megalomania
June 21st, 2003, 11:43 AM
Ragnar
New Member
Posts: 15
From: Canada
Registered: JUL 2001
posted 07-29-2001 05:00 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I can't seem to find any info on this very interesting explosive.
All I know is its obscure history and projected use by the Nazis at the end of WW11.
I would like to know all details about this unique and versitile explosive.
Thanks to all.
PS. ragnar57@hotmail.com
wantsomfet
Frequent Poster
Posts: 239
From: EU
Registered: JAN 2001
posted 07-29-2001 06:18 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nipolit consists of Nitrocellulose and nitroglycerine or DEGN with admixed PETN/RDX/Al-powder. A similar explosive is Holtex.
------------------
for best catfood visit:
kangaroooo.cjb.net
Ragnar
New Member
Posts: 15
From: Canada
Registered: JUL 2001
posted 07-29-2001 06:25 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Where might I find info on the manufacturing proceedures for nipolit and or holtex?
Can they be improvised ?
Thanks for the info.
cutefix
Frequent Poster
Posts: 330
From: california
Registered: MAY 2001
posted 07-29-2001 08:10 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I think it is possible to improvise.Try to procure double base powder such as Ballestite.soak it in sufficient acetone to form a plastic mass.Put it inside an airtight glass container,set aside. Split a detonating cord in order to obtain the PETN, soak it also in enough acetone to soften it.( or you can make your own).Wear a suitable mask to prevent inhaling nitroglycerin fumes from the softened ballistite which can cause bad headaches.Combine the plastic mass of ballistite and PETN then sprinkle aluminum powder 10-20%.Knead it gently with gloved hands or stir it with a wooden spoon until well blended Be sure to add enough acetone or any similar solvent in order to make it pliable..Then air dry it to make it firm or you can push first it into a suitable container before drying..Be sure to make a hole that will fit your blasting cap snugly,before the explosive stuff dries out.The ratio of other explosive ingredients can be varied according to your preferences, and availability of materials.Be sure to avoid contact with your skin the resulting plastic explosive to avoid headaches.
The question now is why exert so much effort just to make this particular explosive when the ballistite or PETN can explode nicely on its own?Is it really that special?A simple mixture of ANNM/Al may be able to simulate it.Check the forum archives for its details.
Ragnar
New Member
Posts: 15
From: Canada
Registered: JUL 2001
posted 07-29-2001 05:41 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The special quality that interests me in Nipolit, is its high mechanical stregnth which allows the explosive to be machined in a lathe.
Supposedly, Germany employed handgrenades that were constructed of cast nipolit with the well machined in the center for the BZE igniter (friction igniter used on the model-39 egg grenade) for defensive use, a cast iron sleeve was fitted for frag effect.
and that was that. Quite revolutionary I feel. Also shaped charges could simply be cast cylinders with the cone bored and the outer-contor turned on the lathe.
cutefix
Frequent Poster
Posts: 330
From: california
Registered: MAY 2001
posted 07-29-2001 09:57 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Your talking of an explosive that can be machined in a lathe,oh it looks unbelievable- if the components are trully nitrocellulose which are highly flammable,Nitroglycerin- which is highly sensitive plus RDX and PETN which are sensitive as well,Thats dangerous!If its true I think the amount of explosive in the mix is not too high .It should contain a lot of an inert material like that can give its strength(rubberlike material) and reduced sensitivity. Maybe up to 40%This will also save precious explosives.during that time.Definitely, if this was used for a grenade filler,which has thin frangible shell,therefore the estimated VOD is within the range of 5000-6000 .enough for fragmentation purposes.If its so stable then difinitely it would require strong booster to set it off.(higher amount of tetryl than for flake TNT main filler.).
You can possibly create a similar type of explosive something like the Plastic Bonded Explosives(PBX), with a different formulation and using desensetized RDX and plastic binder(flourocarbon polymer).There are many patents regarding this PBX filler.However ,during WWll turning an explosive under a lathe machine is a rather risky procedure.I would rather believe that the particular explosive(NIPOLIT) was melt cast into the grenade case and when firm, any irregularity can be trimmed,a blasting cap well was imprinted also during the casting process. And not made after the explosive becomes hard.
A shape charge explosive has a higher power than ordinary grenade explosive. (7000 m/s or more.)except the current grenade which has similar power,with filler like composition B(which is also melt cast.).
Somehow I’m still surprised why a grenade filler should need mechanical strength which will complicate the manufacturing process in times of crisis like the great war.
SMAG 12B/E5
Frequent Poster
Posts: 63
From:
Registered: FEB 2001
posted 07-29-2001 10:31 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Do not attempt to "melt load" nipolit. Nipolit lends itself well to extrusion and compression molding. When compression molding beware of "pinching and shear-actions". Nipolit is excellent in it's mechanical strength and can be molded into innocent appearing shapes, shoe heels and such...
Ragnar
New Member
Posts: 15
From: Canada
Registered: JUL 2001
posted 07-29-2001 10:55 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
According to Ian V.Hogg, author of
"The encyclopedia of infantry weapons of world war 2" on page-171:
"Nipolit was developed by the firm WASAG
in an endeavor to put to use large quantities of old gun powder which was no longer ballistically suitable for its origional purpose."
to produce 1000 tons of TNT required 1100 tons of acid, whereas Nipolit required only 430 tons.
The most remarkable and apparently unexpected property was its high mechanical stregnth; it could be cut, shaped, milled, threaded,ect.
Grenades and such made from this material don't require a metal case, its water proof and strong enough on its own.
cutefix
Frequent Poster
Posts: 330
From: california
Registered: MAY 2001
posted 07-30-2001 01:26 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I see it was a means of recycling old explosives,That makes sense,that material was probably the forerunner of the modern PBX.Very interesting.
cutefix
Frequent Poster
Posts: 330
From: california
Registered: MAY 2001
posted 07-31-2001 03:01 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This nipolit explosive has limited information available in the net.As far as I can discern its composition,from a german text;that improvised formulation I give earlier is near to it,but I doubt about the mechanical strength.One particular composition of nipolit I found is like this:
Nitrocellulose 34%
Diethylene glycoldinitrate 30%
Diphenyl urea 0 .75%
Graphite 0.10 %
PETN 35%
Magnesium Oxide 0.05%
This looks like cordite or similar smokeless powder converted into another explosive,but enriched with PETN.I think while still in plastic consistency; it is extruded to a suitable shape like the normal smokeless powder.I anticipate that any further shaping of this material is done with non sparking tools.I still think this composition is very flammable, and if being subjected to an ordinary lathe machining,is risky of causing ignition due to friction.
New Member
Posts: 15
From: Canada
Registered: JUL 2001
posted 07-29-2001 05:00 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I can't seem to find any info on this very interesting explosive.
All I know is its obscure history and projected use by the Nazis at the end of WW11.
I would like to know all details about this unique and versitile explosive.
Thanks to all.
PS. ragnar57@hotmail.com
wantsomfet
Frequent Poster
Posts: 239
From: EU
Registered: JAN 2001
posted 07-29-2001 06:18 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nipolit consists of Nitrocellulose and nitroglycerine or DEGN with admixed PETN/RDX/Al-powder. A similar explosive is Holtex.
------------------
for best catfood visit:
kangaroooo.cjb.net
Ragnar
New Member
Posts: 15
From: Canada
Registered: JUL 2001
posted 07-29-2001 06:25 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Where might I find info on the manufacturing proceedures for nipolit and or holtex?
Can they be improvised ?
Thanks for the info.
cutefix
Frequent Poster
Posts: 330
From: california
Registered: MAY 2001
posted 07-29-2001 08:10 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I think it is possible to improvise.Try to procure double base powder such as Ballestite.soak it in sufficient acetone to form a plastic mass.Put it inside an airtight glass container,set aside. Split a detonating cord in order to obtain the PETN, soak it also in enough acetone to soften it.( or you can make your own).Wear a suitable mask to prevent inhaling nitroglycerin fumes from the softened ballistite which can cause bad headaches.Combine the plastic mass of ballistite and PETN then sprinkle aluminum powder 10-20%.Knead it gently with gloved hands or stir it with a wooden spoon until well blended Be sure to add enough acetone or any similar solvent in order to make it pliable..Then air dry it to make it firm or you can push first it into a suitable container before drying..Be sure to make a hole that will fit your blasting cap snugly,before the explosive stuff dries out.The ratio of other explosive ingredients can be varied according to your preferences, and availability of materials.Be sure to avoid contact with your skin the resulting plastic explosive to avoid headaches.
The question now is why exert so much effort just to make this particular explosive when the ballistite or PETN can explode nicely on its own?Is it really that special?A simple mixture of ANNM/Al may be able to simulate it.Check the forum archives for its details.
Ragnar
New Member
Posts: 15
From: Canada
Registered: JUL 2001
posted 07-29-2001 05:41 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The special quality that interests me in Nipolit, is its high mechanical stregnth which allows the explosive to be machined in a lathe.
Supposedly, Germany employed handgrenades that were constructed of cast nipolit with the well machined in the center for the BZE igniter (friction igniter used on the model-39 egg grenade) for defensive use, a cast iron sleeve was fitted for frag effect.
and that was that. Quite revolutionary I feel. Also shaped charges could simply be cast cylinders with the cone bored and the outer-contor turned on the lathe.
cutefix
Frequent Poster
Posts: 330
From: california
Registered: MAY 2001
posted 07-29-2001 09:57 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Your talking of an explosive that can be machined in a lathe,oh it looks unbelievable- if the components are trully nitrocellulose which are highly flammable,Nitroglycerin- which is highly sensitive plus RDX and PETN which are sensitive as well,Thats dangerous!If its true I think the amount of explosive in the mix is not too high .It should contain a lot of an inert material like that can give its strength(rubberlike material) and reduced sensitivity. Maybe up to 40%This will also save precious explosives.during that time.Definitely, if this was used for a grenade filler,which has thin frangible shell,therefore the estimated VOD is within the range of 5000-6000 .enough for fragmentation purposes.If its so stable then difinitely it would require strong booster to set it off.(higher amount of tetryl than for flake TNT main filler.).
You can possibly create a similar type of explosive something like the Plastic Bonded Explosives(PBX), with a different formulation and using desensetized RDX and plastic binder(flourocarbon polymer).There are many patents regarding this PBX filler.However ,during WWll turning an explosive under a lathe machine is a rather risky procedure.I would rather believe that the particular explosive(NIPOLIT) was melt cast into the grenade case and when firm, any irregularity can be trimmed,a blasting cap well was imprinted also during the casting process. And not made after the explosive becomes hard.
A shape charge explosive has a higher power than ordinary grenade explosive. (7000 m/s or more.)except the current grenade which has similar power,with filler like composition B(which is also melt cast.).
Somehow I’m still surprised why a grenade filler should need mechanical strength which will complicate the manufacturing process in times of crisis like the great war.
SMAG 12B/E5
Frequent Poster
Posts: 63
From:
Registered: FEB 2001
posted 07-29-2001 10:31 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Do not attempt to "melt load" nipolit. Nipolit lends itself well to extrusion and compression molding. When compression molding beware of "pinching and shear-actions". Nipolit is excellent in it's mechanical strength and can be molded into innocent appearing shapes, shoe heels and such...
Ragnar
New Member
Posts: 15
From: Canada
Registered: JUL 2001
posted 07-29-2001 10:55 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
According to Ian V.Hogg, author of
"The encyclopedia of infantry weapons of world war 2" on page-171:
"Nipolit was developed by the firm WASAG
in an endeavor to put to use large quantities of old gun powder which was no longer ballistically suitable for its origional purpose."
to produce 1000 tons of TNT required 1100 tons of acid, whereas Nipolit required only 430 tons.
The most remarkable and apparently unexpected property was its high mechanical stregnth; it could be cut, shaped, milled, threaded,ect.
Grenades and such made from this material don't require a metal case, its water proof and strong enough on its own.
cutefix
Frequent Poster
Posts: 330
From: california
Registered: MAY 2001
posted 07-30-2001 01:26 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I see it was a means of recycling old explosives,That makes sense,that material was probably the forerunner of the modern PBX.Very interesting.
cutefix
Frequent Poster
Posts: 330
From: california
Registered: MAY 2001
posted 07-31-2001 03:01 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This nipolit explosive has limited information available in the net.As far as I can discern its composition,from a german text;that improvised formulation I give earlier is near to it,but I doubt about the mechanical strength.One particular composition of nipolit I found is like this:
Nitrocellulose 34%
Diethylene glycoldinitrate 30%
Diphenyl urea 0 .75%
Graphite 0.10 %
PETN 35%
Magnesium Oxide 0.05%
This looks like cordite or similar smokeless powder converted into another explosive,but enriched with PETN.I think while still in plastic consistency; it is extruded to a suitable shape like the normal smokeless powder.I anticipate that any further shaping of this material is done with non sparking tools.I still think this composition is very flammable, and if being subjected to an ordinary lathe machining,is risky of causing ignition due to friction.