Introduction
For my Chemistry of… I chose to study the chemistry of Tannerite. I chose this topic because I often go target shooting with my dad and family, and who doesn't like explosions?
Tannerite is a binary explosive. This means that the two components that make up the product are neither explosive by themselves until combined. Tannerite can be detonated by only high velocity rifles, meaning that they are not easily detonated. For instance, the speed a bullet needs to be traveling at the time of detonation is approximately 2,000 ft/ sec. The binary mix can neither be set off hitting it, like a hammer, or lighting it on fire. it will simply melt.
One of the components in the explosive, ammonium nitrate, was invented by Johann Glauber in 1659.
Composition of ...
Main Chemicals, Compounds, Components
Chemistry's Role
At the second of impact, the bullet comes in contact with the binaries and the shock wave created in the container creates a chain of chemical reactions between the catalyst (Ammonium nitrate) and oxidizer (Aluminum powder). No fire is ignited because the other oxygen in the space is sucked out of the container and any occurring flame is extinguished immediately. The chemical formulas to produce Tannerite is NH(4)NO(3)+Al.
Background Research
When the explosive is set off, the ammonium nitrate absorbs all the moisture in the space and the resulting cloud is made of water vapor and leftover reacting elements. The oxygen is also robbed in the reaction so, no fire is ignited in the explosion.
Resources
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tannerite
General information about Tannerite product, Binary explosives, chemicals involved
http://www.ammoniumnitrate.org/
Facts in Ammonium nitrate, in explosives, and fertilizer
http://www.tannerite.com/faq.php
Company’s faqs page, questions, ingredients
http://blog.cheaperthandirt.com/tannerite%E2%80%94little-bottle-boom/
Information about the reactions at impact with bullett
where Ammonium nitrate is used, why, and general information
http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/ammonium_nitrate
production of Ammonium nitrate
About the Author
HaleyJo is a junior at Billings Senior High School. She is a starting flanker for the Billings women’s rugby team after her second year of playing. She is involved with Senior Advocates, and National Honors Society. She enjoys drawing and painting and playing the guitar. HaleyJo plans on attending college for Graphic Design and also playing rugby.