Composition C
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Composition C is a plastic explosive consisting of RDX, other explosives, and plasticizer. It can be molded by hand for use in demolition work and packed by hand into shaped charge devices. It has more than 150% the power of T.N.T. and is extremely sensitive. Because of this it's not typically used alone. Although compositions C3 and C4 are most commonly used, C and C2 may still be encountered, especially in military environments. The detonation rate is approximately 26,000 feet per second (about 7,900 meters per second).
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Composition C-3 Compositior C-3 is one of the Composition C series that has now been replaced by C-4, especially for loading shaped charges. However, quantities of Composition C-1 and Composition C-2 may be found in the field. Composition C-1 is 88.3% RDX and 11.7% plasticizing oil. Composition C-3 is 77% RDX, 3% tetryl, 4% TNT, 1% NC, 5% MNT (mononitrotoluol), and 10% DNT (dinitrotoluol). The last two compounds, while they are explosives, are oily liquids and plasticize the mixture. The essential difference between Composition C-3 and Composition C-2 is the substitution of 3% tetryl for 3% RDX, which improves the plastic qualities. The changes were made in an effort to obtain a plastic, puttylike composition to meet the requirements of an ideal explosive for molded and shaped charges that will maintain its plasticity over a wide range of temperatures and not exude oil.
Composition C-3 is about 1.35 times as powerful as TNT. The melting point of Composition C-3 is 68°C, and it is soluble in acetone. The velocity of detonation is approximate y 26,000 fps. Its color is light brown. As with Composition B, Composition C is no longer being used as a gun projectile main charge. However, some stocks may still be in service with Composition C-3 used as a main charge.
