Dynamite

Dynamite is an explosive made of nitroglycerin, an adsorbant (usually diatomaceous earth) and various stabilizers. It is the first high explosive developed, and it replaced gunpowder in many applications.

Properties

Chemical

Dynamite will burn if ignited, but if the flame is too hot, it may explode.

Physical

Dynamite is a white-grayish paste, insoluble in solvents (the filler part). Dynamite has a density between 1.30 - 1.51 g/cm³.

Explosive

Dynamite is a strong explosive, which is sensitive to shock, such as impact. It has an average detonation velocity of 6,000 m/s.

Availability

Few places still manufacture dynamite in its classical version, as most have switched to the more safe ANFO-based explosives. Dyno Nobel is one of the few that still produce it. Purchasing it requires an explosive permit.

Preparation

Dynamite can be prepared by carefully adding nitroglycerin to powdered diatomite and allowing it to slowly adsorb in the diatomaceous earth.

Projects

Dynamite is best used as a way to safely handle and detonate nitroglycerin.

Handling

Safety

Working with dynamite will result in absorbing nitroglycerin liquid/vapors, which, being a strong vasodilator, will result in severe headaches.

Storage

Dynamite is best stored in cool places. It can only be stored safely for about 1 year. Over time, it will "sweat" nitroglycerin, which is very dangerous.

Disposal

Dynamite should be placed in more diatomaceous earth to further dilute it and prevent it from sweating nitroglycerin.

References

Relevant Sciencemadness threads

• Weeping Dynamite (syneresis)
• Ammonium Dynamite
• How Nobel actually discovered dynamite?