Abstract: Gas generating compositions and methods for their use are provided. Metal complexes are used as gas-generating compositions. These complexes are comprised of a metal cation template, a neutral ligand containing hydrogen and nitrogen, and sufficient oxidizing anion to balance the charge of the complex. The complexes are formulated such that when the complex combusts, nitrogen gas and water vapor is produced. Specific examples of such complexes include metal nitrite ammine, metal nitrate ammine, and metal perchlorate ammine complexes, as well as hydrazine complexes. A binder and co-oxidizer can be combined with the metal complexes to improve crush strength of the gas-generating compositions and to permit efficient combustion of the binder. Such gas-generating compositions are adaptable for use in gas-generating devices, such as automobile air bags.

Abstract: An embodiment of the rocket motor of this invention employs an insensitive munitions approach that, when subjected to elevated external temperatures, is activated by thermal expansion of the main propellant and gas generation from a secondary insensitive munitions charge. In a preferred embodiment, the rocket motor also includes a pressure equalizing system that accommodates changing temperature conditions during storage as well as varying gas pressure inherent in gun-launched systems in a manner that allows for thinner case cylinder design and increased propellant volume.

Abstract: This melt-pourable explosive composition shares explosive properties comparable to those of Tritonal and is melt-pourable and castable under conditions comparable to those of Tritonal, but experiences equal or less impact, shock, and thermal sensitivity and avoids the issues of toxicity associated with trinitrotoluene. The trinitrotoluene component of Tritonal is replaced with one or more mononitro aromatic and/or dinitro aromatic melt-pourable binders, such as dinitroanisole, which can be melt poured without presenting the toxicity drawbacks experienced with the use of TNT. The melt-pourable binder can also be combined with a processing aid selected from the group consisting of alkylnitroanilines and arylnitroanilines. The composition also includes oxidizer particles, which are preferably inorganic oxidizer particles, and a reactive metallic fuel, such as aluminum.

Abstract: Provided is a gas generating composition having a low combustion temperature and having a low produced amount of toxic carbon monoxide, ammonia and nitrogen oxides at the time of combustion. The gas generating composition includes the following components (a), (b) and (c) and optionally the component (d) and/or the component (e): (a) an organic compound as fuel; (b) an oxygen-containing oxidizing agent; (c) aluminum hydroxide; (d) a binder; and (e) an additive selected from metal oxides and metal carbide.

Abstract: A reactive material for use as a reactive liner in penetrating (shape-charge) warheads and for use in reactive fragments in fragmenting warheads is disclosed. The reactive material comprises an oxidizing agent and a metal filler or metal/metal oxide filler. The oxidizing agent comprises a fluoropolymer having high fluorine content, a low melt temperature, and a high mechanical strength. Preferably, the fluoropolymer is a thermoplastic fluoropolymer, such as a polymer of tetrafluoroethylene, hexafluoropropylene, and vinylidene fluoride. The metal filler comprises a high density, reactive metal. Preferably, the metal filler is hafnium or tantalum. The reactive material is safely processed at temperatures significantly below the thermal autoignition point of the reactive material.

Abstract: A multi-component liquid explosive composition and method of mixing thereof. The steps include (a) providing a powder consisting of aluminum preferably having an average particle size of 5 to 50 microns and a surface area of 0.5 to 2 square meters per cubic centimeter containing 0.1 to 5% stearic acid by weight; (b) providing a liquid consisting of nitromethane; and (c) mixing said aluminum powder with the nitromethane to form a liquid explosive formulation detonable at a wide range of temperatures and diameters with a standard commercial number 8 blasting cap.

Abstract: A flexible inflator for an inflation assembly and related gas generating propellant compositions are provided. The flexible inflator includes at least one elongated strand of a propellant co-extruded with a moisture barrier. The propellant compositions are adapted for co-extrusion with a plastic sheath which forms the moisture barrier surrounding the propellant and include a binder fuel component effective to render the composition flexible and to impart sufficient adhesive properties such that the propellant composition and the plastic sheath adhere together, and an oxidizer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas generant composition comprising a nitrogen-containing organic compound, an oxidizing agent and an additive, wherein a calorific value per mol of gas generated by the combustion of the gas generant is not more than 125 KJ. Also, the present invention provides a gas generator using the said gas generant composition of the present invention. In the gas generant composition that burns at a suitable combustion speed for the gas generator, a calorific value per mol of gas generated by the combustion of the gas generant is suppressed to a specific value as noted above, whereby reduction in size and weight of the gas generator is achieved.

Abstract: An explosive composition is provided that is comprised of a Heavy ANFO and grain hulls. In one embodiment, the grain hulls are comprised of rice hulls. The grain hulls serve both as an inert bulking additive that reduces the density of the composition and as a sensitizer that reduces the energy needed to reliably detonate the composition. Also provided is a method for manufacturing an explosive composition comprised of Heavy ANFO and grain hulls, such as rice hulls. Additionally, a method of using an explosive comprised of ANFO and grain hulls in a mining operation is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to an explosive capable of enhanced combustion efficiently capable of sustaining a high pressure over a period of time in a confined environment, such as an air tight room or a cave, where oxygen may be in limited supply. An embodiment of the present invention is a metal composite that combines a binder, a reactive metal and an oxidizer. In another embodiment, a plasticizer and a catalyst are added. In another embodiment of the present invention, a solid fuel-air explosive (SFAE) having an annular construction is used. In a typical annular construction, a cylindrical shell of SFAE surrounds the cylindrically shaped high explosive. The SFAE includes at least one of reactive metal and metal composite. In addition, the metal composite is formed from at least one reactive metal, at least one binder and an oxidizer.

Abstract: Water-in-oil emulsion explosive compositions comprising a) an aqueous oxidizer phase comprising at least one oxygen supplying component wherein said oxygen supplying component comprises at least 50% by weight of prilled agricultural grade ammonium nitrate, b) an organic phase, comprising at least one organic fuel and c) an emulsifying amount of an aliphatic hydrocarbyl group substituted succinic emulsifier composition, said succinic emulsifier composition having at least one of succinic ester groups, succinic amide groups, succinic imine groups, succinic ester-amide and succinimide groups, and mixtures thereof, wherein each of said groups is substituted with an aminoalkyl group, wherein the aliphatic hydrocarbon based group contains from about 18 up to about 500 carbon atoms.

Abstract: The manufacture is carried out in a continuous manner simultaneous to the filling of the shot holes, in a mixer, preferably a rotating mixer, wherein a water-based, non-explosive or low sensitivity matrix, an air bubble stabilizing agent, and optionally, an oxidant in granular form and a combustible material are mixed together. The nature of the water-based matrix, together with the use of an air bubble stabilizing agent, allows the incorporation of air during the mixing, regulating the density of the final product and acting on the variables of the process. On coming out of the mixer, the explosive is totally sensitized and has reached its final density, allowing for quality control before filling the shot hole. The process may be carried out on the explosives pumping truck, with compartments for the transportation of a water-based matrix, an oxidant in granular form, a combustible material and a gas bubble stabilizing agent.

Abstract: Hypergolic fuel propulsion systems contain a fuel composition and an oxidizer composition. The fuel composition contains an azide compound that has at least one tertiary nitrogen and at least one azide functional group, as well as a catalyst that contains at least one transition metal compound. The fuel composition optionally further contains a hydrocarbon fuel. The oxidizer composition contains hydrogen peroxide. The transition metal catalyst is preferably selected from the group consisting of compounds of cobalt and manganese. The invention provides a method for propelling a vehicle by providing a fuel mixture that spontaneously ignites with the oxidizer composition in an engine to provide thrust.

Abstract: In order to obtain a pyrotechnic body free of harmful materials, at least one primary explosive from a group of primary explosives is used, this group including atoxic metal cations of a mono- and a dinitrohydroxydiazobenzene (“diazinate”), a ditetrazole compound of highly nitrated organic compounds from salts of the ditetrazole and aromatic nitro bodies having easily replaceable molecular groups and atoxic metal cations of a dinitrobezofuroxane as primary explosives.

Abstract: A single increment initiator charge for use in an inflatable restraint system and a method of preparing the single increment initiator charge are provided. The single increment initiator charge includes a homogeneous blend of zirconium, an oxidizer such as potassium perchlorate, and a combustion enhancer such as titanium hydride in an amount effective to result in the single increment initiator charge being effective to ignite an associated pyrotechnic charge. The single increment initiator charge may be formed by preparing a homogeneous blend such as by dry-blending the constituents or by mixing the constituents with a solvent such as an alcohol to form a slurry, loading the homogeneous blend into a charge holder and compressing the homogeneous blend.

Abstract: Inflation apparatuses and methods are provided wherein a hydrocarbon-containing inflation gas-producing mixture is formed via the fluid extraction of the hydrocarbon from a substrate material.

Abstract: An emulsion explosive composition is especially suited to being pneumatically loaded into a blasthole. The emulsion explosive composition includes a base emulsion phase which has a continuous fuel phase and a discontinuous oxidiser phase, wherein the viscosity of the base emulsion phase is less than 2000 cP (Brookfleld viscosity #4 spindle at 50 rpm) at 25°C.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic initiator having an initiator including a relatively low monolithic ignition charge that is separated from an overlying output charge by an intermediary slip plane. The slip plane may simply be a non-integral junction between monolithic ignition and output charges, or it may be a junction between a monolithic ignition charge and a non-monolithic output charge, or it may be a void or barrier between the ignition and output charges.

Abstract: A process for casting propellant paste into a mould to manufacture a block of solid propellant includes first mixing two groups of components briefly at low pressure, mixing the two groups of components at high pressure, and casting the mixture in a mould. The first group of components represents about 80% to about 99% of the finished product and essentially comprises a liquid prepolymer, at least one pulverulent solid charge and some of the various additives of the propellant paste. The second group of components represents about 20% to about 1% of the finished product and comprises the crosslinking agent and the rest of the additives.

Abstract: A composite structure having a substrate is protectively covered during fabrication by a barrier layer, such as an intumescent mat or felt, into which a fire resisting agent such as phenolic resin or water, or oil based intumescent coating is infused in-situ before attachment to the substrate and completion of composite structure fabrication. The barrier layer is infused in-situ with the phenolic resin before attachment by adhesive bonding to the substrate or infusion is performed during formation of the underlying substrate layer so as to achieve attachment without adhesive.