SYNTHESIS AND TESTING OF MILITARY DYNAMITE FROM EXPLOSIVE WASTE

DEFENCE UNIVERSITY, COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
FINAL YEAR PROJECT PROPOSAL FOR BACHELOR OF
TECHNOLOGY ON CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

PREPARED BY ID
1. ADUGNA BELAY………………..RDEG 046/10
2. AWOKE MENGISTU………….RDEG 047/10
3. AWOL HASEN…………………RDEG 049/10
4. ESIAYAS MEKETA…………….RDEG051/10

UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF ASHAGRIE LIYEW

BISHOFTU, ETHIOPIA
SEPTEMBER 14, 2022
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
1. INTRODUCTION……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
1.1 Background………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
………………..1
1.2 Statement of the problem…………………………………………………………………………………………………...2
1.3 Significance of the study………………………………….………………………….……………………………………….3
1.4 objective………………………………………………………….……………………………….………………………………….4
1.4.1 General Objective
1.4.1 Specific Objective
1.5 Scope of the study…………………………………………………………………………..…………………………………..4

2.LITERATUE
2.1 Overview of Military dynamite……………………………………………………………………..……………………..5
.
.
2.4 Raw materials and Chemical………………………………………………………………………………………………….
2.4.1 Raw materials

3. METHODOLOGY
3.1 Materials and Chemicals ……………………………………………………………………………………………………
3.2 Methods …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
3.2.1
3.2.2
3.2.3

4. CONCLUSIONS
5.WORK PLAN AND FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS
5.1 Time Schedule……………………………………………………..…………..
5.2 Financial Requirements ……………………………………………………….
6. REFERENCE
Abstract
The chemical composition of synthess military dynamite in defense Engineering College Bishoftu
contains 57 wt.% RDX, 30 wt % TNT and 13 wt % aluminum powder. The primary benefit of
synthesis military dynamite is protect the Industry zone from the pollution of explosive waste
concentration and boosting the economy by using low cost raw material for application of
construction, quarrying and demolition work
 1.Introduction
1.1.Background of the study
Greek dýnamis "power, strength" + -ITE entry 1 — more at DYNAMIC entry 1
Dynamite was invented by Swedish chemist Alfred Nobel in the 1860s and was the first safely
manageable explosive stronger than black powder.
Alfred Nobel's father, Immanuel Nobel, was an industrialist, engineer, and inventor. He built
bridges and buildings in Stockholm and founded Sweden's first rubber factory. His construction
work inspired him to research new methods of blasting rock that were more effective than
black powder. After some bad business deals in Sweden, in 1838 Immanuel moved his
family to Saint Petersburg, where Alfred and his brothers were educated privately under
Swedish and Russian tutors. At age 17, Alfred was sent abroad for two years; in the United
States he met Swedish engineer John Ericsson and in France studied under famed
chemist Théophile-Jules Pelouze and his pupil Ascanio Sobrero, who had first
synthesized nitroglycerin in 1847. In France Nobel encountered nitroglycerin, which Pelouze
cautioned against using as a commercial explosive because of its great sensitivity to shock.[1]
In 1857, Nobel filed the first of several hundred patents, mostly concerning air pressure, gas
and fluid gauges, but remained fascinated with nitroglycerin's potential as an explosive. Nobel,
along with his father and brother Emil, experimented with various combinations of nitroglycerin
and black powder. Nobel came up with a solution of how to safely detonate nitroglycerin by
inventing the detonator, or blasting cap, that allowed a controlled explosion set off from a
distance using a fuse. In 1863 Nobel performed his first successful detonation of pure
nitroglycerin, using a blasting cap made of a copper percussion cap and mercury fulminate. In
1864, Alfred Nobel filed patents for both the blasting cap and his method of synthesizing
nitroglycerin, using sulfuric acid, nitric acid and glycerin. On 3 September 1864, while
experimenting with nitroglycerin, Emil and several others were killed in an explosion at the
factory at Immanuel Nobel's estate at Heleneborg. After this, Alfred founded the company
Nitroglycerin Aktiebolaget AB in Vinterviken to continue work in a more isolated area and the
following year moved to Germany, where he founded another company, Dynamit Nobel.[1]
Despite the invention of the blasting cap, the instability of nitroglycerin rendered it useless as a
commercial explosive. To solve this problem, Nobel sought to combine it with another
substance that would make it safe for transport and handling but would not reduce its
effectiveness as an explosive. He tried combinations of cement, coal, and sawdust, but was
unsuccessful. Finally, he tried diatomaceous earth, fossilized algae, that he brought from
the Elbe River near his factory in Hamburg, which successfully stabilized the nitroglycerin into a
portable explosive.[1]
Nobel obtained patents for his inventions in England on 7 May 1867 and in Sweden on 19
October 1867.[2] After its introduction, dynamite rapidly gained wide-scale use as a safe
alternative to black powder and nitroglycerin. Nobel tightly controlled the patents, and
unlicensed duplicating companies were quickly shut down. A few American businessmen got
around the patent by using absorbents other than diatomaceous earth, such as resin.[3]
Nobel originally sold dynamite as "Nobel's Blasting Powder" but decided to change the name to
dynamite, from the Ancient Greek word dýnamis (δύναμις), meaning "power".[4][5]
"Military dynamite"[edit]
"Military dynamite" is a dynamite substitute, formulated without nitroglycerin. It contains
75% RDX, 15% TNT, 5% SAE 10 motor oil, and 5% cornstarch, but is much safer to store and
handle for long periods than Nobel's dynamite.[14] Military dynamite substitutes much more
stable chemicals for nitroglycerin.[15)
Standard Dynamite. Most dynamites, with the notable exception of military dynamite, contain nitroglycerin

plus varying combinations of absorbents, oxidizers, antacids, and freezing-point depressants. Dynamites vary

greatly in strength and sensitivity depending on, among other factors, the percentage of nitroglycerin they

contain. Dynamites are for general blasting and demolitions, including land clearing, cratering and ditching,

and quarrying.

Military Dynamite. Military dynamite is a composite explosive that contains 75 percent RDX, 15 percent TNT,

and 10 percent desensitizers and plasticizers. Military dynamite is not as powerful as commercial dynamite.

Military dynamite’s equivalent strength is 60 percent of commercial dynamiters. Because military dynamite

contains no nitroglycerin, it is more stable and safer to store and handle than commercial dynamite.

Ml Military Dynamite. a. Characteristics. M1 military dynamite is an RDX-based composite explosive

containing no nitroglycerin (Figure 1-6). M 1 dynamite is packaged in ½-pound, paraffin-coated, cylindrical

paper cartridges, which have a nominal diameter of 1.25 inches and a nominal length of 8 inches. Table 1-2

(page 1-5) lists additional characteristics for Ml military dynamite. b. Use. Ml dynamite’s primary uses are

military construction, quarrying, ditching, and service demolition work. It is suitable for underwater

demolitions. c. Advantages. Ml dynamite will not freeze or perspire in storage. The Ml dynamite’s composition

is not hydroscopic. Shipping containers do not require turning during storage. Ml dynamite is safer to store,
handle, and transport than 60-percent commercial dynamite. Unless essential, do not use civilian dynamite in

combat areas.

d. Limitations. Ml dynamite is reliable underwater only for 24 hours. Because of its low sensitivity, pack sticks

of military dynamite well to ensure complete detonation of the charge. Ml dynamite is not efficient as a cutting

or breaching charge.

1.2.STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

We removed a large amount of explosive waste (above 500kg of RDx,TNT and Aluminum
powder waste) from Homicho Ammunition Engineering Industry .By this waste the Industry
have to be unmasked to pollution .Due to this problem we are initiated to Re-use the waste to
produce military dynamite.

"Military dynamite" is a dynamite substitute, formulated without nitroglycerin. It contains 57%

RDX, 30% TNT, and 13% of Aluminum powder, but is much safer to store and handle for long
periods than Nobel's dynamite. Military dynamite substitutes much more stable chemicals for
nitroglycerin.

3. OBJECTIVE

3.1. General Objective

To synthesis and testing of military dynamite from explosive waste

3.1.1. Specific Objectives of the study

*characterization of

*feasibility of the project

3.2 .Scope of the study

This study mainly concentrate on synthesis and performance evaluation of military dynamite
3.4. Significance of the study

The significance of this thesis is protect the Industry zone from explosive waste and produce
highly powerful military dynamite. we are imported high explosives ( RDX ,TNT, Aluminum
powder).To import this explosives we expend so many birr. So to use this waste have it’s own
economical an advantage , by using effectively the waste .and also the study has great
significance in Ethiopia produce military dynamite helps to mining, quarrying, construction, and
demolition industries.

Litrature Review
"Military dynamite" is a dynamite substitute, formulated without nitroglycerin. It contains
75% RDX, 15% TNT, 5% SAE 10 motor oil, and 5% cornstarch, but is much safer to store and
handle for long periods than Nobel's dynamite.[14] Military dynamite substitutes much more
stable chemicals for nitroglycerin
But we works about RDX ,TNT and Aluminum powder.
. Characteristics. To be suitable for use in military operations, explosives must have certain
properties. Military explosives— Should be inexpensive to manufacture and capable of being
produced from readily available raw materials. Must be relatively insensitive to shock or
friction, yet be able to positively detonate by easily prepared initiators. Must be capable of
shattering and must have the potential energy (high energy output per unit volume) adequate
for the purpose of demolitions. Must be stable enough to retain usefulness for a reasonable
time when stored in temperatures between -80 and +165 degrees Fahrenheit. Should be
composed of high-density materials (weight per unit volume). Should be suitable for use
underwater or in damp climates. Should be minimally toxic when stored, handled, and
detonated

a. Ammonium Nitrate. Ammonium nitrate is the least sensitive of the military explosives. It
requires a booster charge to successfully initiate detonation. Because of its low
sensitivity, ammonium nitrate is a component of many composite explosives (combined
with a more sensitive explosive). Ammonium nitrate is not suitable for cutting or
breaching charges because it has a low detonating velocity. However, because of its
excellent cratering affects and low cost, ammonium nitrate is a component of most
cratering and ditching charges. Commercial quarrying operations use ammonium nitrate
demolitions extensively. Pack ammonium nitrate in an airtight container because it is
extremely hydroscopic (absorbs humidity). Ammonium nitrate or composite explosives
containing ammonium nitrate are not suitable for underwater use unless packed in
waterproof containers or detonated immediately after placement.
b. Trinitrotoluene. TNT is the most common military explosive. It maybe in composite
form, such as a booster, a bursting, or a demolition charge, or in a noncomposite form.
Since TNT is a standard explosive, it is used to rate other military explosives
c. Cyclotrimethlenetrinitramine (RDX). RDX is also a highly sensitive and very powerful
military explosive.

4.METHEDOLOGY OF THE STUDY

4.1. Material use

 Balance
 Oven
 Ignitor
 electric wire
 Large dynamo
 Carton Cartridge
 Driller
  Mixer/stirrer
 Thermometer

4.2 Chemicals Use

 RDX
 TNT
 Aluminum powder
 Gunoyl

4.3 General Procedures

we collected RDX, TNT and Aluminum from Ammunition Engineering Industry waste and
prepared by the following procedures

Sorting and Weighing The collected explosive waste sorting by it,s identity and by using a
measuring balance weighing each individually ,142.5g RDX, 75g TNT, and 32.5g aluminum
powder.

Mixing By using oven melt the TNT first because low melting point ( than RDx and Aluminum
powder) and stir it to change liquid form, next add RDX and stir slowely . finally add aluminum
powder and stir it continuously and uniformly.

5.TIME PLAN

6.Facilities Available for Conducting the Research Project

 Machines/Apparatus Possession status Remark

1 Balance P
2 Driller NP
3 Mixer P
4 Large dynamo NP
5 Oven P
6 Thermometer P
7 Electric wire NP
8
9
10

7. Reference

.
8. Financial Requirement for the proposed Research Project

S/No Item Specification Unit Quantity Unit price Total Price

(Birr)

1 TNT gram 75 x xt
2 RDX g 142.5 x
3 Aluminum g 32.5 X
powder
4 Dynamo Large 1 x
5 Ignitor 1 x
6 Cartridge 1 x
Carton
7 Driller 1 x