
2.06       AMMONIUM NITRATE





     Ammonium nitrate is a high explosive material that is often used as

a commercial "safety explosive"  It is very stable, and is difficult to ignite

with a match.  It will only light if the glowing, red-hot part of a match is

touching it.  It is also difficult to detonate; (the phenomenon of detonation

will be explained later)  it requires a large shockwave to cause it to go high

explosive.  Commercially, it is sometimes mixed with a small amount of

nitroglycerine to increase its sensitivity.  Ammonium nitrate is used in the

'Cold-Paks' or 'Instant Cold', available in most drug stores.  The 'Cold Paks'

consist of a bag of water, surrounded by a second plastic bag containing the

ammonium nitrate.  To get the ammonium nitrate, simply cut off the top of the

outside bag, remove the plastic bag of water, and save the ammonium nitrate in

a well sealed, airtight container, since it is rather hydroscopic, i.e. it

tends to absorb water from the air.  It is also the main ingredient in many

fertilizers.

