Talk:Astrolite

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From the "References" section, Hurst's usenet postings:

"Both of these mixtures are known as Astrolites, a trade name. Astrolite is a binary explosive, consisting of hydrazinium perchlorate and nitrate, when mixed. Some astrolites are made of only the perchlorate (the most powerful ones)."

This confirms my understanding that besides hydrazine nitrate, "Astrolite" usually contains hydrazine perchlorate -- what I remember from when I looked up the patent, maybe 25 years ago. Hurst mentions other, more powerful formulations than A and G. Also some articles in the popular press in the mid-60's referred to its use when absorbed in soil as "liquid land mine", the supposed advantage being that it would deactivate in a few days. I think it was used experimentally in Vietnam. This article needs to be rewritten by an expert. -Wfaxon 04:55, 16 July 2006 (UTC)

Gerry no longer participates in internet discussions, unfortunately. We never got him to give us a good reliable run-down of the various Astrolite mixes, and they tend not to be well documented in modern explosives literature either, since they're not used much anymore and considered a health hazard. If you can find a professional expert who actually knows them, or a source which covers it well, be my guest... Georgewilliamherbert 05:06, 16 July 2006 (UTC)