EOTECH Logo

Binary Gel Explosive

Safe and Affordable Transport

"US DoT Class 3 Flammable Liquid. MatrEX Gel is not regulated as a Class 1 explosive. This binary formulation ensures maximum safety during storage and transport, only becoming energetic when mixed on-site."

MatrEX™ Binary Gel FAQ

General Information (The Basics)

What is MatrEX™ Binary Gel?
MatrEX™ is a "binary" explosive, which means it comes in two parts. Think of it like a two-part epoxy. Part A and Part B are liquids that are non-explosive on their own. They only become an explosive when you mix them together through a static mixing nozzle.
Is it dangerous to transport?
Before it is mixed, MatrEX™ is classified as a Class 3 Flammable Liquid, similar to how gasoline or paint thinner is categorized. It is not regulated as an explosive (Class 1) during shipping, making it much safer and cheaper to transport than dynamite or C4.
What consistency is it?
When it comes out of the mixer, it feels like thick automotive grease. After a few minutes, it develops into a Jello like texture.
Can anyone buy this?
No. MatrEX™ is a professional-grade energetic material restricted to anyone holding a FEL or MIL/LEO.
How do I clean it up if I spill the unmixed parts?
Since the unmixed parts are just flammable liquids (like solvents), they can be cleaned up using standard absorbent materials (like kitty litter or shop rags) and disposed of according to local hazmat regulations for flammable liquids.
Does it smell?
Nitromethane has a mild, characteristic odor often associated with drag racing fuel or solvents. It is distinct but not overwhelmingly noxious in small quantities.
Can I mix it by hand in a bowl?
Absolutely not. MatrEX™ is designed to be mixed only using the static mixing nozzle provided with the cartridge. Mixing by hand is dangerous, unreliable, and violates safety protocols. The nozzle ensures the exact ratio and thorough mixing required for a stable detonation.

Technical Specifications & Data

What is the primary chemical component?
MatrEX™ is a Nitromethane-based binary explosive formulation.
What is the Relative Effectiveness (R.E.) Factor?
The R.E. Factor is 1.14.
What is the Detonation Velocity (VoD)?
The Detonation Velocity is 6,200 m/s (approx. 20,340 ft/s).
What is the density of the mixed product?
The density is 1.10 g/ml.
What is the viscosity of the gel?
Similar to Crisco or Lard.
What is the Critical Diameter?
  • Un-boosted: 3/8 inch (9.5mm)
  • Boosted: 1/4 inch (6.35mm)
Charges thinner than these dimensions may fail to propagate detonation reliably.
Is MatrEX™ Cap Sensitive?
Yes. Once mixed and sensitized, MatrEX™ is shock-sensitive and can be initiated with a standard blasting cap or detonating cord.
What is the N.E.W. for the 46ml cartridge?
58.97 grams (0.13 lbs).
What is the N.E.W. for the 480ml cartridge?
603.28 grams (1.33 lbs).
What is the N.E.W. for the 855ml cartridge?
1070.48 grams (2.36 lbs).
What is the shelf life?
MatrEX™ has a shelf life of +24 months when stored correctly in its unmixed state. Monthly testing is conducted to verify stability.

Operational Handling & Safety

What is the "working time" after mixing?
Because the sensitization process is rapid, the "working time" is essentially the time it takes to dispense the cartridge. It is designed for immediate application into the target or device.
How long does the charge remain active?
Once mixed and sensitized, the charge remains viable and detonable for a minimum of 24 hours.
Is MatrEX™ water-resistant?
Yes. As a gel based explosive, it has excellent water resistance properties and can be used in damp or wet environments once sensitized.
Can it be used for shaped charges?
Yes. Its high density, moldability, and high VoD make it excellent for shaped charge applications. It can be injected into 3D-printed or standard liner bodies to create effective penetrators.
Is the gel compatible with 3D-printed polymers?
Extensive material testing has been conducted to ensure compatibility with standard 3D printing materials such as ABS, and Nylon. The gel does not degrade these casings during the typical operational window.
How does temperature affect sensitization?
Like most chemical reactions, cold temperatures can slow the sensitization process, while heat can accelerate it. The gel is formulated to perform within standard operational temperature ranges defined by MIL-STD requirements.
What PPE is required when handling?
Standard PPE for handling flammable industrial chemicals is recommended: safety glasses/goggles and nitrile gloves to prevent skin contact with the unmixed or mixed components.
Why use MatrEX™ over C4?
While C4 is an excellent explosive, MatrEX™ offers superior logistics (Class 3 transport vs. Class 1), easier moldability into complex geometries (via injection/extrusion), and R.E. factor of 1.14 in a format that does not require heavy regulatory oversight until mixed.
Can I re-use a nozzle?
No. Once the mixing stops, the gel inside the nozzle will sensitize and block it. A fresh nozzle must be used for each new application session or if the flow is paused for longer than the sensitization time.
Is MatrEX™ suitable for Agile Combat Employment (ACE)?
Yes. MatrEX™ was specifically developed with ACE concepts in mind. Its ability to be transported via standard logistics chains (non-hazmat explosive) and mixed on-site allows small teams to deploy with significant explosive capability without the burden of heavy explosive safety arcs during transport.