Omar Khalid
Plastic explosives are soft and hand-mouldable solid forms of explosive material. They are commonly used in military applications, such as explosive demolition, and in civilian applications, such as shock-hardening high-manganese percentage steel. The first plastic explosive was gelignite, invented by Alfred Nobel in 1875. Since then, a variety of plastic explosives have been developed, including Composition C, C2, and C3, which incorporate plasticizers to decrease sensitivity and make the composition plastic. Plastic explosives contain different explosive fillers, such as pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), bonded by different polymeric matrices. One example of a new plastic explosive in the research stage is EPX-1, which has been prepared for both military and civilian applications and has been found to have the highest detonation velocity of all the studied plastic explosives.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common examples | Semtex, C-4, Composition C, Composition C2, Composition C3, Nobel 808, Nitrols |
| Appearance | Soft, hand-moldable solid |
| Common use cases | Explosive demolition, shock hardening high manganese percentage steel, reactive tank armor |
| Advantages | Easily formed into ideal shapes, high velocity of detonation, high density |
| Temperature range | Composition C: 0-40 °C (32-104 °F) Composition C2: −30 to 52 °C (−22 to 126 °F) |
| Composition | Composition C: 88.3% RDX and 11.7% non-oily, non-explosive plasticizer Composition C2: 80% RDX and 20% plasticizer Composition C3: 77% RDX and 23% explosive plasticizer |
| New development | EPX-1: contains pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) with different particle sizes as an explosive filler |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic explosives are soft and hand-mouldable
The first plastic explosive was gelignite, invented by Alfred Nobel in 1875. However, the term "plastique" originated from the Nobel 808 explosive, which was introduced to the US by the British in 1940. During World War II, the British Special Operations Executive (SOE) extensively used Nobel 808 for sabotage missions. It was also used in HESH anti-tank shells and was instrumental in devising the Gammon grenade.
Following World War II, several new RDX-based explosives were developed, including Composition C, which was composed of 88.3% RDX and 11.7% non-oily, non-explosive plasticizer. Composition C was superseded by Composition C2, which had a wider plastic temperature range, and then by Composition C3, which was more effective but too brittle in cold weather. C3 was replaced by C4, which has three classes with varying amounts of RDX and polyisobutylene.
Today, there are various types of plastic explosives produced by different countries, containing different explosive fillers bonded by distinct polymeric matrices. Some examples include Semtex 10 and Semtex 1A, produced by the Explosia Company in the Czech Republic, and Formex P1, a French plastic explosive. EPX-1 is a new plastic explosive in the research stage, which contains pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) as the explosive filler and has potential applications in both military and civilian contexts.
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They are used in military and civilian applications
Plastic explosives are soft and hand-mouldable solid forms of explosive material. They are used in military and civilian applications. For example, EPX-1 is a new plastic explosive in the research stage that has been prepared for both military and civilian use. It contains pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) with different particle sizes as an explosive filler, bonded by a non-energetic thermoplastic binder plasticized by dibutyl phthalate (DBP). Its high detonation velocity and compatibility of ingredients make it a promising explosive.
In military applications, plastic explosives are used for explosive demolition of obstacles and fortifications by combat engineers. They can be easily moulded into ideal shapes for cutting through solid steel and other structural members. During World War II, the British used a plastic explosive called Composition C as a demolition charge. This was later replaced by Composition C2, which had a wider temperature range at which it remained plastic, and then by Composition C3.
Another military use of plastic explosives is in reactive armour for tanks. Plastic explosives are sandwiched between two plates of steel. When an incoming high-explosive shaped charge anti-tank round pierces the outer steel plate, the plastic explosive detonates, disrupting the energy from the incoming round and shielding the tank.
In civilian applications, plastic explosives are commonly used for shock-hardening high-manganese percentage steel, a material used for train rail components and earth-digging implements. They are also used in demolition work and underwater blasting operations. For example, Semtex 10 and Semtex 1A, produced by the Explosia Company in the Czech Republic, are plastic explosives that contain PETN as an explosive filler bonded by a non-explosive plasticizer.
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Common plastic explosives include Semtex and C-4
Plastic explosives are soft and hand-mouldable solid explosives. They are especially useful for explosive demolition and combat engineering. They are generally not used for ordinary blasting as they tend to be significantly more expensive than other materials that perform just as well. Common commercial uses of plastic explosives include shock-hardening high-manganese percentage steel and reactive tank armour.
Semtex is a plastic explosive substance used by both military and terrorist organisations. It was developed in what is now the Czech Republic and comes in several varieties distinguished by colour: orange (Semtex-1H), red (Semtex 1A), black (Semtex 10, also called Pl Np 10), and grey (Pl Hx 30).
C-4 is a plastic explosive similar in structure to Semtex. It is used by both military and terrorist organisations and has a reputation for producing a "high" as well as a "buzz". C-4 contains 90% cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX) and 10% polyisobutylene. There are three classes of C-4, with varying amounts of RDX and polyisobutylene.
C-4 replaced Composition C3, which was a mixture of 77% RDX and 23% explosive plasticizer. C3 was effective but proved to be too brittle in cold weather. Composition C3 was preceded by Composition C2, which used a mixture of 80% RDX and 20% plasticizer. Composition C2 had a wider temperature range at which it remained plastic, from −30 to 52 °C (−22 to 126 °F). Composition C was the first of these compositions, superseded by Composition C2. It was 88.3% RDX and 11.7% non-oily, non-explosive plasticizer.
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Plastic explosives are ideal for explosive demolition
Plastic explosives, also known as putty explosives, are soft and hand-mouldable solid explosives. They are a mixture of secondary explosives with flexible binding material that also serves as fuel. The most common plastic explosive is C-4, which contains about 90% RDX, 5–6% plasticizer, 2% polyisobutylene binder, and 1.5% fuel oil.
An early use of plastic explosives was in the warhead of the Petard demolition mortar of the British Armoured Vehicle Royal Engineers (AVRE) during Operation Overlord (D-Day). The British also used a plastic explosive called Composition C during World War II as a demolition charge. This was replaced by Composition C2, which had a wider temperature range at which it remained plastic.
Plastic explosives are generally not used for ordinary blasting as they tend to be significantly more expensive than other materials that perform just as well. However, they are used in the military, construction, demolition, and mining industries. They are also used in reactive armour in tanks, where the explosive is sandwiched between two plates of steel.
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They are more expensive than other materials
Plastic explosive fillers are crucial components in the composition of plastic explosives, which are a type of explosive material that can be moulded and shaped to conform to various surfaces and objects. These fillers play a significant role in determining the overall effectiveness and performance characteristics of the final explosive device. While there are different types of fillers that can be used, one key factor that distinguishes certain fillers is their cost implications.
Indeed, some plastic explosive fillers can be more expensive than other commonly used materials, and this higher cost stems from several factors. Firstly, the specific chemical composition and ingredients used in the filler can contribute to increased expenses. Certain chemicals and additives that enhance the performance and sensitivity of the explosive may be more costly to source and produce. For example, specialised chemicals that improve detonation velocity or increase the overall energy output of the explosive device can drive up the price.
Additionally, the manufacturing processes and quality control measures employed in the production of plastic explosive fillers can also influence their cost. To ensure consistency and reliability in the final explosive device, manufacturers often implement stringent quality standards and sophisticated production techniques. This may involve investing in advanced equipment, rigorous testing procedures, and highly trained personnel, all of which contribute to higher production costs that are reflected in the price of the filler. Furthermore, the demand and availability of certain fillers can impact their market price.
Specialised fillers with specific performance characteristics may be in higher demand, particularly in military or specialised demolition applications, which can drive up costs. Additionally, the availability of raw materials and the complexity of the supply chain can also affect pricing. In some cases, fillers may require rare or difficult-to-source components, further increasing their expense. It is worth noting that while plastic explosive fillers may contribute to higher upfront costs, they can also offer significant advantages in terms of performance and reliability. These fillers are carefully engineered to enhance the overall effectiveness of the explosive device, ensuring consistent and controlled detonation.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic explosive fillers are compounds that are bonded with a polymeric matrix to form plastic explosives. Common fillers include pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) and non-explosive plasticizers.
Plastic explosives are a soft and hand-mouldable solid form of explosive material. They are often used in military applications and are well-suited for explosive demolition.
Common plastic explosives include Semtex, C-4, and Nobel 808, which was extensively used during World War II.
The selection of a plastic explosive filler depends on the desired characteristics of the explosive. Factors such as crystal morphology, sensitivity, and detonation velocity are considered when choosing an appropriate filler.
Plastic explosives have various military and civilian applications. In the military, they are used in reactive armour for tanks and demolition charges. Civilian uses include shock-hardening high manganese percentage steel used in train rails and earth digging implements.
