Homemade Explosives Recognition Guide

Homemade Explosives

Chemical Components

Manufacturing Equipment

All individuals handling this information are required to protect it from unauthorized disclosure. This information

should be disseminated on a need-to-know basis. This document is not for public use, but is intended for use by

military, federal, state, and local agencies as a reference for training and operations by emergency personnel in preparing for and responding to a terrorist incident.

DO NOT handle any unknown chemicals or explosive materials•

Consider all unknown substances and materials dangerous•

Apply this guide with previous training and experience•

Contact your EOD or Bomb Squad immediately if a possible •homemadeexplosivesproductionareahasbeenidentified

WARNING

Please enter your EOD/Bomb Squad contact information here:

The information in this guide is for recognition and awareness purposesonly.Theinformationisgeneralandmaynotreflect

the most recent threats.

Date of publication: 12 March 2010

iTable of Contents

INTRODUCTION 1

HOMEMADE EXPLOSIVES 3Ammonium Nitrate Mixtures ............................................................................5Black Powder .....................................................................................................6Chlorate/Perchlorate Mixtures .......................................................................7EGDN/NG Mixtures .........................................................................................8HMTD ...................................................................................................................9Hydrogen Peroxide Mixtures ....................................................................... 11MEKP ................................................................................................................ 12TATP .................................................................................................................. 13Urea Nitrate .................................................................................................... 14CHEMICAL COMPONENTS 15Acetone ............................................................................................................ 18Aluminum Powder ........................................................................................... 19Ammonium Nitrate.......................................................................................... 20Citric Acid ........................................................................................................ 22Ethylene Glycol ............................................................................................... 24Glycerin ........................................................................................................... 26Hexamine ......................................................................................................... 27Hydrochloric Acid ........................................................................................... 28Hydrogen Peroxide ........................................................................................ 29Magnesium Powder ........................................................................................ 31Methyl Ethyl Ketone ....................................................................................... 32Nitric Acid ........................................................................................................ 34Nitromethane .................................................................................................. 35Potassium Chlorate ....................................................................................... 36Potassium Nitrate ........................................................................................... 37Potassium Permanganate .............................................................................. 39Sodium Chlorate ............................................................................................. 41Sulfur ................................................................................................................ 42Sulfuric Acid .................................................................................................... 43Urea .................................................................................................................. 45MANUFACTURING EQUIPMENT 46Grinders ........................................................................................................... 48Mixers and Stirrers ........................................................................................ 49Ice Baths ........................................................................................................... 50Distillers ............................................................................................................ 51Filters ................................................................................................................ 52Safety Equipment ........................................................................................... 53

3

HOMEMADE EXPLOSIVESHomemade explosives can be liquid, powder, or granules

and can be made using commonly available chemicals and equipment.

EGDN or NG Pure HMTD

HP and Nitromethane

or Ethanol

MEKP TATP Urea Nitrate

Chlorate/Perchlorate Mixtures

Black Powder PyrotechnicsAmmonium Nitrate Mixtures

Homemade Explosives5Ammonium Nitrate Mixtures

Key IdentifiersAmmonium nitrate and •aluminum - Silvery, gray- Powder or granules- Odorless

Ammonium nitrate and •racing car fuel - White- Powder or granules,

moist- Mild, fruity, but

disagreeable odorAmmonium nitrate and •confectioner’s sugar - White- Powder- Slightly sweet odor- Attracts sugar ants

Ammonium nitrate and •fuel oil (ANFO)- Off-white to pinkish- Granules or spherical

pellets (prills)- Fuel oil or diesel odor

Ammonium Nitrate and Aluminum

Ammonium Nitrate and Fuel Oil (ANFO)

Ammonium Nitrate and Fuel Oil (ANFO) Powder

HazardsSensitive to impact, friction, static spark, and heat•Ammoniumnitratebyitselfcanbeexplosiveinhot,confined•areas

Homemade Explosives7Chlorate/Perchlorate Mixtures

Key IdentifiersAll mixtures are odorless•Flash Powders:•- Powder or granules- Silvery, gray- Other names:

Pyrotechnic Powders

Poor Man’s C4:•- Putty-like, solid

or clumps- White

Armstrong’s Mix:•- Powder- Red

HazardsExtremely sensitive to •impact, friction, static spark, and heat

Flash Powder

Poor Man’s C4

Armstrong’s Mix

Homemade Explosives 8EGDN/NG Mixtures C2H4N2O6/C3H5N3O9

Key IdentifiersOily, viscous liquid•Colorless to dark yellow •Odorless•Other names for EGDN: •Nitroglycol, Dinitroglycol, Glycol Dinitrate, Ethylene DinitrateOther names for NG: •Trinitroglycerine, Glyceral Trinitrate

HazardsExtremely sensitive to impact, •friction, static spark, and heatInhalation may cause •headaches, dizziness, chest pain, and low blood pressure

EGDN or NG

Ethylene Glycol Dinitrate/Nitroglycerin

Homemade Explosives9HMTD C6H12N2O6

Key IdentifiersCrystals or powder•Colorless to white •Dullnesslikeflour•Solidssettledatbottomandfloatingontopofaliquid-filled•containerConsistency of confectioner’s sugar in dry state or pure form•Cansmelllikedeadfish•Fresh product may have little or no odor•Additives can alter the physical appearance•Precursor colors will affect HMTD color•May be stored in refrigerator or freezer•

HazardsContact with •metals may produce dangerous chemical reactionsExtremely •sensitive to impact, friction, static spark, and heat

Solids Settled at Bottom of Container

Hexamethylene Triperoxide Diamine

Homemade Explosives 10HMTD - Continued

Pure HMTD

Crystal HMTD

Homemade Explosives11Hydrogen Peroxide Mixtures

Key IdentifiersLiquid or semiliquid gel•Color varies with additives•Slightly pungent, caustic odor (generally)•Odor similar to chemical component•

HazardsLarge quantities can self-heat and ignite if in •sunlight or elevated room temperaturesExtremely sensitive to impact, friction, static •spark, and heat

HP and Nitromethane or Ethanol

HP Mixtures

HP and Black Pepper

HP and Flour

HP and Coffee

HP and Cumin

Homemade Explosives 12MEKP C4H10O4

Key IdentifiersLiquid•Clear, colorless•Agreeable odor•Other names: •

Homemade Explosives13TATP C9H18O6

Key IdentifiersCrystals or powder•Sugar-like •appearanceColorless or white•Solid TATP settles •to the bottom of aliquid-filledcontainerAdditives can •alter the physical appearance and colorFruity smell, like acetone but gentler•Old TATP smells very acrid, like vinegar•Evaporates in an open container•If stored in a closed jar, glass •may look frostedMay be stored in a refrigerator •or freezerOther names: • Acetone Peroxide, Mother of Satan

HazardsExtremely sensitive to impact, •friction, static spark, and heat

Triacetone Triperoxide

Crude TATP Pure TATP

TATP

Homemade Explosives 14Urea Nitrate CH5N3O4

Key IdentifiersCrystals•Colorless to off-white •

••

15

CHEMICAL COMPONENTSChemicals may be found in cool dry areas in tightly sealed containers. None of these chemicals require

refrigeration, but all may be stored there. All chemicals listed can be purchased over the Internet.

Examples, Not All-Inclusive

Acetone

Citric Acid

Hair Products Disinfectant Pool Chemicals

Sour Salt

Nail Polish Remover

Antifreeze

First Aid Cold Packs

Camp Stove Fuel

Chemical Components 18Acetone CH3COCH3 or C3H6O

Key IdentifiersLiquid•

Chemical Components19Aluminum Powder

Key IdentifiersPowder•Silver, gray, black•May also look whitish•Odorless•Small quantities, up to a gallon: •plastic and steel containersLarge quantities, 5 gallons or more: •steel containersOther names: • Aluminum

HazardsExtremelyflammable•Contact with water may generate •flammablegasesContact with acids or chemicals rich •in oxygen may produce dangerous chemical reactions

Commercial UsesPaints•Pyrotechnics•Manufacture •of engines, cars, structural members, etc.

Typical Chemical Supply Packaging

Aluminum Powder

Example Commercial Product Packaging

Chemical Components 20Ammonium Nitrate NH4NO3

Key IdentifiersSpherical pellets (prills), granular, •crystalline, or powderColorless or white •Odorless•Small quantities, up to 5 gallons: •plastic or glass containersLarge quantities, more than 5 gallons: •plastic or paper bagsOther names: • Nitrate of Ammonium

HazardsEye, skin, respiratory irritant•Ammonium nitrate by itself can be explosive •Addition of powdered metals or fuels can be •explosive

Typical Chemical Supply Packaging

Fertilizer-Grade Pellets (prills) Explosive-Grade Pellets (prills)

Chemical Components21Ammonium Nitrate - Continued

Contactwithacids,combustiblematerials,orflammable

Chemical Components 22Citric Acid C6H8O7

Key IdentifiersCrystalline•White or colorless•

Chemical Components23Citric Acid - Continued

Example Commercial Product Packaging

Chemical Components 24Ethylene Glycol C2H6O2

Key IdentifiersLiquid, syrupy, •viscousClear, colorless (pure •chemical form)Odorless•Small quantities, up •to 5 gallons: glass or plastic containersLarge quantities, •more than 5 gallons: plastic or steel containerOther names: • Glycol, Ethanediol, Monoethylene Glycol

HazardsIngestion can cause •blindness and deathMild eye, skin, respiratory •irritantContact with acids or •chemicals rich in oxygen may produce dangerous chemical reactionsExcessive heat and/or •sunlight may degrade product

Ethylene Glycol

Antifreeze

Chemical Components25

Commercial UsesPlastic manufacture •Antifreeze•Commercial explosives•

Ethylene Glycol - Continued

Example Commercial Product Packaging

Chemical Components 26Glycerin C3H8O3

Key IdentifiersOily, viscous, sticky liquid•Colorless

Chemical Components27Hexamine C6H12N4

Key IdentifiersCrystalline or solid•White •

Chemical Components 28Hydrochloric Acid HCI

Key IdentifiersLiquid•Colorless to light yellow to •greenish-yellowPungent, acrid, sour odor•Corrosive, leaves burn marks•Will burn nose•Makes eyes water•Can emit chlorine gas•Various concentrations available •Small quantities, up to a gallon: glass or •plastic containers (varies by concentration)Large quantities, up to 55 gallons: •lined steel drums, plastic containersOther names: • Muriatic Acid

HazardsSevere eye, skin, respiratory •irritant (severity depends on concentration) Ingestion may cause death•Corrosive•Storage with substances other than acids, •may produce adverse reactions

Commercial UsesManufacture of plastics and some chemicals•Cleaning products such as toilet bowl •cleaners

Typical Chemical Supply Packaging

Example Commercial Product Packaging

Chemical Components29Hydrogen Peroxide H2O2

Key IdentifiersLiquid•Clear, colorless •Slightly pungent, caustic odor•Corrosive, leaves burn marks•Whitens skin on contact•Skin blisters•Peels paint, bleaches items•Various concentrations available•Easily concentrates to higher levels•Beautician grade may require state license •to purchaseSmall quantities, up to a half gallon: glass or •plastic containers (varies by concentration)Large quantities, 30 to 55 gallons: •plastic, aluminum, or stainless steel drums (varies by concentration)Other names: • Dihydrogen Dioxide, Hydroperoxide

35% Concentration from Chemical Supply

50% Concentrations from Chemical Supply in Various Quantities

Chemical Components31Magnesium Powder Mg

Key IdentifiersPowder or solid•Gray, black•Odorless•Small quantities, up to •5 gallons: plastic and steel containersLarge quantities, more •than 5 gallons: steel containers

HazardsEye, skin, respiratory •irritant Extremelyflammable•Contactwithwaterreleasesflammablegases•

Commercial UsesManufacture of •engines, cars, structural membersPyrotechnics•

Magnesium Powder

Typical Chemical Supply Packaging

Chemical Components 32Methyl Ethyl Ketone C4H8O

Key IdentifiersLiquid•Colorless •Sweet, minty, acetone-like, agreeable odor•Small quantities, up to 5 gallons: glass and •metal containersLarge quantities, 5 to 55 gallons: metal •containersDry or cracked skin•Evaporates quickly•Other names: • 2-Butanone, MEK

HazardsExtremelyflammable•Vapors can be explosive •Vapors may be present in adjacent areas•Eye, skin, respiratory irritant•Vapors may cause drowsiness and •dizzinessContact with chemicals rich in •oxygen or caustic chemicals may produce dangerous chemical reactions

Commercial UsesPaint removers•Laboratory and industrial solvents•Plastics manufacture•

Typical Chemical Supply Packaging

Methyl Ethyl Ketone

Chemical Components33Methyl Ethyl Ketone - Continued

Typical MEK Product Packaging

Chemical Components 34Nitric Acid HNO3

Key IdentifiersLiquid•

Chemical Components35Nitromethane CH3NO2

Key IdentifiersLiquid, oily•Colorless•Fruity, disagreeable odor•Small quantities, up to 5 gallons: glass, •metal, and plastic containersLarge quantities, more than •5 gallons: stainless steel drumsOther names: • Nitrocarbol

HazardsShock,staticspark,flame,andotherignition•sources may cause explosionEye, skin, respiratory irritant•May cause headache, shallow respiration, dizziness, vomiting, •weakness, and fall in blood pressureContact with strong acids, combustible materials, or chemicals •rich in oxygen may produce dangerous chemical reactions Contact with copper •may cause corrosion

Commerical UsesRacing car fuel•Remote control vehicle •fuelIndustrial solvent•Propellants and •explosives

Nitromethane

Example Commercial Product Packaging

Chemical Components 36Potassium Chlorate KCIO3

Key IdentifiersCrystalline or powder•White •Odorless •Small quantities, up 5 gallons: glass or plastic •containers, plastic baggiesLarge quantities, more than 5 gallons: sealed •plastic bag inside a metal drumOther names: • Chlorate of Potash, Potassium Oxymuriate

HazardsEye, skin, respiratory irritant•Contact with metals, combustible •materials,orflammablechemicals may produce dangerous chemical reactions

Commercial UsesPyrotechnics•Matches•Herbicides•Oxygen •candles

Typical Chemical Supply Packaging

Potassium Chlorate Powder Close-up

Close-up of Potassium Chlorate

Matches

Chemical Components37Potassium Nitrate KNO3

Key IdentifiersCrystalline, granular, or powder•White•Odorless•Small quantities, up to 5 gallons: •glass or plastic containersLarge quantities, more than 5 gallons: •sealed plastic bag inside a metal drumOther names: • Nitrate of Potash, Saltpeter

HazardsEye, skin, respiratory irritant•Contact with metals, combustible •materials,orflammablechemicalsmayproduce dangerous chemical reactions

Commercial UsesPropellants•Pyrotechnics•Food preservatives (commercial)•Fertilizers•Stump remover (some)•

Typical Chemical Supply Packaging

Potassium Nitrate Close-up

Chemical Components39Potassium Permanganate KMnO4

Key IdentifiersSolid or crystalline•Dark purple, violet•Odorlessviolet•

Chemical Components 40Potassium Permanganate - Continued

Iron Filter

Iron Filter Close-up

Example Commercial Product Packaging

Chemical Components41Sodium Chlorate NaCIO3

Key IdentifiersPowder•White, colorless, or light yellow •

Chemical Components 42Sulfur S

Key IdentifiersPowder, chalky•Yellow•Odorless•

Chemical Components43Sulfuric Acid H2SO4

Key IdentifiersLiquid, may be viscous•Colorless •Pungent, acrid odor•Various concentrations available•Small quantities, up to a gallon: •glass or plastic containersLarge quantities, more than a gallon: •carbon steel, stainless steel, polyethylene containersOther names: • Vitriol, Oleum, Hydrogen Sulfate

HazardsSevere eye, skin respiratory irritant •(severity depends on concentration)Severe skin burns•Corrosive•Contact with water, •combustible materials, caustic, flammable,oroxygen-richchemicals may produce dangerous chemical reactions

Drain Pipe Cleaners

Typical Chemical Supply Packaging

Chemical Components 44

Commercial UsesDrain pipe cleaners•Automotive batteries•Polymer manufacture•Fertilizer manufacture•Chemical manufacture•Oilrefining•

Sulfuric Acid - Continued

Car Battery Acid

Chemical Components45Urea C1H4N2O

Key IdentifiersCrystalline, granular, or powder•White •Ammonia-like odor•Small quantities, up to 3 gallons: •glass or plastic containersLarge quantities, up to 50 pounds: •sealed plastic containers or bagsOther names: • Carbamide, Carbonyl Diamide

HazardsEye, skin, respiratory irritant•Contact with chemicals rich in oxygen may •produce dangerous chemical reactions

Commercial UsesFertilizers•Road de-icers•Food •supplementManufacture •of plastics

Typical Chemical Supply Packaging

Urea Close-up

Example Commercial Product Packaging

Manufacturing Equipment 48Grinders

Grinders reduce the granule size of solid components and can be used in the production of homemade explosives.

orftar/Petule

Handheld Electric s

Manufacturing Equipment49Mixers and Stirrers

Mixers physically blend components while stirrers combine liquid compo-nents. Either or both can be used in the production of homemade explosives.

Blenders/Mixers

Magnetic Stirrers Suspicious Buckets/Plasticware

Manufacturing Equipment 50Ice Baths

Ice baths cool mixtures that generate heat and can be used in the productnand can 1 w 375.60l o49969 0. Tdw 3j1-9969 01.07 TDd[(uh)5(o)5(m)5(e)5(m)5(a)5(d)5(e)5( )5(e)1 wxplosives. Bathuwater can be ice with salted

Manufacturing Equipment51Distillers

Rotovap

Distillers concentrate chemical components with low-level heat. Distillers may include complexscientificequipmentorhouseholditems used in improvised methods.

Stovetop with Pot

Slow Cooker

Improvised Distillation Column

Coffee Pot

Manufacturing Equipment 52Filters

Filters separate the solids from the liquids and could be used in the production of homemade explosives.

Coffee Filters

Coffee Filter Used with Funnel and Jar

Manufacturing Equipment 54Safety Equipment - Continued

Face Shield

Flexible Dryer Vent Pipe

Safety Goggles