Abstract: Sol-gel chemistry is used to prepare igniters comprising energetic multilayer structures coated with energetic materials. These igniters can be tailored to be stable to environmental aging, i.e., where the igniters are exposed to extremes of both hot and cold temperatures (?30 C to 150 C) and both low (0%) and high relative humidity (100%).

Abstract: A method for making miniature explosive powder charges or other compressible materials, including providing a material to be compressed into multiple cavities of a rigid platen, and positioning an elastic platen in contact with the rigid platen. The elastic platen is mounted in a head assembly having a pressurizing fluid. Evacuating the cavities and the material contained therein, and trapping fractious particles and vapors out-gassed from the material. Pressurizing fluid, which causes deformation of the elastic platen to form distensions that project into the cavities and compress the material into compacts. The pressurizing fluid is depressurized enabling the distensions to retract and the elastic platen to return to a non-deformed state. Finally, separating the elastic and rigid platens and collecting the compacts, which may be miniature explosive charges having an optimized density.

Abstract: A new process for forming MICs as well as three exemplary categories of MIC formulations is disclosed. MICs disclosed herein include a first exemplary category for which combustion can be initiated and sustained by either a heat (flame) source or electrical power, a second exemplary category of formulations that can be ignited and that sustain combustion at low pressures only with electrical power and a third exemplary category of formulations that can be ignited and extinguished at low pressures only with electrical power. The new process of MIC formulation provides energetic liquid oxidizers in place of traditional solvents, thus eliminating the need for solvent extraction. The energetic liquid oxidizer serves as a medium in which to suspend and grow the 3D nanostructure formed by the cross linked polymer (PVA). As a consequence, the 3D nanostructure entraps the liquid oxidizer, preventing it from evaporating and thereby eliminating the need for solvent extraction, preserves the 3D nanostructure shape.

Abstract: Method and device for mixing and initiating a pyrotechnic charge, comprising at least one coherent porous fuel structure (16) and at least one oxidizer (8). According to the invention, the coherent porous fuel structure (16) and the oxidizer (8) are placed apart in a mixing device (1, 20) to prevent unintentional ignition, and in which the oxidizer (8), in response to the action of a force upon the mixing device (1, 20), for example upon firing of an artillery shell, is transported into the coherent porous fuel structure (16), after which the obtained pyrotechnic charge is initiated after a set time delay.

Abstract: A munition is described including a reactive fragment having an energetic material dispersed in a metallic binder material. A method is also described including forming a energetic material; combining the energetic material with a metallic binder material to form a mixture; and shaping the mixture to form a reactive fragment. The munition may be in the form of a warhead, and the reactive fragment may be contained within a casing of the warhead.

Abstract: Apparatus for storing and dispensing flowable explosive, the apparatus including an explosive pump for pumping flowable explosive into an explosive tank having a fluid pressure-actuated piston movable therein for expelling flowable explosive out of the explosive tank through a delivery hose fitted with an injector through which one or more additives from one or more additive tanks can be pumped by an additive pump.

Abstract: A sensitized explosive that comprises an explosive precipitated onto a sensitizer. The explosive is CL-20, PETN, RDX, HMX, or mixtures thereof and the sensitizer is aluminum, titanium, zirconium, magnesium, melamine, styrene, lithium aluminum hydride, or mixtures thereof. The sensitized explosive is used in a percussion primer that includes a bismuth compound and a melt binder. The bismuth compound is bismuth oxide, bismuth subnitrate, bismuth tetroxide, bismuth sulfide, or mixtures thereof and the melt binder is a wax having a melting point above ambient temperature, trinitrotoluene, poly(3,3-bis(azidomethyl)oxetane), poly(3-azidomethyl-3-methyloxetane), ethyl-3,5-dinitrobenzoate, or mixtures thereof. A gun cartridge and other primer-containing ordnance assemblies employing the percussion primer are also disclosed. Methods of forming the sensitized explosive and the percussion primer are also disclosed.

Abstract: Improved electric primer compositions, structures, and methods that are compatible with existing munitions and in particular an exemplary electric primer composition including carbon nanotubes along with energetic primer mixture(s) and an exemplary primer structure including layers of energetic materials wherein a layer exhibiting the most energetic character is positioned proximate to a primer button. Alternative embodiments include both conductive and non-conductive layers.

Abstract: This invention relates to the construction of a rocket motor and fuel system thereof and, in particular to a new and useful Viscous Liquid Monopropellant (VLM) rocket motor containing a liquid propellant that is pumped into the combustion chamber, atomised and then ignited. The atomisation step significantly increases the surface area of the propellant, delivering faster burn rates and smoother combustion. VLM is a non-Newtonian fluid containing both oxidisers and fuels. These monopropellants are comprised of a variety of liquid and solid components, mixed together to form a homogenous fluid, although heterogeneous in composition. The solid constituents are retained within the liquid phase by dispersion, suspension, bonding or chemical emulsification techniques, so as when a motive force is applied to the propellant, all the constituents are also transported, and held in correct proportion whilst doing so.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for making thermite compositions. The process includes providing a fuel-based slurry and at least one oxidizer-based slurry, formulating combination of fuel-based slurry and oxidizer-based slurry in a solvent to a desired energetic dose depending on nanocomposites' use, circulating the fuel-based slurry/oxidizer-based slurry combination in a mixing device operating semi-continuously during mixing and dispensing cycles forming a homogeneous mixed slurry, agitating ultrasonically or by high shear rate mixers the mixed slurry, and drying of the mixed slurry forming compact structures.

Abstract: An energetic material composite comprising fuel particles and a hydrated compound is disclosed. The energetic material composite is formed by dispersing fuel particles, which have a negative standard reduction potential relative to a standard hydrogen electrode, in a solvent containing dissolved hydrate, followed by a removal of solvent. When initiated, the fuel particles react with the water bound in the hydrated compound to release energy and hydrogen gas.

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 relates to a fuel component for an explosive, in which case the fuel component contains a volume-expanded molecularly dispersed hydrocarbon, and a method for its production. Furthermore, the invention relates to an explosive formed of the fuel component and an oxidizer, an explosive body filled with the explosive as well as an explosion method.

Abstract: Detecting a nitroaromatic explosive via an exothermic chemical reaction of the nitroaromatic explosive with a polyamine or polyamine functional group is accomplished by depositing a polyamine or polyamine-functionalized coating on a microelectrode array and a semiconductor substrate, introducing a nitroaromatic explosive to an exposed surface of the polyamine or polyamine-functionalized coating, and measuring changes in electrical properties of the polyamine or polyamine-functionalized coating associated with the introducing of the nitroaromatic explosive. The nitroaromatic explosive detector comprises a microelectrode array formed on a semiconductor substrate, a polyamine or polyamine-functionalized coating deposited on and contiguous with the microelectrode array and the semiconductor substrate, and a measuring device for measuring any of resistance, conductance, and capacitance across the microelectrode array.

Abstract: A large-scale synthetic method that enables the preparation of nanoenergetic composites in kilogram scales which forms superior materials as compared to the ultra-sonicated nanoenergetic composites and at a lower cost for use in explosive, pyrotechnic, agent defeat, ammunition primers, and propellant applications.

Abstract: Insensitive munition-type explosive material and methods for forming insensitive munition-type explosive material are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, an insensitive munition-type explosive material comprises a particle of BNCP and a surfactant-comprising shell that encapsulates the particle of BNCP.

Abstract: A detonator sensitive explosive emulsion composition includes an oxidizing phase including a supersaturated solution of ammonium nitrate and a fuel phase including sufficient emulsifying agent to permit dispersion of the oxidizing phase in the fuel phase. The detonator sensitive explosive emulsion composition further includes a crystallization temperature depressant consisting essentially of at least one of an amine and an amine nitrate.

Abstract: Methods of making and resultant compositions thereof, which include a gas generant having a coating including an inorganic combustion inhibitor. Such coated gas generants are useful in pyrotechnic compositions and ignition materials, and may be employed, for example, in inflatable restraint systems. The ratio of coated and uncoated gas generant bodies within an airbag inflator may be tailored to provide S-curve inflation performance. Spray application of aqueous mixture including the combustion inhibitor onto the gas generant body provides a rapid way to achieve a thin but robust coating.

Abstract: A process of making detonation products having an effect on biological agents, providing an effective amount of HNFX; combining HNFX with an additive; detonating the combination with a detonation device; creating detonation products from the combination; contacting the detonation products with the harmful agents; exposing the detonation products for about at least 2 seconds to harmful agents; and destroying the harmful agents.

Abstract: Perchlorate-free flare compositions are disclosed which, when burned, produce red smoke and flames. Methods of producing the compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dry process for the manufacture of pyrotechnic objects from at least one reducing charge selected from guanidine derivatives, metal hydrides, alkali metal hydrides and alkaline earth metal hydrides, and at least one oxidizing charge selected from alkali metal nitrates, alkaline earth metal nitrates and basic metal nitrates, at least one of said reducing and oxidizing charges having the property of flowing under stress. Said process makes it possible to obtain pellets and small tablets directly by compaction/compression, to obtain granules, usable as such, by compaction and then granulation, and to obtain compressed objects by compaction, granulation and then compression. The high-performance pyrotechnic objects obtained constitute a further subject of the invention.

Abstract: A process for manufacture of explosive formulations containing a halogenated wax binder, involving dilution of the halogenated wax in a non-aqueous lacquer, slurring the explosive in an aqueous solution and applying heat and vacuum to yield a granular explosive which provides complete coating to avoid hot spots and is quickly pressable at lower temperature and pressure.

Abstract: A percussion primer composition including at least one explosive, at least one nano-size non-coated fuel particle having natural surface oxides thereon, at least one oxidizer, optionally at least one sensitizer, optionally at least one buffer, and to methods of preparing the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for determining the sensitive or insensitive nature of a crystalline hexogen. Said process comprises: the formulation of said crystalline hexogen in a matrix; the analysis of a sample of said matrix charged with said crystalline hexogen by differential scanning calorimetry; said matrix consisting essentially of at least one liquid polymer that is suitable for the formulation of binders for energetic materials charged with nitro organic explosives; and of at least one adsorbent for the volatile organic compounds, which is stable at the operating temperature of the analysis and which has low affinity for water. The present invention also relates to the crystalline hexogen in such a matrix.

Abstract: Propellant compositions are provided herein for use in small arms cartridges. Such propellant compositions include a cellulose-based organic fuel, a non-azide, nitrogen-containing primary organic oxidizer and a secondary nitrate, perchlorate, chlorate of peroxide oxidizer. Preferably, such compositions are in the form of extruded shaped hollow cylindrical grains having dimensions that makes it loadable in a muzzleloader firearm or small calibre firearm cartridge case. Ignition grains are also provided for use alone or in a mixture with the propellant compositions. When used in a small calibre firearm or muzzleloader, the temperature of combustion is at a level that ensures substantially complete combustion of the fuel during firing so that the products of combustion are mostly gaseous.

Abstract: The propulsion system for the acceleration of projectiles is based on nitrocellulose and contains a crystalline energy carrier on a nitramine base and an inert plasticising additive. The nitramine compound contains a structural element of the general chemical structure formula R—N—NO2, where R is a residual. The nitramine compound is present in a concentration in the range from 1 to 35% by weight, in particular in the range from 5 to 25% by weight. The nitramine compound is preferably RDX. The inert plasticising additive is a water-insoluble polyoxo compound, if necessary in combination with a substance containing carboxyl groups. In layers near the surface an increased concentration can be present. The inert plasticising additive is present in a concentration of 1 to 5% by weight.

Abstract: The invention provides for a perchlorate-free pyrotechnic composition. In one embodiment of the present invention, the pyrotechnic composition includes from approximately sixty-seven percent (67%) to approximately seventy-eight percent (78%) of strontium nitrate [Sr(NO3)2], from approximately two percent (2%) to approximately eleven percent (11%) of potassium nitrate [KNO3], from approximately six percent (6%) to approximately fifteen percent (15%) of sulfur [S], from approximately one percent (1%) to approximately ten percent (10%) of polyvinyl chloride, from approximately one percent (1.0%) to approximately four percent (4%) of paraffin oil, and from approximately zero percent (0%) to approximately two percent (2%) of sawdust mixture.

Abstract: An energetic composition with controlled detonation having at least a first organic material and a second material, where the second material is a porous material (micro-, meso-, or macroporous), having a pore ratio of at least 10% and preferably greater than 50%, and the first material is, at least partially, infiltrated into the pores of the second material. A mixture containing such a composition, and a method for manufacturing such a composition and such a mixture. Additionally, a method for fragmenting or expanding a microporous immaterial at nanoscale.

Abstract: A solvent-free process is used to make moldable plastic explosives or moldable plastic explosive simulant products.

Abstract: A method for creating a pyrophoric material according to one embodiment includes thermally activating a carbon foam for creating micropores therein; contacting the activated carbon foam with a liquid solution comprising a metal salt for depositing metal ions in the carbon foam; and reducing the metal ions in the foam to metal particles. A pyrophoric material in yet another embodiment includes a pyrophoric metal-carbon foam composite comprising a carbon foam having micropores and mesopores and a surface area of greater than or equal to about 2000 m2/g, and metal particles in the pores of the carbon foam. Additional methods and materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a simulant material for simulating hazardous materials, including a quantity of at least one explosive material and at least one inert material. The simulant material is a non-explosive material and is in the form of a homogenous, flexible and non-particulated material. Also provided is a method for manufacturing such a simulant material.

Abstract: High performance aluminized explosive compositions for high performance, high blast, low sensitivity explosive applications are disclosed. The compositions include Cl-20, HMX, RDX, or another material as the explosive ingredient, a binder system of cellulose acetate butyrate and bis-dinitropropyl acetyl and bis-dinitropropyl formal, and aluminum. The explosive is preferably pressable and or/mixable to permit formation into grains suitable for ordnance and similar applications including grenades, warheads, landmines, demolition, etc. The aluminum fully participates in the detonation of said explosive, manifesting its energy into fully useable metal pushing energy suitable for shaped charges, explosively formed penetrators, fragmentation warheads, enhanced blast warheads, multipurpose warheads, and the like. The aluminum is substantially reacted at two volume expansions of the expanding gas, and fully reacted prior to seven volume expansions of the expanding gas.

Abstract: Techniques and processes that combine particulate coating processes with particulate handling steps resulting in the formation of free-flowing particulates for introduction into energetic product vessels to affect an in-situ, net-shape manufactured product. The processes involve selecting suitably sized materials, processing such materials such that they are surface-coated and/or locally “structured” particulates, and pouring, preferably “dry” pouring, these processed materials into an energetic product vessel and infusing the filled vessel with a polymerizable and surface-compatible monomer or oligomer which flows into the unoccupied volume, followed by polymerization of the monomer, which then becomes the binder giving mechanical integrity to the final, net-shape energetic composition.

Abstract: This invention relates to explosive grade ammonium nitrate porous granules. The granules are produced in a fluidized bed and are formed through a combination of layering and agglomeration to produce ammonium nitrate granules are spherical in shape, smooth, hard and dry and do not break down easily during handling. Ammonium nitrate granules of a specific size range and density can be prepared and the size range and density of the granules can be varied, depending on the application of the granules, and this has particular advantages in preparing granules for use in ANFO explosive compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing (cryogenic) solid monopropellants which are cooled to below room temperature and are used for rocket drives, especially using heterogeneous liquid-solid propellants wherein at least one of the reactants in the form of an oxidizer or a fuel contains a phase which is liquid or gaseous at normal temperature, for example emulsions of liquid constituents which do not dissolve in each other, suspensions of solid in liquid constituents or liquid-impregnated feed materials. The invention also relates to a cryogenic solid propellant for rocket drives, especially heterogeneous quasi-monopropellant fuel-oxidizer combinations.

Abstract: A method for preparing a stabilized nitrocellulose article includes providing a nitrocellulose-containing mat of fibers. The nitrocellulose-containing mat of fibers is treated with a solution that comprises a solvent and a stabilizer to produce the article. The stabilizer is soluble in the solvent. The solvent dissolves the stabilizer and the nitrocellulose in the nitrocellulose-containing mat of fibers is substantially insoluble in the solvent at ambient pressure and temperature. An inflatable bag comprises a shell and the stabilized nitrocellulose article. The shell is formed from a foldable material and has an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface defines an interior cavity of the inflatable bag. The stabilized nitrocellulose article is disposed upon the inner surface of the shell in the interior cavity and is foldable in conformity with at least one fold of the shell.

Abstract: A process for the adsorption of nitroglycerine from aqueous streams using nitrocellulose as the adsorbent.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a pyrotechnic time delay composition includes admixing together a solid oxidizer, a solid fuel and water to form an aqueous slurry. The slurry is transformed into droplets. The droplets are gas-dried to form particles comprising the oxidizer and the fuel, with the particles thus constituting a pyrotechnic delay composition.

Abstract: A method for gassing an emulsion explosives to sensitize the explosive to detonation and/or for density modification is described. The method comprises reacting a compound having an enol group, or a deprotonated enolate form of the enol group, with a nitrosating agent to generate nitric oxide to gas the explosive. The compound reacted with the nitrosating agent can be a lactone such as ascorbic acid. Dinitrogen trioxide is particularly useful as the nitrosating agent.

Abstract: A cost-effective, renewable ethanol-based solid fuel compound, and method of making the fuel for hybrid rocket engines. Gelling agents, preferably methylcellulose can be used in conjunction with calcium acetate or calcium acetate alone make a stiff plastic out of ethanol to improve its properties for hybrid rocket engine. The increased stiffness of an ethanol-based fuel gel, increases yield stress that allows rapid acceleration of rockets. The low cost bio-fuel based on solidified ethanol rather than expensive petroleum derived substances lowers the cost of volume rocket launches, lowers the cost of access to orbit and provides safer sounding rocket flights into space. The resulting raw gel can further be mixed with a cross linking compound and water to form a stiffer material. Alternatively, the resulting raw gel can be frozen by liquid nitrogen.

Abstract: Solid composite propellants are provided that include a matrix comprising an energetic oxidizer and a binder. A multi-layered reactive thin film is provided in the matrix. The reactive thin film includes metal and inorganic oxidizer. Methods of making the solid composite propellants are also provided.

Abstract: Bimetallic alloys prepared in a ball milling process, such as iron nickel (FeNi), iron palladium (FePd), and magnesium palladium (MgPd) provide in situ catalyst system for remediating and degrading nitro explosive compounds. Specifically, munitions, such as, 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), cyclo-1,3,5-trimethylene-2,4,6-trinitramine (RDX), nitrocellulose and nitroglycerine that have become contaminants in groundwater, soil, and other structures are treated on site to remediate explosive contamination.

Abstract: In accordance with aspects of the invention, an infrared signature powder (“IR powder”) suitable for marking targets and other objects is provided. The IR powder primarily includes porous, pyrophoric iron and moderators. The duration, temperature, and intensity of the emitted infrared radiation can be tailored during the powder's production process by adjusting the proportion or properties of the moderators in the IR powder. Additionally, a method of producing the IR powder is provided. The method can include the following general steps: heat a blend of aluminum and iron powders to cause an inter-metallic reaction; leach the aluminum from the iron; and mix a selected moderator and a binder with the iron in selected proportions to create the IR powder. Many of these steps are performed in an oxygen-free environment to prevent the iron from prematurely oxidizing. Similarly, the IR powder is encapsulated in an oxygen-free frangible ampoule or other container.

Abstract: The invention relates to the development of a low-density granular Oxidizing Agent (PAN), the ingredients of which do not segregate and are conferred with explosive properties through the simple mixture thereof with combustible ingredients, thereby producing a low density granular Blasting Agent (PANFO). PANFO has many applications in the mining industry, in both open-pit and underground operations, said agent being suitable for use alone in applications intended to control damage to the banks or mixed other explosives typically used in the industry. According to the invention the density of the mixture can be adjusted to the conditions of the rock to be blasted and, consequently, the fragmentation requirements can be maximised.

Abstract: A propellant for guns includes at least one energy carrier, nitrocellulose and cellulose acetate butyrate. At least part of the nitrocellulose is alcohol-soluble nitrocellulose. The nitrocellulose serves as a binder and for that purpose is present in a concentration of at least 15% by weight in the propellant. A process for producing a propellant is also provided.

Abstract: A multi-composition pyrotechnic material is provided for an inflatable restraint device (for example, an airbag system or pretensioner for a vehicle). The multi-composition pyrotechnic material can be a gas generant, a micro gas generant, or an igniter, for example. The multi-composition pyrotechnic material comprises a first pyrotechnic material that defines one or more void regions. A second pyrotechnic material, compositionally distinct from the first pyrotechnic material, is introduced into at least one of the void regions and forms a second region of the pyrotechnic materials. The second composition can be introduced to the void regions in the form of a slurry. Methods of forming such multi-composition pyrotechnic materials are also provided.

Abstract: A multi-composition pyrotechnic material is provided for an inflatable restraint device (for example, an airbag system or pretensioner for a vehicle). The multi-composition pyrotechnic material can be a gas generant, a micro gas generant, or an igniter, for example. The multi-composition pyrotechnic material comprises a first pyrotechnic material that defines one or more void regions. A second pyrotechnic material, compositionally distinct from the first pyrotechnic material, is introduced into at least one of the void regions and forms a second region of the pyrotechnic materials. The second composition can be introduced to the void regions in the form of a slurry. Methods of forming such multi-composition pyrotechnic materials are also provided.

Abstract: A high energy, stable, electrically activated explosive replacement comprises at least a mixture of a metal, a highly-halogenated polymer moiety (HHPM) and a reduced (or non-) halogenated polymer moiety (RHPM). These replacements can also be used as detonators, initiators, or explosive devices alone or with other explosive systems and materials. The two polymer moieties, the HHPM and RHPM, may be provided in the following manners and generally in the following proportions. The halogen on the polymer preferably comprises chlorine or fluorine, preferably fluorine, and preferably at least 50% of halogen atoms in the polymer comprise fluorine. The fluorine is preferably provided on the polymer backbone (as in polymers formed from ethylenically unsaturated monomeric units such as tetrafluoroethylene, trifluoromonochloroethylene, difluorodichloroethylene, trichloromonofluoroethylene, trifluoroethylene, and the like).

Abstract: The present invention pertains to combustion catalysts, including processes for achieving increased thermal output from combustion processes, processes for improved combustion in boilers and furnaces, processes for reducing the emission of undesirable pollutants, and processes for increasing the combustion of carbon.

Abstract: A method for manufacture and delivery of an emulsion explosive having a discontinuous oxidizer solution phase, a continuous fuel phase, and an emulsifier, the method comprising: (a) providing an emulsion manufacturing system; (b) conveying an oxidizer solution phase to the emulsion manufacturing system at a pre-determined pressure; (c) conveying a fuel phase to the emulsion manufacturing system at a pre-determined pressure; (d) forming an emulsion from the oxidizer solution and the fuel phases using only a portion of the pre-determined pressures so as to provide a usable residual pressure after the formation of the emulsion; and (e) utilizing the residual pressure to non-mechanically deliver the emulsion to a pre-determined location.