what is c4

C4, or Composition C-4, is a type of plastic explosive that is commonly used in military combat units for demolition. It is a member of the Composition C family of explosives, which uses RDX as its explosive agent. C4 is composed of explosives, plastic binder, plasticizer to make it malleable, and usually a marker or odorizing taggant chemical. It has a texture similar to modeling clay and can be molded into any desired shape. C4 is relatively insensitive and can be detonated only by the shock wave from a detonator or blasting cap. It is very stable and insensitive to most physical shocks, and cannot be detonated by a gunshot or by dropping it onto a hard surface. It does not explode when set on fire or exposed to microwave radiation. Detonation can only be initiated by a combination of extreme heat and a shockwave, such as when a detonator inserted into it is fired.