I’m planning on synthesizing a booster for ANFO and was wondering what the best compound to use is out of RDX, PETN, and ETN. Ease of synthesis and
price/gram are the relevant factors. wessonsmith - 22-2-2020 at 19:26
I’m planning on synthesizing a booster for ANFO and was wondering what the best compound to use is out of RDX, PETN, and ETN. Ease of synthesis and
price/gram are the relevant factors.
For ease of synthesis and price, you can't beat ETN. The precursor Erythritol is very inexpensive and easily attainable, and won't get you put on a
government list.
Power-wise, you can't beat the ease of melt-cast ETN. Tsjerk - 23-2-2020 at 04:59
Please be careful with melting ETN. First of all there is no need to melt, second molten ETN is as sensitive as TATP.
Yamoto71 could confirm.
[Edited on 23-2-2020 by Tsjerk]wessonsmith - 23-2-2020 at 07:26
Tsjerk is correct that ETN in the molten state is VERY sensitive. That being said, melt-cast ETN is less sensitive than
powdered ETN. This is how I very easily and SAFELY melt ETN.
Get yourself cardboard tubes and the accompanying plugs for said tubes.
Place the required amount of powdered ETN into the tube. You will need to do the math as to the amount of booster you need.
Set the temperature to 185°F for 15min. Remove the lid once done and let the molten ETN solidify. 20min works. No need to touch, move, or otherwise
interact with the ETN in the molten state.
The difference between the power of powdered ETN and melt-cast ETN is night and day.
You can also create a powerful plastic using Lithium Grease and powdered ETN if you want a cap sensitive booster that is much less sensitive than
melt-cast ETN. That requires a little more work.
Please be careful with melting ETN. First of all there is no need to melt, second molten ETN is as sensitive as TATP.
Yamoto71 could confirm.
[Edited on 23-2-2020 by Tsjerk]
I disagree. Melt cast ETN is more powerful and less sensitive (once dried) than loose crystal form. It can be safely done by placing powdered ETN in a
mound, and using a cheap infrared halogen or toaster oven outside with a long extension cord. Just set the right temperature and start/stop the oven
by plugging and unplugging the extension cord from a safe distance, and let it cool for a couple hours before approaching the oven. MineMan - 18-4-2020 at 16:08
If ANFO is confined and crushed you don’t need massive DP to initiate. No need to mess with any of these.
