#2 TNT
In this post we are gonna talk about TNT and the history behind it.
TNT was first prepared in 1863 by German chemist Julius and originally used as a yellow dye. Its potential as an explosive was not appreciated for several years, mainly because it was so difficult to detonate and because it was less powerful than alternatives. Its explosive properties were first discovered by another German chemist, Carl Häussermann, in 1891.TNT can be safely poured when liquid into shell cases, and is so insensitive that it was exempted from the UK’s Explosives Act 1875 and was not considered an explosive for the purposes of manufacture and storage.Those explosives are no joke , they are Considered a high explosive, TNT is still in common use by the U.S. military and by construction companies around the world.
Chunks of explosives-grade TNT .
A Superior Explosive for War
TNT proved superior for military application as it was safer to handle than alternative compounds. TNT is not as strong of an explosive as picric acid, but when used in shells it is more likely to explode after penetrating armor instead of upon impact, thus causing maximum damage to enemy craft. A melting point of 80 degrees Celsius allowed molten TNT to be poured into shells with a lesser chance of accidental explosion. As the British and American armies adopted Germany's use of TNT, the limited supply of toluene needed to produce the explosive failed to meet increased worldwide demand.
Trinitrotoluene
Continued Development
Chemists further developed TNT by combining different substances with the compound in varying ratios in order to require less toluene, thereby stretching out a given supply of explosives. For example, the addition of ammonium nitrate to TNT created amatol which was used in highly explosive shells, and later in World War II landmines. The explosive yield of TNT was increased with the addition of 20 percent aluminum producing another derivative called minol. One example of the long list of other explosives incorporating TNT is Composition B, used for projectiles, rockets, land mines and shaped charges.
Detonation of the 500-ton TNT explosive charge as part of Operation Sailor Hat in 1965. The white blast-wave is visible on the water surface and a shock condensation cloud is visible overhead.
Managing TNT's Toxicity
The increased use of TNT heightened the need to research the substance's levels of toxicity and create safety protocols around its manufacture, storage and disposal. During World War I, exposed workers suffered from liver abnormalities, anemia and other red blood cell damage and respiratory complications. Trinitrotoluene is easily absorbed through direct contact or airborne dust and vapor, potentially causing dermatitis, eczema and yellow stains in the nails, skin and hair. Some pre-World War II studies theorized that improved nutrition would increase resistance to the compound's toxic effects, but this assertion was proven incorrect during the war.
That's all for today folks
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