:: ammonium nitrate and aluminum powder, which authorities say have no use other than for an explosive device ::
OH NOES! The humanity!
Wait, ammonium nitrate is fertilizer. Aluminum powder is used in coatings and alloy metallurgy.
So, “no other use” is complete b*llsh*t?
Thought so.
aluminum powder, rust and one other component and you have thermite. Burns right through an engine block.
So, “no other use” is complete b*llsh*t?
Thought so.
All true, however there is a product called Tannerite that is these two compounds (ammonium nitrate and aluminum powder) sold as an explosive to shooting enthusiasts because when mixed, these two compounds will explode when struck by a large enough caliber bullet. It makes a big BOOM! and a cloud or smoke. Big fun all around, but more as a noise maker than an explosive. I'm guessing that what the officers found. Unless you are talking about tonnage amounts of ammonium nitrate and aluminum powder. That would be another level.