| C-4 (explosive) |
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C-4 or '''Composition C-4''' is a common variety of military Plastic Explosive . The term ''composition'' is used for any stable explosive, and "Composition A" and " Composition B " are other known variants. C-4 is 1.34 Times As Explosive as Trinitrotoluene (TNT). It has gained popularity due to exposure in media including films and video games. COMPOSITION C-4 is made up of Explosive , plastic binder, Plasticizer and, usually, marker or Taggant chemicals such as 2,3-dimethyl-2,3-dinitrobutane ( DMDNB ) to help detect the explosive and identify its source. As with many plastic explosives, the Explosive Material in C-4 is RDX (also known as cyclonite or cyclotrimethylene trinitramine) which makes up around 91% of the C-4 by weight. The plasticizer is di(2-ethylhexyl) or Dioctyl Sebacate (5.3%), and the binder is Polyisobutylene (2.1%). Another plasticizer used is Dioctyl Adipate (DOA). A small amount of SAE 10 Non-detergent Motor Oil (1.6%) is also added. C-4 detonates at about 26,400 ft/s (8,040 meters per second or 18,000 mph or 28,900 km/h). C-4 is made by combining RDX Slurry with binder dissolved in a solvent. The solvent is then evaporated away and the mixture is dried and filtered. The final material is an off-white solid with a feel similar to modelling clay. ADVANTAGES A major advantage of C-4 is that it can easily be moulded into any desired shape. C-4 can be pressed into gaps/voids in buildings, bridges, equipment or machinery. Similarly, it can easily be inserted into empty Shaped-charge cases of the type used by Special Forces . C-4 is also well known for its durability, reliability, and safety. It will not explode even if hit by a bullet, punched, cut, or thrown into a fire. The only reliable method for detonation is via both heat and pressure, e.g. a Detonator or Blasting Cap . INTERNATIONAL USAGE When a military team or a commercial demolition company employs C-4 at a demolition site, typically 8–10 pounds (3–5 kg) of C-4 are used to destroy 8-inch (200mm) square steel beams. The amount of explosive is deliberately more than required, leaving a suitable margin to guarantee successful completion of the task. British Military plastic explosive is referred to as PE4. Like C-4, it is an off-white solid and its explosive characteristics are nearly identical. The only difference between C-4 and PE4 is the type and proportion of plasticizer used. Because C-4 burns slowly if simply ignited with a flame, rather than detonated with a primary explosive, soldiers would sometimes use small amounts of C-4 as a fuel for heating rations while on long patrols during the mines in order to be sent on sick leave. The plot often didn't work; experienced commanders knew the trick and kept the man fighting. REFERENCES EXTERNAL LINKS
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