Improvised Detonators and Explosives Construction

Posted on Dec 2, 2024 in Chemistry

Detonators of delay, also known as time detonators, are useful in various applications. Here are some examples:

Mecha Time

It is relatively simple to create time detonators using fuses for ignition. One common method involves cigarettes, which burn for approximately eight minutes. By determining the burn time of a cigarette, you can plan its use as a delay fuse.

Image

A similar method uses a rolled paper tube filled with coal dust and a leaf. Powdered coal mixed with finely ground materials can also serve as a fuse.

Carbide Bomb

Warning: Extremely Dangerous

Calcium carbide, used in coal lamps, reacts with water to produce acetylene gas. In a sealed container, this reaction creates pressure that can cause an explosion. Acetylene is flammable, and a burning rag near the container can ignite it.

Letterbomb

  1. Prepare a mild thermite mixture using 75% aluminum and 25% iron powder.
  2. Obtain a double-layered envelope.
  3. Place the thermite mixture in the inner layer and magnesium powder in the outer layer.
  4. The ignition mechanism requires experimentation. An explosive touch fuse can ignite the magnesium, which in turn ignites the thermite.

CO2 Pump

Use a cartridge with a nail hole to hold black powder and a wick. Pack the powder tightly and insert a waterproof wick or M-80 fuse. Ignite and move away quickly. This device can damage mailboxes, cars, windows, and other objects.

Smoke Bomb

Materials:

  • 4 parts sugar
  • 6 parts potassium nitrate
  • Container
  • Wick

Procedure:

  1. Mix sugar and potassium nitrate, then heat until dissolved.
  2. Pour the solution into a container and insert a wick with phosphorus heads before it solidifies.

Generic Bomb

Materials:

  • Gasoline
  • Glass container with lid
  • Potassium permanganate

Procedure:

  1. Add gasoline drops to the container, cover, and rotate to coat the inside.
  2. Uncover to let the gasoline evaporate.
  3. Add potassium permanganate and seal.
  4. The bomb detonates upon impact with a solid object.

Note: This bomb has significant explosive power.

Plastic Explosive

Potassium chlorate is a volatile explosive. It can be extracted from household bleach.

Materials:

  • Bleach
  • Potassium chloride
  • Hydrometer
  • Heat-resistant container

Procedure:

  1. Heat bleach and add potassium chloride.
  2. Boil until the hydrometer reads 1.3.
  3. Cool to near 0°C and filter the crystals.
  4. Purify the crystals by fractional crystallization.
  5. Dry the crystals.
  6. Mix with Vaseline and wax dissolved in white gasoline.
  7. Knead into the potassium chlorate and let the gasoline evaporate.
  8. Store in a cool, dry place.

Warning: Avoid friction and contact with sulfur or phosphorus.

Explosive Touch

Procedure:

  1. Dissolve iodine crystals in ammonia.
  2. Evaporate the ammonia and dry the crystals.
  3. Handle carefully as the crystals are impact-sensitive.

Book Bomb

A book bomb conceals explosives within a book.

Materials:

  • Large book
  • Electric drill
  • Saw
  • Paste (flour and water)

Procedure:

  1. Prepare paste by boiling water and mixing with flour.
  2. Soak the book’s pages in paste, avoiding the covers.
  3. Let the pages dry for three days.
  4. Drill a hole and saw a rectangle in the pages.
  5. Place the bomb inside and seal the book.

Image

Phone Bomb

A phone bomb detonates when the phone is answered.

Procedure:

  1. Tape the phone switch down.
  2. Remove the speaker and connect the explosive’s ignitor wires.
  3. Place plastic explosive inside the phone.
  4. Reassemble the phone.

Smoke Bombs

Smoke bombs can be used for concealment or disruption.

Homemade smoke bombs use sugar, sulfur, and a base material like black powder. Sawdust, plastic, or rubber can also be used. The container affects smoke production.

Colored Flames

Chemicals can produce colored flames for signals.

  • Red: Strontium salts
  • Green: Barium salts
  • Yellow: Sodium salts
  • Blue: Copper powder
  • White: Magnesium or potassium powder
  • Purple: Potassium permanganate

Ignitor Time Clock

Time clocks can be used to detonate explosives.

A nut and the clock hand can complete a circuit at a set time. Electronic clocks offer more flexibility.

Image

A VCR clock or digital timer can be used for longer delays.