A mixture of ammonium nitrate (AN) and fuel oil (FO) comprises the explosive ANFO, which is widely used in mining and blasting. It has been used to make homemade bombs can form by accident during transport.
Synonym: fertilizer bomb
Ammonium nitrate: NH4NO3
The ratio of fuel oil to ammonium nitrate in practice is 83 to 125 mL fuel oil per kilogram ammonium nitrate (2.0 to 3.0 quarts per 50 pounds). Fuel oil is ranges from 5.7 to 6% of the mixture.
Features:
(1) The mixture is relatively stable and requires a booster explosive to detonate.
(2) The ammonium nitrate readily absorbs water (hygroscopic). A significant absorption of water will reduce the explosiveness of the mixture..
(3) A blast often releases carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides.
(4) The ammonium nitrate used for agriculture is not as effective as a purified grade.
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