Ammonal: A Dangerous Explosive No Longer in Wide Use

Ammonal is a type of explosive that is made by mixing ammonium nitrate (a common fertilizer) with other chemicals, such as fuel oil or diesel fuel. The exact composition of ammonal can vary depending on the specific formulation, but it typically contains about 95% ammonium nitrate and 5% fuel oil or diesel fuel.

Ammonal was first developed in the early 20th century as a more powerful alternative to dynamite, which was the primary explosive used at the time. It was used extensively in the mining industry for blasting rock and soil, and it was also used in construction and demolition projects. However, due to its instability and the risk of accidental detonation, ammonal is no longer widely used today.

One of the main reasons why ammonal is no longer used is because it can be unstable and prone to spontaneous combustion. This means that it can ignite without any external heat source, which can lead to accidents and injuries. In addition, ammonal can release toxic gases when it burns, which can be harmful to people and the environment.

Despite its risks, ammonal was still used in some industries until the 1970s, when safer and more stable explosives became available. Today, it is mostly used in specialized applications, such as in the production of fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices. However, even in these applications, it is typically mixed with other chemicals to make it less unstable and more safe to use.