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RDX

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Tenshi Hinanawi edited this page Apr 19, 2012 · 1 revision

R.D.X., also called cyclonite, or composition C-1 (when mixed with plasticisers) is one of the most valuable of all military explosives. This is because it has more than 150% of the power of T.N.T., and is much easier to detonate. It should not be used alone, since it can be set off by a not-too severe shock. It is less sensitive than mercury fulminate, or nitroglycerine, but it is still too sensitive to be used alone.

                     NO
                       2
                      |
                      N
                     / \             RDX MOLECULE
                    /   \
                   H C   H C
                  / 2     2
                 /        |
               O N        N--NO
                2 \      /     2
                   \    /
                    \  /
                     CH
                       2

R.D.X. can be made by the surprisingly simple method outlined hereafter. It is much easier to make in the home than all other high explosives, with the possible exception of ammonium nitrate.

 MATERIALS                    EQUIPMENT
 ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ                    ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ
 hexamine                     500 ml beaker
   or
 methenamine                  glass stirring rod
 fuel tablets (50 g)
                              funnel and filter paper
 concentrated
 nitric acid (550 ml)         ice bath container  (plastic bucket)

 distilled water              centigrade thermometer

 table salt                   blue litmus paper

 ice                          ammonium nitrate

  1. Place the beaker in the ice bath, (see section 3.13, steps 3-4) and carefully pour 550 ml of concentrated nitric acid into the beaker.

  2. When the acid has cooled to below 20 degrees centigrade, add small amounts of the crushed fuel tablets to the beaker. The temperature will rise, and it must be kept below 30 degrees centigrade, or dire consequences could result. Stir the mixture.

  3. Drop the temperature below zero degrees centigrade, either by adding more ice and salt to the old ice bath, or by creating a new ice bath. Or, ammonium nitrate could be added to the old ice bath, since it becomes cold when it is put in water. Continue stirring the mixture, keeping the temperature below zero degrees centigrade for at least twenty minutes

  4. Pour the mixture into a litre of crushed ice. Shake and stir the mixture, and allow it to melt. Once it has melted, filter out the crystals, and dispose of the corrosive liquid.

  5. Place the crystals into one half a litre of boiling distilled water. Filter the crystals, and test them with the blue litmus paper. Repeat steps 4 and 5 until the litmus paper remains blue. This will make the crystals more stable and safe.

  6. Store the crystals wet until ready for use. Allow them to dry completely using them. R.D.X. is not stable enough to use alone as an explosive.

  7. Composition C-1 can be made by mixing 88.3% R.D.X. (by weight) with 11.1% mineral oil, and 0.6% lecithin. Kneed these material together in a plastic bag. This is one way to desensitize the explosive.

  8. H.M.X. is a mixture of T.N.T. and R.D.X.; the ratio is 50/50, by weight. it is not as sensitive, and is almost as powerful as straight R.D.X.

  9. By adding ammonium nitrate to the crystals of R.D.X. after step 5, it should be possible to desensitize the R.D.X. and increase its power, since ammonium nitrate is very insensitive and powerful. Soduim or potassium nitrate could also be added; a small quantity is sufficient to stabilize the R.D.X.

  10. R.D.X. detonates at a rate of 8550 meters/second when it is compressed to a density of 1.55 g/cubic cm.

                                         -= Exodus =-

Reclamation of RDX from C-4 Explosives

by the Jolly Roger

RDX can be obtained from C-4 explosives with the use of gasoline. It can be used as a booster explosive for detonators or as a high explosive charge.

Material Required

  • Gasoline
  • C-4 explosive
  • 2 - pint glass jars, wide mouth
  • Paper towels
  • Stirring rod (glass or wood)
  • Water
  • Ceramic or glass dish
  • Pan
  • Heat source
  • Teaspoon
  • Cup
  • Tape

NOTE: Water, Ceramic or glass dish, pan, & heat source are all optional. The RDX can be air dried instead.

Procedure:

  1. Place 1-1/2 teaspoons (15 grams) of C-4 explosive in one of the pint jars. Add 1 cup (240 milliliters) of gasoline.
  • NOTE: These quantities can be increased to obtain more RDX. For example, use 2 gallons of gasoline per 1 cup of C-4.
  1. Knead and stir the C-4 with the rod until the C-4 has broken down into small particles. Allow mixture to stand for 1/2 hour.
  2. Stir the mixture again until a fine white powder remains on the bottom of the jar.
  3. Filter the mixture through a paper towel into the other glass jar. Wash the particles collected on the paper towel with 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) of gasoline. Discard the waste liquid.
  4. Place the RDX particles in a glass or ceramic dish. Set the dish in a pan of hot water, not boiling and dry for a period of 1 hour.

NOTE: The RDX particles may be air dried for a period of 2 to 3 hours.

See later file...... CBIV. -= Exodus =-

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