Abstract: An improved imbibitive polymer is prepared by a method which comprises linearly polymerizing methyl acrylate with a free radical-yielding catalyst while the acrylate is suspended in an aqueous medium containing selected suspending agent and while cross-linking the acrylate to a low level with selected cross-linking agent in a concentration of about 0.02-3%, by weight of the acrylate. The aqueous medium is heated and agitated during the reaction to keep the acrylate in fine suspension so that polymethyl acrylate beads are formed which do not agglomerate and which are capable of imbibing liquids having solubility parameters of about 8.5-11.5 Hildebrands. The catalyst concentration is usually about 1%, by weight of the methyl acrylate, and benzoyl peroxide and azo-bis-isobutyronitrile are preferred as the catalyst. The cross-linking agent is preferably divinyl benzene, 1,6-hexane-diol acrylate, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate and mixtures thereof, and is preferably used in a concentration of about 0.11-0.

Abstract: A method for safe, relatively air-pollution free disposal of pyrotechnic compositions is disclosed. High percentage recoveries of the inorganic oxidizer and metallic fuel are achieved, resulting in significant cost benefits, while using a minimum of energy.