C-4 (explosive)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

You have new messages (last change).
Preparing C-4 explosive
Enlarge
Preparing C-4 explosive

C-4 or Composition C-4 is a common variety of military plastic explosive. The term composition is used for any stable explosive, and "Composition A" and "Composition B" are other known variants.

C-4 is made up of explosive, plastic binder, plasticizer and, usually, marker or taggant chemicals such as 2,3-dimethyl-2,3-dinitrobutane (DMDNB) to help detect the explosive and identify its source. As with many plastic explosives, the explosive material in C-4 is RDX (also known as cyclonite or cyclotrimethylene trinitramine) which makes up around 91% of the C-4 by weight. The plasticizer is di(2-ethylhexyl) or dioctyl sebacate (5.3%), and the binder is polyisobutylene (2.1%). Another plasticizer used is dioctyl adipate (DOA). A small amount of SAE 10 non-detergent motor oil (1.6%) is also added. C-4 detonates at about 26,400 fps (8,050 meters per second).

C-4 is made by combining RDX slurry with binder dissolved in a solvent. The solvent is then evaporated away and the mixture is dried and filtered. The final material is an off-white solid with a feel similar to modelling clay.

C-4 is a 1960s improvement on a British World War II development called Nobel 808 which contained RDX, mineral oil, and lecithin. C-4 is part of a group of explosives along with C, C2 and C3, each containing different amounts of RDX.

A major advantage of C-4 is that it can easily be moulded into any desired shape. C-4 can be pressed into gaps/voids in buildings, bridges, equipment or machinery. Similarly, it can easily be inserted into empty shaped-charge cases of the type used by special forces. C-4 is also well known for its durability, reliability, and safety. It will not explode even if hit by a bullet, punched, cut, or thrown into a fire. The only reliable method for detonation is via a detonator or blasting cap. However, applying pressure in combination with heat can often cause detonation.

When the military or a demolition company uses C-4 they normally use 8–10 pounds of C-4 to demolish eight-inch-square steel beams, even though this is more explosive than is required. They do this to make sure that they have accomplished the job successfully.

British Military plastic explosive is referred to as PE4. Like C-4, it is an off-white solid and its explosive characteristics are nearly identical. The only difference between C-4 and PE4 is the type and proportion of plasticizer used.

C-4 is 1.34 times as explosive as Trinitrotoluene (TNT).

[edit] Trivia

  • Because C-4 burns slowly if simply ignited with a flame, rather than detonated with a primary explosive, many soldiers would use small amounts of C-4 as means of heating rations while on long patrols during the Vietnam War era. While many soldiers were able to use C-4 in this manner safely, there are several anecdotes about soldiers attempting to put out the fire by stomping on it and causing it to detonate. [1]
  • C-4 is a typical explosive used in many movies, TV shows and video games (Such as the popular game Counter-Strike), and is prominently used in the Bruce Willis film Die Hard, where an enormous amount is used to destroy a huge plaza building.
  • Despite the fact that molding C-4 into shapes introduces air, dirt and other impurities, reducing its power slightly, many movies show C-4 being used in this way.
  • C-4 was used to destroy the remains of a murdered 28-year old freelance model Altantuya Shaariibuu in Malaysia. Her bone remains were recovered in Puncak Alam, near Shah Alam, Malaysia.

[edit] References

  1. ^ DavidPye Website
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org../../../c/-/4/C-4_%28explosive%29.html"