Abstract: The invention relates to Insensitive Munition (IM) energetic materials particularly IM propellant compositions, and yet further to nitrocellulose-free IM propellants. An energetic composition suitable for use as a propellant comprises the following components in the following relative proportions: component A; from 5% to 25% by weight of an IM energetic filler; component B: from 50% to 80% by weight of a highly energetic filler comprising at least one nitramine compound; component C of from 5% to 20% by weight of a binder; and component D of from 3% to 15% by weight of a plasticizer; the percentages by weight of components A, B, C and D together with minor additives, if any, adding to 100%.

Abstract: A propellant composition including, about 5 to about 30 weight % of a polymeric binder component having about 4 to about 10 weight % of at least one oxygen-rich pre-polymer, about 0.1 to about 2 weight % of at least one isocyanate curative, wherein the curative(s) react with alcohol groups on said pre-polymer(s) to formulate urethane linkages, about 1 to about 20 weight % of at least one plasticizer to improve processability and for oxygen balance of the composition, about 0.01 to about 1.0 weight % of at least one additive including cure catalyst(s) and stabilizer(s), about 1 to about 40 weight % of a mixture of high oxygen content insensitive gas generators in solid form, about 1 to about 50 weight % of at least one oxidizer, and wherein the composition is free of perchlorate.

Abstract: An efficient method for preparing nitrated glycerol glycol ether useful as a high energy plasticizer, by using as nitrator feed, the reaction products of an alkali metal bisulfate-catalyzed reaction of ethylene oxide and a stoichiometric excess of glycerol.

Abstract: An energetic plasticizer for double base propellants comprising (1) a mixe of sorbitol tetra-,penta-, and hexa-nitrate (MSN) and (2) a polyolpolynitrate selected from the group consisting of diethyleneglycoldinitrate (DEGDN), triethyleneglycoldinitrate (TEGDN), nitroglycerin (NG) and mixtures thereof. Also included are compound formulations for double base, modified double base, and composite modified double base propellants incorporating the above energetic plasticizer.

Abstract: Well stimulation involving use of a liquid explosive composition in the explosive fracturing of subterranean formations such as oil and gas bearing formations. An explosive formulation comprising a nitrate ester explosive component and a phlegmatizer component is introduced into a well penetrating the formation to be fractured. The phlegmatizer component is an alkyl or alkoxy diester which is mixable with the nitrate ester and can be varied in concentration to control the detonation velocity and maximum explosive pressure. Examples of phlegmatizing agents include alkyl or alkoxy alkyl esters of adipate or azelaic acids such as dibutoxyethyl adipate or diisobutyl azelate or polyethylene glycoxy-based diesters such as triethylene glycol dipelargonate. After the formulation is detonated to fracture the formation, the well is placed on production to recover hydrocarbons at an increased rate.

Abstract: Sensitized inorganic nitrate mixtures with high brisance are provided in which oxygen balance is attained by the incorporation of aluminum dust and hydrocarbons. Cap sensitivity is achieved by adding an organic nitrate. The resultant mixtures have a low tendency to sweat and cause headaches.

Abstract: A novel heterogeneous, cap-sensitive high explosive is provided which comprises a crystalline inorganic nitrate salt having dispersed throughout the matrix of the salt crystal a hydroxyalkyl nitrate fuel. Particularly preferred are ammonium nitrate crystals having dispersed therein ethylene glycol mononitrate. The crystalline high explosive is dry and free flowing and may be used per se, in admixture with bulking agents or fluidizing agents or may be used as a replacement for a substantial amount of nitroglycerine in conventional dynamite compositions.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved desensitized dynamites, the improvement comprising the incorporation of a desensitizing compound selected from the class of compounds known as diesters, polyesters, triesters except those esters containing benzyl rings, and dialkyl substituted amides or combinations thereof.

Abstract: This invention concerns a dynamite type explosive composition which comprises at least one liquid explosive nitric ester and an emulsion composition comprising an oxygen-releasing salt phase, an organic phase and an emulsifier. The invention provides dynamite type compositions in which the amount of liquid explosive nitric ester can be significantly reduced without adversely affecting the performance and physical properties of the composition.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for preparing a gelatine explosive composition comprising the steps of adding at least one dispersing agent to a mixture of liquid nitric esters and ortho-nitrotoluene, adding the resulting mixture to blasting soluble nitrocotton to form a gel and subsequently adding oxidizing salts, fuels, and when desired, a water-proofing agent such as tamarind seed flour or guar gum to form a homogeneous mixture.

Abstract: Blasting oil contained in the effluent from the production of explosives containing nitroglycerine is recovered by extracting with nitroaromatics which make part of the final explosive, the resulting extract being used completely in the explosive production. Residues of nitroaromatics may be removed from the purified effluent by means of an extraction liquid being sparely water-soluble, such as toluene or xylene or a mixture thereof.

Abstract: 7. A process for preparing a solid propellant composition having a plateau-burning rate comprising the steps ofA. mixing at room temperature the following ingredients until a viscous binder results:Ingredients Percent by weight ______________________________________ High energy plasticizer selected from 15 to 85 the group consisting of pentaerythritol trinitrate, diethylene glycol dinitrate, trimethylolethane trinitrate and mixtures thereof Ingredients Percent by weight ______________________________________ Plastisol nitrocellulose 10 to 50 Ethyl centralite .4 to 5; ______________________________________B. blending into said binder, until a homogeneous pourable mixture result a cured propellant composition which has been milled to an average particle size of about 30 mesh, said composition consisting essentially of the following ingredientsIngredients Percent by weight ______________________________________ Nitrocellulose 13.5 to 27.5 Nitroglycerin 10.5 to 22.5 Additives .

Abstract: A process for preparing an energetic mixture of 1,2,4-butanetroil trinitr and nitroglycerin by forming a polyol mixture of 1,2,4-butanetriol and glycerin, and then nitrating the polyol mixture with a mixture of nitric and sulfuric acids.