Pronunciation: [ˈanfə͡ʊ] (IPA) 
ANFO is a type of explosive that is commonly used in mining and construction. It is made up of ammonium nitrate and fuel oil, hence the name ANFO (pronounced as /ˈænfoʊ/). The first two letters 'A' and 'N' come from the chemical compound ammonium nitrate, while the last two letters 'F' and 'O' represent fuel oil. The IPA phonetic transcription of ANFO is /ˈænfoʊ/, where the stressed syllable is 'an' and the rest is unstressed.
ANFO is an acronym that stands for Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil. It is a highly explosive substance widely used in the mining and construction industries for blasting purposes. ANFO is made by mixing ammonium nitrate, a chemical compound consisting of nitrogen and oxygen, with fuel oil, typically diesel fuel. This combination creates a powerful explosive material that is stable and relatively safe to handle.
ANFO is favored for its simplicity in manufacturing and its cost-efficiency. The mixture is typically produced on-site by blending the ammonium nitrate and fuel oil in specific ratios, depending on the desired explosiveness. The fuel oil acts as a sensitizer, allowing the ammonium nitrate to be more easily detonated.
The explosive properties of ANFO are attributed to the high energy content of the fuel oil and the oxygen-rich ammonium nitrate. When ignited or subjected to a shock, the mixture undergoes rapid decomposition, releasing large amounts of gas, heat, and pressure. This sudden release of energy causes a devastating explosion capable of breaking through rocks and clearing large areas.
Due to its relative stability, ANFO must be initiated by a separate explosive device, such as a blasting cap or a detonator. This ensures the controlled detonation of the ANFO mixture. The widespread use of ANFO in mining and construction industries makes it an essential tool for rock blasting, excavation, and other similar applications.
