Concept in Definition ABC

TNT stands for trinitrotoluene, a composition Chemical that acts as an explosive and is formed from nitrated toluene three times. It is a type of crystalline aromatic hydrocarbon with a characteristic pale yellow color. In its refined form, TNT has considerable stability, which means that it does not react easily to shocks or shaking. This compound only explodes when an object weighing about two kilos hits it at a certain velocity.

Refering to temperature in the explosion it reaches 470 degrees Celsius and for this it is necessary to activate some type of detonator. It should be noted that it does not absorb water and does not react with metals and this circumstance allows it to be stored with safety for very long periods.

TNT is an explosive that is sometimes confused with another, dynamite. Both have a very high destructive power, which can be used for lawful purposes or with a clear destructive purpose.

Advantages and disadvantages

TNT is used in mining, industry and as an element to facilitate the creation of large infrastructures. Its negative side is evident, since since its discovery at the end of the 19th century it has been used as a powerful and effective weapon of destruction in times of war.

TNT is an explosive with a high detonation speed and has proven its destructive efficiency, even in underwater detonations. Regarding its negative aspects, it must be emphasized that it is a flammable and toxic substance and, therefore, its use can go accompanied by health problems for people exposed to its effects (breathing difficulties, vomiting, cramps, etc). On the other hand, his transport it is not without its dangers. As for his manufacturing, it is quite expensive and complex.

Historical approximation

The discoverer of TNT was the German chemist Julius Wibrand. Interestingly, its discovery in 1863 was initially valued as a new yellow dye that had applications in the world of fashion. However, after twenty years it was found that TNT was actually an explosive substance that had great potential as a weapon of war. In a few years it was possible to verify its effectiveness, since in World War I it was used as a weapon of destruction at large scale. In World War II the warlike needs made TNT continue to be used as an explosive, especially to attack enemy submarines.

TNT is valued as an explosive because it offers more safety than nitroglycerin. However, the evolution Of the armament has caused that this explosive has lost prominence in the warlike conflicts of the most recent history.

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