There are so many cool videos on youtube with stuff blowing up! Those explosions don’t come from anywhere, and sure they’ll list what they are, but where do you buy them? Today we take a closer look on how to produce and create those chemicals use for explosions and Hollywood bombs! Once we have explored all the new chemicals that are displayed, next week we will learn how to use them to create cool explosives!
Acetone
Facts:
Found in nail polish and paint removers, acetone is extremely flammable and toxic to breath.
- It auto-ignites at a temperature of 465 °C (869 °F).
- Acetone’s flash point of −20 °C (−4 °F) it may explode or cause a flash fire.
- It will melt through plastic and dissolve many items
- Thought to increase the performance of your car
How to burn it:
Being an alcohol like substance, sticking a match to the liquid or reacting it with metals will create heat or fire!
Where to get it:
You can buy it at any hardware store or local supermarket (as nail polish remover).
Aluminum Powder
Facts:
This nasty substance is used to make thermite, and by its self can create a large flash!
- It ignites at a temperature of 465 °C (869 °F).
- In the presence of an oxidizer it can heat up.
- Mesh-like chunks of it are used for fireworks to create a glitter effect for aerial shell
- Burns VERY HOT!
How to burn it:
Any match or spark will set this stuff ablaze. Remember, once you start the reaction, you can’t stop it! Don’t try to put water or anything on it.
Where to get it:
- The powder inside a Etch-A-Sketch
- Using a file to grind Aluminum
- Putting foil into a blender, and setting it on high for 20 minutes
- Buy it from a chemical store
Ammonium Nitrate
Facts:
Found in plant fertilizers and all hardware stores!
- Ignites with very little effort!
- Is a common explosive used in excavation
- Is related to many deaths and homemade explosions, so be careful!
How to burn it:
Using a match will do the trick!
Where to get it:
You can buy it at any hardware store or local supermarket. Don’t buy too much though, even if you buy more than a few bags at the hardware store, expect a phone call coming. This stuff is a known explosive!
Isopropyl Alcohol
Facts:
This common household liquid is used for cleaning and disinfecting things.
- It ignites with a normal match.
- Lights after 399 °C.
- Creates a nice red flame!
How to burn it:
Any match or spark will cause a reaction lighting it on fire. A common use for this is breathing fire with your mouth!
Where to get it:
- Any store will sell it these days.
Naphthalene
Facts:
This material is used in Hollywood to create those smoke explosion effects!
- It ignites with a normal match.
- Needs to be compacted with gun powder, toilet paper, epoxy, and Naphthalene to create an explosion.
- Creates a big fireball!
How to burn it:
Any match or spark will cause a reaction lighting it on fire. A fuse is required because of the fireball produced by the explosion.
Where to get it:
- Any store will sell it these days.
Hydrogen
We have already covered in a long tutorial on how to produce your own hydrogen (and even turn it into a bomb!)
Magnesium
Another tutorial on how to buy and create bombs with this has been made!
How To – Homemade Chemical Bombs
How To – Match Tricks and Modifications
How To – Balloon Bomb Explosive
Bored Fire – Lighter Tricks
