everyone keeps talking about semtex but what is it?

A mixture of PETN and TNT, I think, plasticized with vegetable oils.

~Zero the Inestimable

isnt it PETN and RDX? anyway, its a popular terrorist explosive.

I know it's PETN and something. I'll look it up.

~Zero the Inestimable

Table 1. Summary of Semtex Analysis

Name - Semtex H
% PETN - 49.8
% RDX - 50.2
Dye - Sudan I
Antioxidant - N-phenyl-2- naphthalamine
Plasticizer - n-octyl phthalate butyl citrate
Binder - styrene-butadiene rubber


Name - Semtex A
% PETN - 94.3
% RDX - 5.7
Dye - Sudan IV
Antioxidant - N--phenyl-2- naphthalamine
Plasticizer - n-octyl phthalate butyl citrate
Binder - styrene-butadiene rubber


In general, though, many authorities will call any plastique/putty type explosive that is identifiably NOT c-4 or c-3 "semtex"...