Any of these combinations, although not quite as unstable as the one discussed above, is still too sensitive to experiment or play around with. [Barium chlorate with shellac gums]: Any mixture employing either barium or barium nitrate and carbon, or barium chlorate and any other substance, must be given great care. Barium nitrate and strontium nitrate mixed together form a very sensitive explosive, but the danger is greatly increased with the addition of charcoal, or carbon. [Barium and strontium nitrate with aluminum and potassium perchlorate]: This combination is relatively safe, as is the combination of barium nitrate and sulfur, potassium nitrate, and most other powdered metals. [Guanidine nitrate and a combustible]: This combination of guanidine nitrate and a combustible (i.e. powdered antimony) is one of the safest of all low explosives. [Potassium bichromate and potassium permanganate]: This is a very sensitive and unstable compound, and should be avoided, as it is really too hazardous to work with or handle. The low-explosive reaction is based on the principle of a combustible material combined with an oxidizing agent, in other words combining a material that burns easily with another material which in the chemical reaction will supply the necessary oxygen for the combustible's consumption. Listed below are the most common low-explosive combinations of oxidizing agents and combustibles. The first ingredient listed is the oxidizer, and the second is the combustible: [1> Nitric acid and resin. [2> Barium nitrate and magnesium. [3> Ammonium nitrate and powdered aluminum. [4> Barium peroxide and zinc dust. [5> Ammonium perchlorate and asphaltum. [6> Sodium chlorate and shellac gum. [7> Potassium nitrate and charcoal. [8> Sodium peroxide and flowers of sulfur. [9> Magnesium perchlorate and woodmeal. [10> Potassium perchlorate and cane sugar. [11> Sodium nitrate and sulfur flour. [12> Potassium bichromate and antimony sulfide. [13> Guanidine nitrate and powdered antimony. [14> Potassium chlorate and red phosphorus. [15> Potassium permanganate and powdered sugar. [16> Barium chlorate and parrafin wax. The combinations that are most unstable and sensitive are numbers 3, 5, 7, 13, 14, 15, and 16. These should be avoided. *************************************************