A binary explosive or two-component explosive is an explosive consisting of two components, neither of which is explosive by itself, which have to be mixed in order to become explosive. Examples of common binary explosives include Oxyliquit

Oxyliquit

An oxyliquit, also called liquid air explosive or liquid oxygen explosive, is an explosive material made of a mixture of liquid air or liquid oxygen with a suitable fuel, usually carbon or some organic chemical An oxyliquit, also called liquid air explosive or liquid oxygen explosive, is an...

 (liquid oxygen/combustible powder), ANFO

ANFO

ANFO is a widely used bulk industrial explosive mixture. It consists of 94 percent porous prilled ammonium nitrate , that acts as the oxidizing agent and absorbent for the fuel — six percent Number 2 Fuel Oil...

 (ammonium nitrate/fuel oil), Kinestik (ammonium nitrate/nitromethane

Nitromethane

Nitromethane is an organic compound with the chemical formula . It is the simplest organic nitro compound. It is a slightly viscous, highly polar liquid commonly used as a solvent in a variety of industrial applications such as in extractions, as a reaction medium, and as a cleaning solvent...

), Tannerite

Tannerite

Tannerite is the trademark for a patented ammonium nitrate/ aluminum powder based binary explosive used primarily as a target for firearms practice. Tannerite is unique in that it is exceptionally stable when subjected to less severe forces such as a hammer blow or being dropped...

(ammonium nitrate/aluminum), and FIXOR (nitroethane/physical sensitizer).

Binary explosives are often used in commercial applications because of their greater handling safety.

External links

• [wrc.navair-rdte.navy.mil/warfighter_enc/weapons/ordnance/types.htm] Types of Explosives
• FIXOR, a commercial binary explosive sold for mine clearance
• Binary/Two Component Explosives, from a presentation by the N. C. Dept. of Transportation