Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of preparing pre-mixed compositions that can be combined to form pyrotechnic compositions. In exemplary embodiments, a binder ingredient is premixed with the pyrotechnic fuels and can also include other pyrotechnic additives and processing aides. Other binder ingredients can be premixed with the pyrotechnic oxidizers and can also include other pyrotechnic additives and processing aides. The resulting mixtures are not explosive and are therefore easier to store and much safer to handle. These pre-mixed mixtures can be stored in bulk until needed and rapidly combined to achieve final composition.

Abstract: Provided are a rubber composition for pneumatic tires which is excellent in adhesion, sealing performance, fluidity, and processability, and a pneumatic tire formed from the rubber composition. The present invention relates to a rubber composition for pneumatic tires containing, per 100 parts by mass of a rubber component including a butyl-based rubber: 100 to 400 parts by mass of a liquid polymer; 1 to 40 parts by mass of an organic peroxide; and 1 to 40 parts by mass of a crosslinking activator.

Abstract: A non-energetic smoke fill composition including a resin, a curing agent, a metallic filler, and a non-metallic filler, wherein the smoke fill composition is configured to be inserted into any of an artillery shell, a mortar cartridge, a gun cartridge, and in general an ogive of a projectile, and wherein the smoke fill composition is configured to be disseminated by a fuze and a supplemental charge to produce a signal visible in both day or night conditions.

Abstract: A composite pyrotechnic product containing energetic charges in a plasticized binder includes a cured energetic polymer and at least one energetic plasticizer, wherein: the cured energetic polymer consists of a glycidyl azide polymer (GAP) having a number average molecular weight (Mn) lying in the range 700 g/mol to 3000 g/mol and cured via its hydroxyl terminal functions with at least one curing agent of polyisocyanate type; and the energetic charges present at a content in the range 50% to 70% by weight consisting, for at least 95% of their weight, of large crystals of ammonium dinitramide (ADN) and of small crystals of hexogen (RDX): the large crystals of ammonium dinitramide (ADN) being present at a content in the range 8% to 65% by weight; and the small crystals of hexogen (RDX) being present at a content in the range 5% to 55% by weight.

Abstract: Fluoropolymers containing one or more azide group wherein the azide group is not a sulfonyl-azide group and processes of preparing them.

Abstract: A white star pyrotechnic illuminant composition, useful in US military M127A1 parachuted hand held signals (HHS), which illuminant provides surprisingly enhanced luminous intensity and luminous efficiency versus the current M127A1 U.S. military HHS white star pyrotechnic illuminant. The inventive illuminant formulation includes a mixture of powdered sodium nitrate, magnesium, alkyl polysulfide polymer and a binder; wherein the magnesium and alkyl polysulfide is preferably recovered from the demilitarization of obsolete munitions to realize a significant savings.

Abstract: The invention is a composition for a high burning-rate solid rocket propellant, where the composition includes a binder compounded with a soluble energetic additive; a metallic fuel; and an oxidative fuel. The resulting composition has a tactical Class 1.3 hazard rating, and a linear regression rate that is substantially equivalent to a tactical Class 1.1 hazard rating obtainable using solid rocket propellants. The composition may include a heat-conducting element, a plasticizer, a curing component, a combustion catalyst, and curing catalyst.

Abstract: Insensitive explosive compositions were prepared by reacting di-isocyanate and/or poly-isocyanate monomers with an explosive diamine monomer. Prior to a final cure, the compositions are extrudable. The di-isocyanate monomers tend to produce tough, rubbery materials while polyfunctional monomers (i.e. having more than two isocyanate groups) tend to form rigid products. The extrudable form of the composition may be used in a variety of applications including rock fracturing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cast explosive composition comprising a polymer-bonded explosive and a defoaming agent, and to a process for reducing the number and/or total volume of voids in a cast explosive composition comprising the steps of: combining a polymer-bonded explosive and a defoaming agent; and casting the explosive composition. The defoaming agent may be used for reducing the number and/or total volume of voids in a cast explosive composition and the cast explosive composition may be used in an explosive product.

Abstract: A precursor composition of a reactive material that comprises a metal material and an energetic material, such as at least one oxidizer or at least one class 1.1 explosive. The metal material defines a continuous phase at a processing temperature of the precursor composition and the energetic material is dispersed therein. The metal material may be a fusible metal alloy having a melting point ranging from approximately 46° C. to approximately 250° C. The fusible metal alloy may include at least one metal selected from the group consisting of bismuth, lead, tin, cadmium, indium, mercury, antimony, copper, gold, silver, and zinc. The reactive composition may have a density of greater than approximately 2 g/cm3. The reactive composition may also include a polymer/plasticizer system.

Abstract: Described herein is apparatus for the mixing of explosive materials utilising a static mixer (26) for combining pre-mix explosive material and hardener prior to introducing the combined mixture into any ordnance (38).

Abstract: This thermoplastic elastomer is present in a substantially solid state suitable for use as a binder for a propellant, explosive, and/or gas generant of a supplemental restraint system. The thermoplastic elastomer is formed from a composition including A blocks which are crystalline at temperatures below about 75° C. and B blocks which are amorphous at temperatures above about ?20° C. The A blocks are derived from oxetane derivatives and the B blocks are derived from oxiranes and derivatives thereof. The A blocks and B-blocks are end-capped with a diisocyanate having a first isocyanate moiety that is substantially more reactive with the terminal groups of the blocks than the second isocyanate moiety, whereby the more reactive first isocyanate moiety is capable of reacting with the terminal groups of the blocks, leaving the less reactive second isocyanate moiety free and unreacted.

Abstract: A high energy propellant, comprising an oxetane thermoplastic elastomer energetic binder admixed with a high energy explosive filler. The oxetane thermoplastic elastomer energetic binder preferably comprises from about five percent to about thirty percent by weight and the high energy explosive filler comprises from about seventy percent to about ninety-five percent by weight of the composition. A preferred propellant further includes an explosive plasticizer, preferably in an amount of about four percent to about seven percent of the plasticizer by weight of the propellant. The preferred filler is selected from the group consisting of CL-20, TNAZ, RDX and mixtures thereof. The preferred plasticizer is selected from the group consisting of TNAZ, BTTN, TMETN, TEGDN, BDNPA/F, methyl NENA, ethyl NENA and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: An incendiary composition (14) for a fin-stabilized kinetic energy projectile (1), which can be arranged in the tail region of the projectile (1) and, upon impact with a target (13), penetrates the target (13) as a separate unit behind the penetrator (2) of the kinetic energy projectile (1). To reach the objective of a high destructive effect caused by the incendiary composition (14) within a target (13), despite a small volume and a low mass, and to ensure that the incendiary composition is ignited securely by the shock waves generated upon impact, according to the invention, a titanium sponge is used as the incendiary composition (14), with an epoxide resin or a polyester resin used as a binder.

Abstract: This invention relates to energetic compositions, which offer increased performance in conjunction with a total absence of hydrogen chloride in the combustion products. The formulation avoids the use of halogen based oxidizers to prevent the formation of halogen based byproducts. The formulations disclosed herein use ammonium dinitramide as a primary oxidizer, which is a more energetic molecule than ammonium perchlorate. The solid propellant formulations disclosed herein comprise about 5 to about 10 weight % of at least one energetic binder, about 20 to about 35 weight % of an energetic plasticizer; about 25 to about 45 weight % of ammonium dinitramide as a primary oxidizer; about 0 to about 20 weight % of particulate aluminum having a particle size of about 1 &mgr;m to about 60 &mgr;m; and about 0 to about 20 weight % of ultrafine aluminum having a particle size of less than 1 &mgr;m.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (20) and a gas generating material (16) that, when ignited, produces gas to inflate the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (20). The gas generating material (16) comprises a polyurethane thermoplastic elastomer and an inorganic salt oxidizer. The polyurethane elastomeric material comprises a physically cross-linked linear copolymer of an aromatic diisocyanate and a linear energetic polymer having a hydroxyl functionality of two or less.

Abstract: The present invention is a modified HFPB polymer for use in propellants and explosives that is chemically degradable and also is compatible with commonly used energetic plasticizers. The HFPB polymer of the present invention contains ester linkages formed in the backbone of the polymer from a dicarboxylic acid containing either oxymeythylene or oxyethylene moeities. The ester and ether linkages change the polarity of the polybutadiene to make it compatible with polar energetic plasticizers. The ester linkages along with either oxymethylene or oxyethylene moeities make the polymer degradable to basic solutions while still maintaining the structural integrity necessary for a polybutadiene type binder.

Abstract: A process is provided in which at least one polyol having a hydroxyl functionality of at least three, preferably four, serves as a polymerization initiator. The polyol initiator is optionally, although preferably, reacted with a catalyst to form a catalyst-initiator complex, which is then used in the polymerization of glycidyl nitrate. The resulting polyfunctional poly(glycidyl nitrate) has a functionality substantially equivalent in number to the hydroxyl functionality of the polyol. The poly(glycidyl nitrate) is cross-linked with at least one aromatic diisocyanate having at least one aromatic ring and two isocyanate moieties bonded directly to the at least one aromatic ring. Examples of the aromatic diisocyanate include toluene diisocyanate, phenylene diisocyanate, and/or methylene di-p-phenylene diisocyanate.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to solid propellant formulations, which exhibit good processing properties, good safety characteristics, desirable combustion properties, good safety characteristics and excellent mechanical attributes. The solid propellant formulations disclosed herein burn at a rate of about 0.5 in/s at 1000 psi and show no pressure slope break up to 8000 psi. The solid propellant formulations of the disclosed invention incorporate oxidizers of varying particle size to avoid a pressure slope break. The solid propellant formulations of the present invention avoid the use of large-size ammonium perchlorate (AP) particles having particle size in the range of 200-400 &mgr;m to avoid the pressure slope break problem, which typically occurs at about 2500 psi to 3500 psi.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to solid propellant formulations, which exhibit good processing properties, good safety characteristics, desirable combustion properties, good safety. characteristics and excellent mechanical attributes. The solid propellant formulations disclosed. herein burn at a rate of about 0.5 in/s at 1000 psi and show no pressure slope break up to 8000 psi. The solid propellant formulations of the disclosed invention incorporate oxidizers of varying particle size to avoid a pressure slope break. The solid propellant formulations of the present invention avoid the use of large-size ammonium perchlorate (AP) particles having particle size in the range of 200-400 &mgr;m to avoid the pressure slope break problem, which typically occurs at about 2500 psi to 3500 psi.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to solid propellant formulations, which exhibit good processing properties, good safety characteristics, desirable combustion properties, good safety characteristics and excellent mechanical attributes. The solid propellant formulations disclosed herein bum at a rate of about 0.5 in/s at 1000 psi and show no pressure slope break up to 8000 psi. The solid propellant formulations of the disclosed invention incorporate oxidizers of varying particle size to avoid a pressure slope break. The solid propellant formulations of the present invention avoid the use of large-size ammonium perchlorate (AP) particles having particle size in the range of 200-400 &mgr;m to avoid the pressure slope break problem, which typically occurs at about 2500 psi to 3500 psi.

Abstract: This invention relates to energetic compositions, which offer increased performance in conjunction with a total absence of hydrogen chloride in the combustion products. The formulation avoid the use of halogen based oxidizers to prevent the formation of halogen based byproducts. The formulations disclosed herein use ammonium dinitramide as a primary oxidizer, which is a more energetic molecule than ammonium perchlorate. The solid propellant formulations disclosed herein comprise about 5.0 to about 10.0 weight % of at least one energetic binder; about 20.0 to about 35.0 weight % of an energetic plasticizer; about 25.0 to about 45.0 weight % of ammonium dinitramide as a primary oxidizer; about 0.0 to about 20.0 weight % of particulate aluminum having a particle size of about 1 &mgr;m to about 60 &mgr;m; and about 0.0 to about 20.0 weight % of ultrafine aluminum having a particle size of less than 1 &mgr;m.

Abstract: An insensitive melt cast explosive composition obtained by dissolving an energetic copolyurethane thermoplastic elastomer (“ETPE”) in melted trinitrotoluene (“TNT”) is disclosed. The resulting ETPE-TNT solution is easy to mix with other ingredients such as nitramines, plasticizers, aluminum and can be processed with the existing melt cast facilities. The energetic solution can be poured into shells and upon cooling to produce a recyclable plastic bonded explosive. Instead of melted TNT, the same process works equally well with melted Octol or melted Composition B to dissolve the ETPE.

Abstract: An incendiary composition (14) for a fin-stabilized kinetic energy projectile (1), which can be arranged in the tail region of the projectile (1) and, upon impact with a target (13), penetrates the target (13) as a separate unit behind the penetrator (2) of the kinetic energy projectile (1). To reach the objective of a high destructive effect caused by the incendiary composition (14) within a target (13), despite a small volume and a low mass, and to ensure that the incendiary composition is ignited securely by the shock waves generated upon impact, according to the invention, a titanium sponge is used as the incendiary composition (14), with an epoxide resin or a polyester resin used as a binder.

Abstract: An energetic and recyclable propellant composition, which is capable of withstanding cold temperature, includes an energetic copolyurethane thermoplastic elastomer. The propellant composition can be used as a gun or rocket propellant, an explosive or in air bag gas generators.

Abstract: An energetic copolyurethane thermoplastic elastomer (ETPE) is prepared by polymerizing a dihydroxyl terminated telechelic energetic polymer having a functionality of two or less with a diisocyanate at a NCO/OH ratio of about 0.7 to 1.2. The resulting copolymer is easy to incorporate in gun propellant or explosive formulations and is recyclable. These energetic copolyurethane thermoplastic elastomers were obtained mainly by macropolymerization of GAP prepolymers with 4,4′-methylenebis-phenyl isocyanate (MDI). In these syntheses, GAPs having molecular weights of 500, 1000 and 2000 were used as macromonomers and polymerized with MDI to yield three different copolyurethane thermoplastic elastomers. This process may be applied to any dihydroxyl terminated energetic prepolymers. The hard segments of the ETPE are obtained by the formation of hydrogen bonds between the urethane groups.

Abstract: The present invention provides energetic thermoplastic elastomers which may be used as binders in propellant, explosive and pyrotechnic applications. The elastomers of the present invention are all hydrolyzable, allowing recycling of the elastomer's constituents and/or facilitating other constituents of the propellant, explosive or pyrotechnic. The elastomers of the present invention contain a first polymer, a second polymer having a repeating unit different from that of the first polymer, and a bridging group. Methods of preparing elastomers of the present invention include reaction of the first and second polymers with a dioic acid, or with an organic diisocyanate and a diol containing a formal linkage.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an age-stabilized and/or strengthened ammonium nitrate propellant composition wherein the strengthening agent is selected from the group consisting of azodicarbonamide, dicyandiamide, oxamide and mixtures thereof and wherein the age-stabilizing agent is a molecular sieve having a pore size of 13 angstroms or less.

Abstract: A thermoplastic, elastomeric block copolymer comprises at least one poly(butadiene) and at least one pair of poly(lactone) blocks flanking the poly(butadiene) block. Each poly(lactone) block is derived from a lactone having between 8 and 18 carbon atoms in the lactone ring, such as &lgr;-laurolactone and 10-hydroxyl decanoic acid lactone. Alternative methods of making these block polymers are also disclosed. In the first procedure diethyl zinc reacts with the hydroxyl end group of a butadiene polymer to form an intermediate zinc alkoxide-tipped polybutadiene which functions as the active initiating species. The laurolactone polymer then grows off the hydroxyl end groups of the butadiene to form the desired ABA block copolymer. In another related procedure for making ABA block polymers, previously prepared difunctional hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene blocks are linked with monofunctional poly(&lgr;-laurolactone) blocks using a diisocyanate and a catalyst.

Abstract: In the development of new minimum signature ducted rocket technology, the U.S. Army MICOM Propulsion Directorate has conducted studies for the development of fuel-rich gas generators for ducted rockets. The propellant formulation goals of this study include increasing burning rate, pressure exponent, and combustion efficiency without significantly decreasing fuel value. Formulations described in this application contain an energetic nitramine-prepolymer, a range of curing agents, and zirconium hydride (ZrH2) fuel element and carbon (C) as an optional fuel element.

Abstract: The invention is a composition containing high loadings of TNAZ that are made by crash precipitation with water as the precipitation agent. The compositions are in the form of powders, which can be formed and shaped by presseing, extrusion, etc. The TNAZ can be from about 94 to about 99% by weight of the composition.

Abstract: A solid rocket propellant includes a binder that is a linear block co-polymer of caprolatone and tetramethylene ether and an oxidizer. The propellant may be disposed of by contacting it with an aqueous solution of 12 N NaOH or 6 N HCl at a temperature of about 140° F. for about 24 hours to decompose the binder. Solids remaining in the solution after the binder decomposes are removed.

Abstract: The invention provides an extrudable gun propellant having a specific energy content of at least 1100 kJ/kg and typically over 1200 kJ/kg, but with reduced vulnerability to shaped charge attack compared to known colloidal propellants. This is achieved by using an energetic binder prepolymer and an energetic plasticiser with a reduced content of explosive filler. The composition comprises 65-85% by weight particulate explosive filler, 10-30% by weight of a mixture of a funtionally-terminated poly(nitratoalkyl-substituted)alkyl ether prepolymer and a cross-linking agent, and 1-12% by weight of energetic plasticiser.

Abstract: A gas-generating preparation suitable for being used in an air bag includes ammonium nitrate, a derivative of guanidine and one or more metal carbonates as a deflagration catalyst. By using one or more metal carbonates as a deflagration catalyst, higher burning rates and a lower burning temperature are achieved than if metal oxides such as copper(II) oxide are used as a deflagration catalyst.

Abstract: An energetic solid rocket motor propellant having one or more plateau regions of low operating pressure exponent is disclosed. The propellant is formulated from ingredients including an energetic polyoxetane, an effective amount of a plasticizer, an inorganic oxidizer in at least two discrete particle size ranges, and a refractory oxide burn rate modifier.

Abstract: Hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane-containing compositions which comprise hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane, polynitropolyacetylhexaazaisowurtzitanes and one or more of oxaisowurtzitane compounds represented by the specified formulae. The explosive compositions which contain the hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane-containing compositions have improved handling safety by lowering their sensitivity without degrading combustibility and detonability.