Abstract: 2:2 mixed orthocarbonates of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.noteq.R' and wherein R and R' are --C(NO.sub.2).sub.3, --CF(NOb.2).sub.2, --CF.sub.2 (NO.sub.2), --C(NO.sub.2).sub.2 CH.sub.3, --CH(NO.sub.2)CH.sub.3, --CH(NO.sub.2)CH.sub.3, --CH.sub.2 (NO.sub.2), --CF.sub.3, or --CF.sub.2 CF.sub.3, and methods of preparation.Additionally, orthoformates of the formula ##STR2## wherein R is --C(NO.sub.2).sub.2 CH.sub.3, --CF.sub.2 (NO.sub.2), --CH(NO.sub.2)CH.sub.3, and --CH.sub.2 (NO.sub.2), and methods of preparation.

Abstract: A process for preparing a composite of two or more continuous phases, one which is tantalum carbide or a mixture of tantalum carbide and carbon which comprises(1) impregnating a preform of graphite or a similar material in the form of a porous block or woven fiber form with a reactive carbon source such as petroleum pitch, a coal tar pitch, a thermal setting resin, or a sugar;(2) pyrolyzing the reactive carbon source to form carbon;(3) impregnating the preform with either Ta(OCH.sub.3).sub.5 or Ta(OCH.sub.2 CH.sub.3).sub.5 under anhydrous conditions;(4) hydrating the Ta(OCH.sub.3).sub.5 or Ta(OCH.sub.2 CH.sub.3).sub.5 to precipitate Ta.sub.2 O.sub.5 throughout the preform; and(5) heating the preform at a temperature of 1400.degree. C. or more until the Ta.sub.2 O.sub.5 has reacted with the carbon to form tantalum carbide.

Abstract: A process for preparing ammonium dinitramide by:(1) nitrating either ethyl carbamate or methyl carbamate to form the corronding mononitrate compound, ethyl N-nitrocarbamate or methyl N-nitrocarbamate;(2) reacting the N-nitrocarbamate with ammonia under anhydrous conditions to produce the corresponding ammonium salt, ammonium ethyl N-nitrocarbamate or ammonium methyl N-nitrocarbamate;(3) nitrating the ammonium salt and then treating the reaction mixture with ammonia to produce ammonium dinitramide, ammonium nitrate, and regenerate the original ethyl carbamate or methyl carbamate compound.

Abstract: The high discharge rate performance of a non-aqueous lithium electrochemi cell is improved by dispersing a portion of the lithium conducting salt of the electrolyte uniformly throughout the carbon current collector of the cathode in the form of microcrystals. Upon contact, the electrolyte solubilizes the lithium salt from the carbon current collector, increasing the surface area and thus the efficiency of the carbon current collector.

Abstract: A method for propelling a projectile by applying a high power pulse of electrical current to a metal fuel element (of Al, Al--Li, or Al--Mg) causing the element to explode dispersing molten metal fuel into water with which it reacts to rapidly generate hydrogen gas at high pressure; the hydrogen gas is used to push the projectile. After the peak current is reached, an inductive electrical energy source drives the electrical current into the molten metal fuel/water mixture thus driving the reaction to completion.

Abstract: Monoclinic celsian (BaO.Al.sub.2 O.sub.3.2SiO.sub.2) is produced by heating a stoichiometric, powder mixture of BaCO.sub.3 (or BaC.sub.2 O.sub.4), Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, and SiO.sub.2 (preferably SiO.sub.2 gel) with monoclinic celsian seeds at from 1250.degree. C. to 1500.degree. C.

Abstract: A two phase HfB.sub.2 --SiB.sub.4 material which is useful as a high tempture oxidation resistant coating.

Abstract: Hydroxy-terminated poly(2,2-dinitropropyl)polynitroorthocarbonate prepolys of the formula ##STR1## which are prepared by reacting bis(2,2-dinitropropyl)dichloroformal with a diol of the formula ##STR2## wherein n>1, and wherein W, X, Y, and Z vary independently and are F or NO.sub.2, and wherein --A-- is --CH.sub.2 --, --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --, --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --, --CF.sub.2 --, --CF.sub.2 CF.sub.2 --, --CF.sub.2 CF.sub.2 CF.sub.2 --, --CF.sub.2 CF.sub.2 CF.sub.2 CF.sub.2 --, --CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.2 --, --CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.2 OCH.sub.2 --, --CH.sub.2 OCF.sub.2 OCH.sub.2 --, or --CH.sub.2 N(NO.sub.2)CH.sub.2 --. These prepolymers are reacted with curing agents (e.g., polyisocyanates) to form energetic polymeric binders.

Abstract: Hydroxy-terminated poly(2-fluoro-2,2-dinitroethyl) polynitroorthocarbonate repolymers of the formula ##STR1## which are prepared by reacting bis(2-fluoro-2,2-dinitroethyl)dichloroformal with a diol of the formula ##STR2## wherein n>1, and wherein W, X, Y, and Z vary independently and are F or NO.sub.2, and wherein A is --CH.sub.2 --, --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --, --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --, --CF.sub.2 --, --CF.sub.2 CF.sub.2 --, --CF.sub.2 CF.sub.2 CF.sub.2 --, --CF.sub.2 CF.sub.2 CF.sub.2 CF.sub.2 --, --CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.2 --, --CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.2 OCH.sub.2 --, --CH.sub.2 OCF.sub.2 OCH.sub.2 --, or --CH.sub.2 N(NO.sub.2)CH.sub.2 --. These prepolymers are reacted with curing agents (e.g., polyisocyanates) to form energetic polymeric binders.

Abstract: Double base propellants having a mixture of bismuth and copper salts of hydroxy-substituted benzoic acids added as burning rate (ballistic) modifiers.

Abstract: A ceramic material which is (1) ceramics based on monoclinic BaO.multidot.sub.2 O.sub.3 .multidot.2SiO.sub.2 ; (2) ceramics based on monoclinic SrO.multidot.Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 .multidot.2SiO.sub.2 ; or (3) ceramics based on monoclinic solid solution of BaO.multidot.Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 .multidot.2SiO.sub.2 and SrO.multidot.Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 .multidot.2SiO.sub.2.

Abstract: A glass which contains (1) an alkaline earth oxide that is BaO, SrO, or mures thereof, (2) Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, and (3) SiO.sub.2. The glass is useful as a sintering aid in the preparation of monoclinic BaO.Al.sub.2 O.sub.3.2SiO.sub.2 or monoclinic SrO.Al.sub.2 O.sub.3.2SiO.sub.2 ceramic structures.

Abstract: Dichloroformals of the formula(RCH.sub.2 O).sub.2 CCl.sub.2wherein R is --C(NO.sub.2).sub.3, --CF(NO.sub.2).sub.2, --CF.sub.2 (NO.su), --CCl(NO.sub.2).sub.2, --C(NO.sub.2).sub.2 CH.sub.3, --CCl.sub.3, --CF.sub.3, or --CF.sub.2 CF.sub.3. These dichloroformals are prepared by reacting the corresponding thionocarbonate of the formula(RCH.sub.2 O).sub.2 C.dbd.S,wherein R is as defined above, with sulfuryl chloride in the presence of a Friedel-Craft catalyst (e.g., AlCl.sub.3 or TiCl.sub.4). Another method is to react the thionocarbonate with chlorine gas in the presence of a polar additive such as 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol or acetonitrile. These energetic dichloroformals are useful as explosive and propellant ingredients and as intermediates in the synthesis of other energetic explosive and propellant ingredients.

Abstract: A composite with a reinforcing material that is Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, SiC, or xtures thereof in a matrix that is a ceramic material based on a solid solution of CrB.sub.2 and NbB.sub.2.

Abstract: A metal or graphite fiber is suspended in a working fluid having a high refractive index change with the temperature and a modulated laser beam heats the fiber producing a synchronous thermal wave in the fiber whose amplitude and phase are measured by passing a probe laser beam through the liquid close to the fiber and converting the probe beam deflections into an electric signal. A theoretical model of the thermal wave is used to calculate the amplitude and phase shift of a theoretical thermal wave for points along the fiber from physical characteristics of the lasers and the fiber including an estimate of the thermal conductivity of the fiber.

Abstract: A Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 reinforced aluminosilicate ceramic composite made ofA. from about 5 to about 40 weight percent of Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 reinforcem material;B. from about 15 to about 35 weight percent of the recrystalization products formed from a molten glass composed of(1) from about 8 to about 16 weight percent of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3,(2) from about 14 to about 45 mole percent of an alkaline earth oxide selected form the group consisting of BaO, SrO, and mixtures thereof, and(3) SiO.sub.2 being the remainder of the molten glass,wherein the recrystallization products are formed from the molten glass when the ceramic composite is cooled down after firing;C. the remainder of the composite being monoclinic BaO.Al.sub.2 O.sub.3.2SiO.sub.2 (BAS), monoclinic SrO.Al.sub.2 O.sub.3.2SiO.sub.2 (SAS), or a monoclinic solid solution of BAS and SAS.

Abstract: Hydroxy-terminated poly(2,2-dinitropropyl)polynitroorthocarbonate prepolys of the formula ##STR1## which are prepared by reacting bis(2,2-dinitropropyl)dichloroformal with a diol of the formula ##STR2## wherein n>1, and wherein W, X, Y, and Z vary independently and are F or NO.sub.2, and wherein --A-- is --CH.sub.2 --, --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --, --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --, --CF.sub.2 --, --CF.sub.2 CF.sub.2 --, --CF.sub.2 CF.sub.2 CF.sub.2 --, --CF.sub.2 CF.sub.2 CF.sub.2 CF.sub.2 --, --CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.2 --, --CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.2 OCH.sub.2 --, --CH.sub.2 OCF.sub.2 OCH.sub.2 --, or --CH.sub.2 N(NO.sub.2)CH.sub.2 --. These prepolymers are reacted with curing agents (e.g., polyisocyanates) to form energetic polymeric binders.

Abstract: A ceramic electromagnetic window made of Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 particles which are bonded together by a metal phosphate binder that is an AlPO.sub.4 binder, a ZrP.sub.2 O.sub.7 binder, or mixtures thereof, wherein the Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 particles comprise from 55 to 85 volume percent of the ceramic material of the electromagnetic window with the metal phosphate binder comprising the remainder. By substituting Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 whiskers for some of the Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 particles a discontinuous fiber composite ceramic electromagnetic window is produced. The electromagnetic window may be a simple shape such as a flat or slightly curved sheet or a more complex shape such as a conical or spherical radome.

Abstract: Hydroxy-terminated poly(2-fluoro-2,2-dinitroethyl) polynitroorthocarbonate repolymers of the formula ##STR1## which are prepared by reacting bis(2-fluoro-2,2-dinitroethyl)dichloroformal with a diol of the formula ##STR2## wherein n>1, and wherein W, X, Y, and Z vary independently and are F or NO.sub.2, and wherein A is --CH.sub.2 --, --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --, --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --, --CF.sub.2 --, --CF.sub.2 CF.sub.2 --, --CF.sub.2 CF.sub.2 CF.sub.2 --, --CF.sub.2 CF.sub.2 CF.sub.2 CF.sub.2 --, --CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.2 --, --CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.2 OCH.sub.2 --,--CH.sub.2 OCF.sub.2 OCH.sub.2 --, or --CH.sub.2 N(NO.sub.2)CH.sub.2 --. These prepolymers are reacted with curing agents (e.g., polyisocyanates) to form energetic polymeric binders.

Abstract: A process for producing a superconductor wire by:A. coating the inner surface of a steel tube with a thin layer of silver metal;B. packing the tube with high temperature superconductor ceramic (HTSC) powder;C. sealing the tube;D. cold working the tube to reduce its diameter;E. etching or dissolving away the steel tube to leave a superconductor wire comprising the silver metal coating that was on the inner surface of the steel tube as a thin silver metal sheath which encapsulates the HTSC powder.The superconductor wire can be further treated by sintering or oxygenating the HTSC powder.