megalomania
June 8th, 2003, 12:59 PM
warhead
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Posts: 38
From:
Registered: MAR 2001
posted 04-22-2001 04:27 AM
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I was not able to find in this forum tinkering with astrolite.
Even if this explosive is supposedly more powerful than the ANNM or PLX this should be a very interesting explosive to play with.
I hope somebody was able to test it recently and share its results.
I have a bottle of hyrazine and would like to test it.
[This message has been edited by nbk2000 (edited April 22, 2001).]
pete
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Posts: 56
From: u.k
Registered: JAN 2001
posted 04-22-2001 04:40 AM
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Where the heck did you get the hydrazine?
blackadder
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posted 04-22-2001 09:55 AM
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Warhead, please stop pressing enter while you type your posts. It makes the post look really wierd in the end. I'm sorry if I sound harsh!
[leave the complaining to the mods and admin, have you wandered why you have LESS posts than you did before?]
[This message has been edited by ALENGOSVIG1 (edited April 22, 2001).]
Sorry dude, I noticed the post pruning as well. T'wont happen again.
[This message has been edited by blackadder (edited April 22, 2001).]
FadeToBlackened
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Posts: 201
From: Hell
Registered: MAR 2001
posted 04-22-2001 10:21 AM
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Yes, how did you get hydrazine?
CragHack
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From:
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posted 04-22-2001 12:42 PM
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i do not know but it is REALLY REALLY toxic. so be fucking careful. unless of course you want cancer cause that is what it will more than likley cause. i am also interested in where you got it. is the stuff you have anhydrous or is it glacial?
------------------
"If you must, do it with intelligent people, at least they know how to talk to the cops."
SMAG 12B/E5
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From:
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posted 04-22-2001 11:56 PM
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Warhead, I witnessed one of the first demonstrations of "Astrolite" at Ft Bragg, North Carolina by it's manufacturer Explosive Corporation of America in 1970. I later participated in a test in Vietnam. It was them packed in a safe non-mixed binary container that was rated as "air-shippable". We would mix it with the road soil and place a mine fuse within the mix. Once the ammonia evaporated and the area dried, the spot was difficult to detect. Astrolite is a very useful explosive, if hydrazine is available. I have not seen my copy of the ECA patent sent to me by one of their competitors, DuPont. Why not check not only the Patent Office, via internet, but also the archives of The Forum.
FadeToBlackened
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Posts: 201
From: Hell
Registered: MAR 2001
posted 04-23-2001 05:17 PM
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I don't know about you, but i trust megalomania would not put anything inaccurate on his page.
HMTD Factory
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From:
Registered: FEB 2001
posted 04-23-2001 07:25 PM
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...Trust information, not people...-Buddha
10fingers
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Posts: 411
From: USA
Registered: SEP 2000
posted 04-24-2001 12:31 AM
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The following info on Astrolite is taken from the book "Two Component High Explosive Mixtures".
"Astrolite G, two parts by weight ammonium nitrate mixed with one part by weight of anhydrous hydrazine. Detonation velocity of 8,600 meters per scond.
Astrolite A-1-5, 20% by weight of fine aluminum powder is added to the ammonium nitrate before mixing with the hydrazine. It is claimed to be 1.8 to 2.0 times more powerful than TNT. Astrolite A produces crater volumes 3 times larger than C-4, and 1.5 times greater than PBXN-1, a high power military explosive".
10fingers
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Posts: 411
From: USA
Registered: SEP 2000
posted 04-24-2001 09:01 AM
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The only other info that the book gave is that Astrolite should be detonated with a compound detonator for best effect, it is 40 times less sensitive to shock than nitroglycerin. If you want the book you can get it from IMS Surplus for around $5.00.
It has about 5 pages about Astrolite and 5 more on ANNM.
fightclub
New Member
Posts: 39
From: none
Registered: APR 2001
posted 04-27-2001 10:54 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alright here is some info I gathered from the net and other places. This is originally an Anarchy file from &Totse, I edited it I was going to make my own homepage with all kinds of this stuff, but decided not to because I am so lazy. I can at least give some info. out. and contribute some information to the thirsty.
Astrolite - the most powerful non-nuclear explosive known to man NOTICE: TO ALL CONCERNED Certain text files and messages contained on this site deal with activities and devices which would be in violation of various Federal, State, and local laws if actually carried out or constructed. The webmasters of this site do not advocate the breaking of any law. Our text files and message bases are for informational purposes only. We recommend that you contact your local law enforcement officials before undertaking any project based upon any information obtained from this or any other web site. We do not guarantee that any of the
information contained on this system is correct, workable, or factual. We are not
responsible for, nor do we assume any liability for, damages resulting from the use
of any information on this site.
Astrolite
---------
The astrolite family of liquid explosives were products of rocket propellant research in the '60's. Astrolite A-1-5 is supposed to be the world's most powerful non-nuclear explosive -at about 1.8 to 2 times more powerful than TNT.
--This statement is false. In the words of the co-inventor of Astrolite A-15 "inventor's hype". Astrolite A-15 has increased energy content but a decreased power content, which makes it less brisant.
Being more powerful it is also safer to handle than TNT (not that it isn't safein the first place) and Nitroglycerin.
----It is toxic and can cause cancer, eventually. It is safer than Nitroglycerin! Not much safer than TNT.
Astrolite G
-----------
"Astrolite G is a clear liquid explosive especially designed to produce very high detonation velocity, 8,600MPS (meters/sec.), compared with 7,700MPS for
--Yes the detonation velocity is high (see below, also see specifications for hydrazine nitrate).
nitroglycerin and 6,900MPS for TNT...In addition, a very unusual characteristic is that it the liquid explosive has the ability to be absorbed easily into the ground while remaining detonatable...In field tests, Astrolite G has remained detonatable for 4 days in the ground, even when the soil was soaked due to rainy weather" know what that means?....Astrolite Dynamite!
To make (mix in fairly large container & outside)
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Two parts by weight of ammonium nitrate mixed with one part by weight 'anhydrous' hydrazine, produces Astrolite G...Simple enough eh? I'm sure that the 2:1 ratio is not perfect,and that if you screw around with it long enough, that you'll find a better formula.
--I am not sure what the correct formula for "Astrolite G" is supposed to be, however it is known that it is a mixture of Hydrazine nitrate, Hydrazine and just a little ammonia. But there is a compound prepared here known as hydrazine nitrate (NH2-NH3-NO3) that is a very hygroscopic and very well water soluble solid compound. The ratio above corresponds to mixing:
ex, 20gm Ammonium nitrate to 10 gm of anhydrous hydrazine. Looking at the reaction-equation:
NH4NO3 + N2H4 --> N2H5NO3 + NH3
NH4NO3, MW= 80.04
N2H4, MW= 32.04
20gm NH4NO3 x (1mol NH4NO3 / 80.04gm NH4NO3)
x (1mol N2H4/ 1mol NH4NO3)
x (32.04gm N2H4/ 1mol N2H4) = 8.00gm anhydrous hydrazine (100%)
according to this balanced equation we see that we need for 20gms of ammonium nitrate would have needed 8.00gms anhydrous hydrazine. Some ammonia is released, reportedly the mixture bubbles or foames up strongly which may overflow the container.
They use a small excess of hydrazine which could dissolve the hydrazine nitrate to form a solution (Astrolite).
Hydrazine mononitrate specifications:*
Formula: NH2-NH3-NO3
Density: 1.64g/cc
Molar mass: 95.06 grams/mole.
Oxygen balance: +8.6%
Nitrogen content: 44.2%
Gas volume: 1001 L/kg
Water-solubility: 122.3g/100ml (0°C)**
..................327.5g/100ml (25°C)**
Melting point:
70.7°C (stable alpha modification).
62.1°C (unstable beta modification).
Heat of explosion: (H2O liquid)=
1175 kcal/kg (4919 kJ/kg)
(H2O gas)= 914 kcal/kg (3827 kJ/kg)
Heat of formation: -620.7 kcal/kg
Energy of formation: -586.4 kcal/kg
Critical diameter: 6mm
Impact sensitvity: 7.4 Nm (which maybe something like 37cm drop height with 2kg
fall hammer; where Nitroglycerin is 4cm height with 2kg fallhammer.)
Temperature of decomposition: 229°C
Detonation velocity: 8690m/s confined at a density of 1.60g/cm³
Lead block outwidening: 408cm³/10g (136% of TNT)
* Most of this data is derived from Josef Köhler, Rudolf Meyer, Explosives 4th ed. unless mentioned otherwise.
** Not from Koehler & Meyer
when hydrazine nitrate explodes:
N2H4HNO3 --> 2.5 H2O + 1.5 N2 + 0.25 O2 (specific decompositon products)
giving 4.25 mole of gas/mole of HN on explosion; on conversion to kg (1000/95 = 10.52)
then 4.25 (22.4) = 95.2
then (95.2) 10.52 = 1001 Liters of gas per Kilogram HN.
----
Hydrazine also forms a dinitrate N2H6(NO3)2:
the below data was calculated for the dinitrate, except*
Molar mass: 158.08 grams/mole
Oxygen balance: +30.3%
Nitrogen content: 35.4%
Heat of formation: ca. -75 kcal/mole*
Melting point: 80°C*
Volume of detonation gases: 920 L/kg
Heat of explosion: 616 kcal/kg (H2O gas)
the dinitrate maybe acidic N2H6(NO3)2 <-- --> N2H5NO3 + HNO3
Patents(Miscellaneous):
Crystalline hydrazine nitrate and its preparation is described in French Pat. No.
2,276,261 issued on Jan. 23, 1976 to Pascal et al. Hydrazine nitrate is also readily
prepared, in situ, from conversion of ammonium nitrate to hydrazine nitrate in an aqueous hydrazine solution.
68/20/12% (hydrazine/hydrazine nitrate/methyl alcohol) has a freezing point of -29° F, etc.
- U.S. 4,664,730
Hydrazine 24% by weight
Monomethylhydrazine 45% by weight
Hydrazine Nitrate 31% by weight
System freezes at -65° F. And exhibits very good rocket fuel properties.
- U.S. 3,658,609
British patent: 946,903 --- castable Hydrazine nitrate explosive compositions
- U.S. pat 5,014,623 states that hydrazine and ammonium nitrate react to form hydrazine nitrate.
- An amine sensitizer(U.S. 4,008,110) as are ex, methyl amine nitrate, ethylene diamine nitrate.
- Sensitizer for nitromethane (U.S. 4,034,672) as is ex, N2H4.
- U.S. pat 5,487,798 lists for Hydrazine Nitrate: Melting point: 62.9°C, Heat of formation: ca -59 kcal/mole. And for the dinitrate: N2H6(NO3)2, Mp. 80°C, Heat of formation: ca. -75 kcal/mole
- 1gm Beryllium hydride mixed with in a specially prepared composition 1.5gm crystalline Hydrazine nitrate and 1.5gm crystalline ammonium nitrate gave Heat of explosion of 2.175 kcal/gm (U.S. 3,837,938)
- In Water-in-oil emulision; hydrazine nitrate is particularly preferably used because of its high effect for promoting the dissolving of inorganic oxidizer salt in water. (U.S. 4,543,136)
- Hydrazine nitrate, hydrazine and cyanamide react to give Triaminoguanidine nitrate (TAGN)(U.S. 4,800,232)
-- U.S. 3,419,443: concerning sensitivity, detonation velocity and performance of hydrazine nitrate/hydrazine/ammonia explosive systems and also some about hydrazine perchlorate:
components/proportions:......VOD.......at density (g/cc)
Hydrazine nitrate/Hydrazine/....8600....1.42
Ammonia [91/7/2%]
--This composition appears to resemble Astrolite-G. Because of the small excess of hydrazine and a little ammonia, also the density (1.4g/cc).
Hydrazine nitrate/Hydrazine/.....8500...1.39
Ammonia [88/7/5%]
Hydrazine nitrate/Hydrazine/......8300...1.35
Ammonia [84/7/9%]
Hydrazine nitrate/Hydrazine/......8100...1.31
Ammonia [79/7/14%]
--------
From Canadian Pat: 493,710:
Granular NH4NO3 can be coated with hydrazine mononitrate to increase sensitivity of the NH4NO3 without, however, so decidedly affecting the detonation rate as when the materials are crystallized together.
Mixes containing 0.02-1.0 parts of HN to every 1 part AN readily fuse into a homogeneous mass which upon solidification, yield crystals of ammonium nitrate-hydrazine nitrate complex. Similarly, the ammonium nitrate-hydrazine nitrate complex crystals may be co-precipitated from water solutions.
Introducing 2% of HN into an ammonium nitrate explosive markedly increases both the sensitivity and detonation rate. While sensitivity and V.O.D. increase as the content of hydrazine mononitrate (HN) is increased, the improvement accomplished by the addition of 5% HN renders the explosive quite satisfactory, and 10% of HN still further improves the detonation rate and sensitvity. HN contents above 10% do not significantly improve the explosive.
.........1.............. 2............3
NH4NO3 76.5%...........88.5%.......83.5%
N2H4HNO3----............5.0........10.0
TNT......7.5............7.5........7.5
Chalk.....0.5...........0.5........0.5
Aluminum dust..0.5......0.5.........0.5
Coal.......3.0..........3.0.........3.0
Detonation rate...9,750...11,420...12,490
(ft. per second)
Gap sensitivity...1-1 1/2, 3-3 1/2.4, 1/2-5
(inches)
--------------------------
From U.S. patent 3,861,138
Example 12:
Al 29%
N2 H5 NO3 51.3%
N2 H4 19.7%
Theoretical calculations indicate the following performance data for the above
composition, in comparision with known comparable explosive systems:
.....................................Vol x H
Volgas...............Heat...............1000
cc/gram..............cal/gm........(Figure of .......................................Merit)
Al--N2 H5 NO3 --N2 H4 of Ex.12
1100.................1800..............1980
Al--NH4 NO3
550.................2350................1290
Blasting gelatine 851.................1422...............1210
Nitroglycerin 721.................1580.................1124
NH4 NO3 + sawdust 1025.................882.................904
TNT 730.................925.................675
Gunpowder 386.................574.................228
As will be noted, the Figure of Merit (a measure of the power produced) is markedly higher for the Al-N2 H5 NO3 -N2 H4 explosive system than for the other explosive systems.
Comparative Trauzl Block Tests produced the following results:
......................................Volume
...................................Difference
.........................................(cc)
Al--N2 H5 NO3 --N2 H4 of Ex. 12..........690
Nitroglycerin............................550
TNT......................................295
40% dynamite.............................260
- Also given: sensitivity and performance of theoretical HN propellant mixtures.
- Explosive mixtures containing hydrazine nitrate as the oxidizing agent, for example,
hydrazine nitrate/monoethanolamine/water (80:15:4; density -- 1.42); hydrazine nitrate
/ethylenediamine/water (80:16:4; density -- 1.41); hydrazine nitrate/monomethylamine/
hydroxyethyl hydrazine/water (75:6:4:15; density -- 1.40). (U.S. 4,047,987, titled "Underwater blasting explosives".)
Also, dunno why the book says 'anhydrous'
hydrazine, hydrazine is already anhydrous...
----The book mean anhydrous, because hydrazine usually has water as it is hygroscopic. Water will also steal some of the heat made in the explosion of the decomposition of astrolite, so that it may
vaporize, somewhat decreasing strength.
Hydrazine is the chemical you'll probably have the hardest time getting hold of. Uses for Hydrazine are: Rocket fuel, agricultural chemicals (maleic hydra- zide), drugs (antibacterial and antihypertension), polymerization catalyst, plating metals on glass and plastics, solder fluxes, photographic developers, diving equipment. Hydrazine is also the chemical you should be careful with.
--Yes, hydrazine can cause very bad damage to the liver and also cancer. Other than that it is also highly reactive to oxidizers (explosion hazard on mixing)! ex, Mixing nitric acid to anhydrous hydrazine can result in explosion.
Astrolite A/A-1-5
------------------
Ok, here's the good part...
Mix 20% (weight) aluminum powder to the ammonium nitrate, and then mix with hydrazine. The aluminum powder should be 100 mesh or finer. Astrolite A has a detonation velocity of 7,800MPS.
----Astrolite A-15 may perform very high in the trauzl test but it will be due to the high aluminium content and aluminum oxide formation, as a result giving a pushing (heaving) effect and from the high reaction heat and enthalpy melting the trauzl block more readily but without generating enough brisance, pressure and decreasing detonation velocity (which holds some responsibility for brisance also).
Some data on Astrolite-A-15: (20% Al)
Energy of explosion: 1550 kcal/kg
Detonation velocity: 7400 m/s
Density: 1.6g/cc
Compared to 75% RDX/25% Al:
Energy of Explosion: 2000 kcal/kg
Detonation velocity: 7800 m/s
Density: 1.83g/cc
Misc. info
----------
You should be careful not to get any of the astrolite on you,if it happens though, you should flush the area with water. Astrolite A&G both should be able to be detonated by a #8 blasting cap.
-----There is not much literature on astrolite explosives, there are some patents that mention it:
"The trade name "Astro-Pak" by the Explosives Corporation of America of Issaquah, Washington. "Astro-Pak" is a two component (binary) liquid explosive system. Each component is separately non-detonatable and classified as a non-explosive by the Department of Transportation prior to mixing. "Astro-Pak" may be transported and stored in conventional vehicles or facilities under lock and key. Magazines, ready boxes, or other special equipment or facilities, are not required for unmixed "Astro-pak." "Astro-Pak" is mixed to form "Astrolite T," a
versatile, high performance liquid explosive. The mixed "Astrolite" is a Class A high
explosive and must be handled, transported, stored, and used with the care accorded such explosives."
- U.S. 3,855,929
"Astrolite-G is a clear liquid explosive especially designed to produce a very high
detonation velocity(8200 meters per second). It is 40 times less sensitive to impact
shock and antibatic compression than nitroglycerine and four times safer than
nitromethane, characterized by high energy release and very high gas release. Astrolite-G can be sorbed onto porose substrates for ease of handling, for reduction of density (in terms of explosive material), and for the production of physicochemical systems in which the sorptive material may enter into the optoexplosion to alter the balance between kinetic and optical energies.
Astrolite-A, a solid, and Astrolite-P, a plastic explosive are both tractable to the
fashioning of explosive masses of an interstitial nature, e.g., foamed solid
explosives and explosive fabrics, just described."
- U.S. 3,715,596
There are more......
[This message has been edited by fightclub (edited April 27, 2001).]
[This message has been edited by fightclub (edited April 27, 2001).]
fightclub
New Member
Posts: 39
From: none
Registered: APR 2001
posted 04-29-2001 04:19 PM
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Last but not least, can't forget info from Mellor:
It is an explosive of positive oxygen balance, less stable than ammonium nitrate, and has been studied in detail. Stable on slow heating to 300°C, it decomposes explosively on rapid heating or under confinement. Presence of zinc, copper, most other metals and their acetylides, nitrides, oxides or sulfides cause flaming decomposition above the m.p. (70°C). Commercial cobalt (cubes) causes an explosion also.
The info Above is for Hydrazine nitrate not Astrolite Explosives.
[This message has been edited by fightclub (edited May 02, 2001).]
PHILOU Zrealone
Frequent Poster
Posts: 479
From: Brussels,Belgium,Europe
Registered: SEP 2000
posted 05-03-2001 08:13 AM
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Hydrazine picks up water from the air to make hydrates of hydrazine or hydrazinium hydroxyde (N2H5OH solutions)!
So yes theoricaly hydrazine is NH2-NH2 (anhydrous then) but practicaly it is NH2-NH2 aside with NH2-NH3OH and H2O and a little HONH3-NH3OH!
The anhydrous stuff is very dangerous because of reactivity, flamability, explosivity (monoergol-propergol and hypergol).
------------------
"Life that deadly disease sexually transmitted".
"Chemistry is all what stinks and explode; Physic is all what never works! ;-p :-) :o)"
Mr Cool
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Posts: 991
From: None of your bloody business!
Registered: DEC 2000
posted 05-04-2001 06:47 AM
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I thought I should point out that hydrazinium nitrate is a very easy explosive to make, requiring no concentrated acids (actually, it does need a bit of H2SO4, but it doesn't have to be very concentrated) or rare chemicals. First, make hydrazinium sulphate from household ammonia and calcium or sodium hypochlorite (I and others have posted the method for this already. Do a search. Basically, you just boil them together and add H2SO4). Then, dissolve this in water, and react it with a soulution of calcium nitrate.
Hydrazinium nitrate is produced in the solution, and the calcium sulphate will precipitate out easily. Filter it and drive off the water with gentle heating.
Oh, and thanks for the info fightclub! It's great.I'm very interested in the AN/HN mixtures. Cheap, easy and quite powerful!
Do you have any idea how many grams of HMTD would be required to set off a mixture of 90% AN and 10% HN, fused together and granulated?
New Member
Posts: 38
From:
Registered: MAR 2001
posted 04-22-2001 04:27 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I was not able to find in this forum tinkering with astrolite.
Even if this explosive is supposedly more powerful than the ANNM or PLX this should be a very interesting explosive to play with.
I hope somebody was able to test it recently and share its results.
I have a bottle of hyrazine and would like to test it.
[This message has been edited by nbk2000 (edited April 22, 2001).]
pete
Frequent Poster
Posts: 56
From: u.k
Registered: JAN 2001
posted 04-22-2001 04:40 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Where the heck did you get the hydrazine?
blackadder
Frequent Poster
Posts: 313
From: London
Registered: DEC 2000
posted 04-22-2001 09:55 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Warhead, please stop pressing enter while you type your posts. It makes the post look really wierd in the end. I'm sorry if I sound harsh!
[leave the complaining to the mods and admin, have you wandered why you have LESS posts than you did before?]
[This message has been edited by ALENGOSVIG1 (edited April 22, 2001).]
Sorry dude, I noticed the post pruning as well. T'wont happen again.
[This message has been edited by blackadder (edited April 22, 2001).]
FadeToBlackened
Frequent Poster
Posts: 201
From: Hell
Registered: MAR 2001
posted 04-22-2001 10:21 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yes, how did you get hydrazine?
CragHack
Frequent Poster
Posts: 618
From:
Registered: DEC 2000
posted 04-22-2001 12:42 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
i do not know but it is REALLY REALLY toxic. so be fucking careful. unless of course you want cancer cause that is what it will more than likley cause. i am also interested in where you got it. is the stuff you have anhydrous or is it glacial?
------------------
"If you must, do it with intelligent people, at least they know how to talk to the cops."
SMAG 12B/E5
Frequent Poster
Posts: 61
From:
Registered: FEB 2001
posted 04-22-2001 11:56 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Warhead, I witnessed one of the first demonstrations of "Astrolite" at Ft Bragg, North Carolina by it's manufacturer Explosive Corporation of America in 1970. I later participated in a test in Vietnam. It was them packed in a safe non-mixed binary container that was rated as "air-shippable". We would mix it with the road soil and place a mine fuse within the mix. Once the ammonia evaporated and the area dried, the spot was difficult to detect. Astrolite is a very useful explosive, if hydrazine is available. I have not seen my copy of the ECA patent sent to me by one of their competitors, DuPont. Why not check not only the Patent Office, via internet, but also the archives of The Forum.
FadeToBlackened
Frequent Poster
Posts: 201
From: Hell
Registered: MAR 2001
posted 04-23-2001 05:17 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I don't know about you, but i trust megalomania would not put anything inaccurate on his page.
HMTD Factory
Frequent Poster
Posts: 225
From:
Registered: FEB 2001
posted 04-23-2001 07:25 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
...Trust information, not people...-Buddha
10fingers
Frequent Poster
Posts: 411
From: USA
Registered: SEP 2000
posted 04-24-2001 12:31 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following info on Astrolite is taken from the book "Two Component High Explosive Mixtures".
"Astrolite G, two parts by weight ammonium nitrate mixed with one part by weight of anhydrous hydrazine. Detonation velocity of 8,600 meters per scond.
Astrolite A-1-5, 20% by weight of fine aluminum powder is added to the ammonium nitrate before mixing with the hydrazine. It is claimed to be 1.8 to 2.0 times more powerful than TNT. Astrolite A produces crater volumes 3 times larger than C-4, and 1.5 times greater than PBXN-1, a high power military explosive".
10fingers
Frequent Poster
Posts: 411
From: USA
Registered: SEP 2000
posted 04-24-2001 09:01 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The only other info that the book gave is that Astrolite should be detonated with a compound detonator for best effect, it is 40 times less sensitive to shock than nitroglycerin. If you want the book you can get it from IMS Surplus for around $5.00.
It has about 5 pages about Astrolite and 5 more on ANNM.
fightclub
New Member
Posts: 39
From: none
Registered: APR 2001
posted 04-27-2001 10:54 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alright here is some info I gathered from the net and other places. This is originally an Anarchy file from &Totse, I edited it I was going to make my own homepage with all kinds of this stuff, but decided not to because I am so lazy. I can at least give some info. out. and contribute some information to the thirsty.
Astrolite - the most powerful non-nuclear explosive known to man NOTICE: TO ALL CONCERNED Certain text files and messages contained on this site deal with activities and devices which would be in violation of various Federal, State, and local laws if actually carried out or constructed. The webmasters of this site do not advocate the breaking of any law. Our text files and message bases are for informational purposes only. We recommend that you contact your local law enforcement officials before undertaking any project based upon any information obtained from this or any other web site. We do not guarantee that any of the
information contained on this system is correct, workable, or factual. We are not
responsible for, nor do we assume any liability for, damages resulting from the use
of any information on this site.
Astrolite
---------
The astrolite family of liquid explosives were products of rocket propellant research in the '60's. Astrolite A-1-5 is supposed to be the world's most powerful non-nuclear explosive -at about 1.8 to 2 times more powerful than TNT.
--This statement is false. In the words of the co-inventor of Astrolite A-15 "inventor's hype". Astrolite A-15 has increased energy content but a decreased power content, which makes it less brisant.
Being more powerful it is also safer to handle than TNT (not that it isn't safein the first place) and Nitroglycerin.
----It is toxic and can cause cancer, eventually. It is safer than Nitroglycerin! Not much safer than TNT.
Astrolite G
-----------
"Astrolite G is a clear liquid explosive especially designed to produce very high detonation velocity, 8,600MPS (meters/sec.), compared with 7,700MPS for
--Yes the detonation velocity is high (see below, also see specifications for hydrazine nitrate).
nitroglycerin and 6,900MPS for TNT...In addition, a very unusual characteristic is that it the liquid explosive has the ability to be absorbed easily into the ground while remaining detonatable...In field tests, Astrolite G has remained detonatable for 4 days in the ground, even when the soil was soaked due to rainy weather" know what that means?....Astrolite Dynamite!
To make (mix in fairly large container & outside)
-------
Two parts by weight of ammonium nitrate mixed with one part by weight 'anhydrous' hydrazine, produces Astrolite G...Simple enough eh? I'm sure that the 2:1 ratio is not perfect,and that if you screw around with it long enough, that you'll find a better formula.
--I am not sure what the correct formula for "Astrolite G" is supposed to be, however it is known that it is a mixture of Hydrazine nitrate, Hydrazine and just a little ammonia. But there is a compound prepared here known as hydrazine nitrate (NH2-NH3-NO3) that is a very hygroscopic and very well water soluble solid compound. The ratio above corresponds to mixing:
ex, 20gm Ammonium nitrate to 10 gm of anhydrous hydrazine. Looking at the reaction-equation:
NH4NO3 + N2H4 --> N2H5NO3 + NH3
NH4NO3, MW= 80.04
N2H4, MW= 32.04
20gm NH4NO3 x (1mol NH4NO3 / 80.04gm NH4NO3)
x (1mol N2H4/ 1mol NH4NO3)
x (32.04gm N2H4/ 1mol N2H4) = 8.00gm anhydrous hydrazine (100%)
according to this balanced equation we see that we need for 20gms of ammonium nitrate would have needed 8.00gms anhydrous hydrazine. Some ammonia is released, reportedly the mixture bubbles or foames up strongly which may overflow the container.
They use a small excess of hydrazine which could dissolve the hydrazine nitrate to form a solution (Astrolite).
Hydrazine mononitrate specifications:*
Formula: NH2-NH3-NO3
Density: 1.64g/cc
Molar mass: 95.06 grams/mole.
Oxygen balance: +8.6%
Nitrogen content: 44.2%
Gas volume: 1001 L/kg
Water-solubility: 122.3g/100ml (0°C)**
..................327.5g/100ml (25°C)**
Melting point:
70.7°C (stable alpha modification).
62.1°C (unstable beta modification).
Heat of explosion: (H2O liquid)=
1175 kcal/kg (4919 kJ/kg)
(H2O gas)= 914 kcal/kg (3827 kJ/kg)
Heat of formation: -620.7 kcal/kg
Energy of formation: -586.4 kcal/kg
Critical diameter: 6mm
Impact sensitvity: 7.4 Nm (which maybe something like 37cm drop height with 2kg
fall hammer; where Nitroglycerin is 4cm height with 2kg fallhammer.)
Temperature of decomposition: 229°C
Detonation velocity: 8690m/s confined at a density of 1.60g/cm³
Lead block outwidening: 408cm³/10g (136% of TNT)
* Most of this data is derived from Josef Köhler, Rudolf Meyer, Explosives 4th ed. unless mentioned otherwise.
** Not from Koehler & Meyer
when hydrazine nitrate explodes:
N2H4HNO3 --> 2.5 H2O + 1.5 N2 + 0.25 O2 (specific decompositon products)
giving 4.25 mole of gas/mole of HN on explosion; on conversion to kg (1000/95 = 10.52)
then 4.25 (22.4) = 95.2
then (95.2) 10.52 = 1001 Liters of gas per Kilogram HN.
----
Hydrazine also forms a dinitrate N2H6(NO3)2:
the below data was calculated for the dinitrate, except*
Molar mass: 158.08 grams/mole
Oxygen balance: +30.3%
Nitrogen content: 35.4%
Heat of formation: ca. -75 kcal/mole*
Melting point: 80°C*
Volume of detonation gases: 920 L/kg
Heat of explosion: 616 kcal/kg (H2O gas)
the dinitrate maybe acidic N2H6(NO3)2 <-- --> N2H5NO3 + HNO3
Patents(Miscellaneous):
Crystalline hydrazine nitrate and its preparation is described in French Pat. No.
2,276,261 issued on Jan. 23, 1976 to Pascal et al. Hydrazine nitrate is also readily
prepared, in situ, from conversion of ammonium nitrate to hydrazine nitrate in an aqueous hydrazine solution.
68/20/12% (hydrazine/hydrazine nitrate/methyl alcohol) has a freezing point of -29° F, etc.
- U.S. 4,664,730
Hydrazine 24% by weight
Monomethylhydrazine 45% by weight
Hydrazine Nitrate 31% by weight
System freezes at -65° F. And exhibits very good rocket fuel properties.
- U.S. 3,658,609
British patent: 946,903 --- castable Hydrazine nitrate explosive compositions
- U.S. pat 5,014,623 states that hydrazine and ammonium nitrate react to form hydrazine nitrate.
- An amine sensitizer(U.S. 4,008,110) as are ex, methyl amine nitrate, ethylene diamine nitrate.
- Sensitizer for nitromethane (U.S. 4,034,672) as is ex, N2H4.
- U.S. pat 5,487,798 lists for Hydrazine Nitrate: Melting point: 62.9°C, Heat of formation: ca -59 kcal/mole. And for the dinitrate: N2H6(NO3)2, Mp. 80°C, Heat of formation: ca. -75 kcal/mole
- 1gm Beryllium hydride mixed with in a specially prepared composition 1.5gm crystalline Hydrazine nitrate and 1.5gm crystalline ammonium nitrate gave Heat of explosion of 2.175 kcal/gm (U.S. 3,837,938)
- In Water-in-oil emulision; hydrazine nitrate is particularly preferably used because of its high effect for promoting the dissolving of inorganic oxidizer salt in water. (U.S. 4,543,136)
- Hydrazine nitrate, hydrazine and cyanamide react to give Triaminoguanidine nitrate (TAGN)(U.S. 4,800,232)
-- U.S. 3,419,443: concerning sensitivity, detonation velocity and performance of hydrazine nitrate/hydrazine/ammonia explosive systems and also some about hydrazine perchlorate:
components/proportions:......VOD.......at density (g/cc)
Hydrazine nitrate/Hydrazine/....8600....1.42
Ammonia [91/7/2%]
--This composition appears to resemble Astrolite-G. Because of the small excess of hydrazine and a little ammonia, also the density (1.4g/cc).
Hydrazine nitrate/Hydrazine/.....8500...1.39
Ammonia [88/7/5%]
Hydrazine nitrate/Hydrazine/......8300...1.35
Ammonia [84/7/9%]
Hydrazine nitrate/Hydrazine/......8100...1.31
Ammonia [79/7/14%]
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From Canadian Pat: 493,710:
Granular NH4NO3 can be coated with hydrazine mononitrate to increase sensitivity of the NH4NO3 without, however, so decidedly affecting the detonation rate as when the materials are crystallized together.
Mixes containing 0.02-1.0 parts of HN to every 1 part AN readily fuse into a homogeneous mass which upon solidification, yield crystals of ammonium nitrate-hydrazine nitrate complex. Similarly, the ammonium nitrate-hydrazine nitrate complex crystals may be co-precipitated from water solutions.
Introducing 2% of HN into an ammonium nitrate explosive markedly increases both the sensitivity and detonation rate. While sensitivity and V.O.D. increase as the content of hydrazine mononitrate (HN) is increased, the improvement accomplished by the addition of 5% HN renders the explosive quite satisfactory, and 10% of HN still further improves the detonation rate and sensitvity. HN contents above 10% do not significantly improve the explosive.
.........1.............. 2............3
NH4NO3 76.5%...........88.5%.......83.5%
N2H4HNO3----............5.0........10.0
TNT......7.5............7.5........7.5
Chalk.....0.5...........0.5........0.5
Aluminum dust..0.5......0.5.........0.5
Coal.......3.0..........3.0.........3.0
Detonation rate...9,750...11,420...12,490
(ft. per second)
Gap sensitivity...1-1 1/2, 3-3 1/2.4, 1/2-5
(inches)
--------------------------
From U.S. patent 3,861,138
Example 12:
Al 29%
N2 H5 NO3 51.3%
N2 H4 19.7%
Theoretical calculations indicate the following performance data for the above
composition, in comparision with known comparable explosive systems:
.....................................Vol x H
Volgas...............Heat...............1000
cc/gram..............cal/gm........(Figure of .......................................Merit)
Al--N2 H5 NO3 --N2 H4 of Ex.12
1100.................1800..............1980
Al--NH4 NO3
550.................2350................1290
Blasting gelatine 851.................1422...............1210
Nitroglycerin 721.................1580.................1124
NH4 NO3 + sawdust 1025.................882.................904
TNT 730.................925.................675
Gunpowder 386.................574.................228
As will be noted, the Figure of Merit (a measure of the power produced) is markedly higher for the Al-N2 H5 NO3 -N2 H4 explosive system than for the other explosive systems.
Comparative Trauzl Block Tests produced the following results:
......................................Volume
...................................Difference
.........................................(cc)
Al--N2 H5 NO3 --N2 H4 of Ex. 12..........690
Nitroglycerin............................550
TNT......................................295
40% dynamite.............................260
- Also given: sensitivity and performance of theoretical HN propellant mixtures.
- Explosive mixtures containing hydrazine nitrate as the oxidizing agent, for example,
hydrazine nitrate/monoethanolamine/water (80:15:4; density -- 1.42); hydrazine nitrate
/ethylenediamine/water (80:16:4; density -- 1.41); hydrazine nitrate/monomethylamine/
hydroxyethyl hydrazine/water (75:6:4:15; density -- 1.40). (U.S. 4,047,987, titled "Underwater blasting explosives".)
Also, dunno why the book says 'anhydrous'
hydrazine, hydrazine is already anhydrous...
----The book mean anhydrous, because hydrazine usually has water as it is hygroscopic. Water will also steal some of the heat made in the explosion of the decomposition of astrolite, so that it may
vaporize, somewhat decreasing strength.
Hydrazine is the chemical you'll probably have the hardest time getting hold of. Uses for Hydrazine are: Rocket fuel, agricultural chemicals (maleic hydra- zide), drugs (antibacterial and antihypertension), polymerization catalyst, plating metals on glass and plastics, solder fluxes, photographic developers, diving equipment. Hydrazine is also the chemical you should be careful with.
--Yes, hydrazine can cause very bad damage to the liver and also cancer. Other than that it is also highly reactive to oxidizers (explosion hazard on mixing)! ex, Mixing nitric acid to anhydrous hydrazine can result in explosion.
Astrolite A/A-1-5
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Ok, here's the good part...
Mix 20% (weight) aluminum powder to the ammonium nitrate, and then mix with hydrazine. The aluminum powder should be 100 mesh or finer. Astrolite A has a detonation velocity of 7,800MPS.
----Astrolite A-15 may perform very high in the trauzl test but it will be due to the high aluminium content and aluminum oxide formation, as a result giving a pushing (heaving) effect and from the high reaction heat and enthalpy melting the trauzl block more readily but without generating enough brisance, pressure and decreasing detonation velocity (which holds some responsibility for brisance also).
Some data on Astrolite-A-15: (20% Al)
Energy of explosion: 1550 kcal/kg
Detonation velocity: 7400 m/s
Density: 1.6g/cc
Compared to 75% RDX/25% Al:
Energy of Explosion: 2000 kcal/kg
Detonation velocity: 7800 m/s
Density: 1.83g/cc
Misc. info
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You should be careful not to get any of the astrolite on you,if it happens though, you should flush the area with water. Astrolite A&G both should be able to be detonated by a #8 blasting cap.
-----There is not much literature on astrolite explosives, there are some patents that mention it:
"The trade name "Astro-Pak" by the Explosives Corporation of America of Issaquah, Washington. "Astro-Pak" is a two component (binary) liquid explosive system. Each component is separately non-detonatable and classified as a non-explosive by the Department of Transportation prior to mixing. "Astro-Pak" may be transported and stored in conventional vehicles or facilities under lock and key. Magazines, ready boxes, or other special equipment or facilities, are not required for unmixed "Astro-pak." "Astro-Pak" is mixed to form "Astrolite T," a
versatile, high performance liquid explosive. The mixed "Astrolite" is a Class A high
explosive and must be handled, transported, stored, and used with the care accorded such explosives."
- U.S. 3,855,929
"Astrolite-G is a clear liquid explosive especially designed to produce a very high
detonation velocity(8200 meters per second). It is 40 times less sensitive to impact
shock and antibatic compression than nitroglycerine and four times safer than
nitromethane, characterized by high energy release and very high gas release. Astrolite-G can be sorbed onto porose substrates for ease of handling, for reduction of density (in terms of explosive material), and for the production of physicochemical systems in which the sorptive material may enter into the optoexplosion to alter the balance between kinetic and optical energies.
Astrolite-A, a solid, and Astrolite-P, a plastic explosive are both tractable to the
fashioning of explosive masses of an interstitial nature, e.g., foamed solid
explosives and explosive fabrics, just described."
- U.S. 3,715,596
There are more......
[This message has been edited by fightclub (edited April 27, 2001).]
[This message has been edited by fightclub (edited April 27, 2001).]
fightclub
New Member
Posts: 39
From: none
Registered: APR 2001
posted 04-29-2001 04:19 PM
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Last but not least, can't forget info from Mellor:
It is an explosive of positive oxygen balance, less stable than ammonium nitrate, and has been studied in detail. Stable on slow heating to 300°C, it decomposes explosively on rapid heating or under confinement. Presence of zinc, copper, most other metals and their acetylides, nitrides, oxides or sulfides cause flaming decomposition above the m.p. (70°C). Commercial cobalt (cubes) causes an explosion also.
The info Above is for Hydrazine nitrate not Astrolite Explosives.
[This message has been edited by fightclub (edited May 02, 2001).]
PHILOU Zrealone
Frequent Poster
Posts: 479
From: Brussels,Belgium,Europe
Registered: SEP 2000
posted 05-03-2001 08:13 AM
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Hydrazine picks up water from the air to make hydrates of hydrazine or hydrazinium hydroxyde (N2H5OH solutions)!
So yes theoricaly hydrazine is NH2-NH2 (anhydrous then) but practicaly it is NH2-NH2 aside with NH2-NH3OH and H2O and a little HONH3-NH3OH!
The anhydrous stuff is very dangerous because of reactivity, flamability, explosivity (monoergol-propergol and hypergol).
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"Life that deadly disease sexually transmitted".
"Chemistry is all what stinks and explode; Physic is all what never works! ;-p :-) :o)"
Mr Cool
Frequent Poster
Posts: 991
From: None of your bloody business!
Registered: DEC 2000
posted 05-04-2001 06:47 AM
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I thought I should point out that hydrazinium nitrate is a very easy explosive to make, requiring no concentrated acids (actually, it does need a bit of H2SO4, but it doesn't have to be very concentrated) or rare chemicals. First, make hydrazinium sulphate from household ammonia and calcium or sodium hypochlorite (I and others have posted the method for this already. Do a search. Basically, you just boil them together and add H2SO4). Then, dissolve this in water, and react it with a soulution of calcium nitrate.
Hydrazinium nitrate is produced in the solution, and the calcium sulphate will precipitate out easily. Filter it and drive off the water with gentle heating.
Oh, and thanks for the info fightclub! It's great.I'm very interested in the AN/HN mixtures. Cheap, easy and quite powerful!
Do you have any idea how many grams of HMTD would be required to set off a mixture of 90% AN and 10% HN, fused together and granulated?