Explosive materials are produced in numerous physical forms for their use in mining, engineering, or military applications.
These use forms are commonly categorized as:[1] Castings, or castable explosives, are explosive materials or mixtures in which at least one component can be safely melted at a temperature which is safe to handle the other components, and which are normally produced by casting or pouring the molten mixture or material into a form or use container.
An extensive but by no means complete list of PBX materials is in the main Polymer-bonded explosive article.
Modern US and British nuclear warheads nearly all use insensitive PBX types using only TATB explosive, to increase safety in case of accidents.
It is used in similar ways - stored in a container, then extruded out a nozzle into thin cracks, holes, or along surfaces.
Most binary explosives are a slurry after mixing, but some form a fluid with solid components dissolved into liquid ones.
While ANFO is often made on-site using fertilizer grade ammonium nitrate, blasting agents can also be purchased in prepackaged form, usually in metal or cardboard cylinders.