What is Ammonium Nitrate?
Ammonium nitrate is a salt that has the chemical formula NH4NO3. It is used as an agricultural fertilizer and in the production of explosives. In fertilizers, it can be applied by itself or in a mixture with urea to provide nitrogen. Ammonium nitrate is also used as an oxidizer in rocket propellants and in oil well drilling fluids. Ammonium nitrate is also used extensively as an ingredient in making high explosive compositions such as TNT, dynamite, and blasting gelatin.
The chemical structure of ammonium ions attached to two molecules of nitrate ions resembles that of ammonia (NH3), which explains its name.
The salt makes up about 50% of most manufactured fertilizer products but this proportion can vary depending on the type. In some countries, it is not allowed to import or use the compound for either farming or industrial purposes because its misuse can result in serious public safety issues including fire and explosion risks.
How is ammonium nitrate used?
It is used as an agricultural fertilizer and in the production of explosives. In fertilizers, it can be applied by itself or in a mixture with urea to provide nitrogen. Ammonium nitrate is also used as an oxidizer in rocket propellants and in oil well drilling fluids.
Ammonium nitrate is also used extensively as an ingredient in making high explosive compositions for DIY exploding shooting targets.
Safety concerns and precautions
Ammonium nitrate is a chemical that can be used for both industrial and farming purposes. It can be purchased at most hardware stores, but in some countries this chemical is not allowed to be imported or used because its misuse can result in serious public safety issues including fire and explosion risks.
Purchased ammonium nitrate should not be stored near any kind of heat source such as ovens, stoves and heating vents. The chemical should also not come in contact with water or acids.
If the substance is spilled, it should be isolated from people or animals by placing sand or dirt around the spill. Ammonium nitrate should never be mixed with any other chemicals.
A key ingredient for DIY exploding shooting targets
I'm sure you've seen exploding targets at the store, but they are expensive. If you have a few containers of ammonium nitrate from when you bought it for your farm, then you can use it to make homemade exploding targets.
The process is pretty simple: mix together some ammonium nitrate with sawdust or sand, add some diesel fuel, and cover it with paint thinner to help it burn slower. You need to be careful because both the compound and the paint thinner are flammable and the mixture will feel warm even before it explodes. If you want something that burns with a little more pizzazz than just TNT or black powder, ammonium nitrate is a good choice.
If you have any questions on how to make your DIY exploding target mix, please feel free to call us at 501-827-4428