Abstract: Disclosed here is a method for making a monolithic rare earth oxide (REO) aerogel, comprising: preparing a reaction mixture comprising at least one rare earth metal nitrate, at least one epoxide, at least one base catalyst, and at least one organic solvent; curing the mixture to produce a wet gel; drying the wet gel to produce a dry gel; and thermally annealing the dry gel to produce the monolithic REO aerogel. Also disclosed is an REO aerogel comprising a network of REO nanostructures, wherein the REO aerogel is a monolith having at least one lateral dimension of at least 1 cm, wherein the REO aerogel has a density of about 40-500 mg/cm3 and/or a BET surface area of at least about 20 m2/g, and wherein the REO aerogel is substantially free of oxychloride.

Abstract: A compound of Formula I: is disclosed. A method of preparing the compound of Formula I is also disclosed. R is alkyl, haloalkyl, aryl, or substituted aryl.

Abstract: A process for producing a munitions structure includes combining two or more transition metals including one or more of Zr, Hf, Ti, Ta, or Nb, and one or more other elements as alloying additions. The process further includes heating and fusing together the two or more transition metals and the one or more alloying additions to form a homogenous molten alloy. The homogenous molten alloy is cooled in a metallic mold to form a solid object with a desired shape for the munitions structure.

Abstract: A double base propellant modifier uses a combination of a lead component, a tin component and a copper component in physical contact to effect super-rate burning of double base propellants with defined plateau and mesa burning rate characteristics.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for preparing a pyrotechnic composition, to the use of a water-soluble cellulose ether binder, to a pyrotechnic composition, to a method for preparing a pyrotechnic charge, and to a pyrotechnic charge. The method of the invention comprises mixing the fibrous nitrocellulose in wet form with the one or more water-soluble cellulose ether binders and optionally one or more solvents, wherein the amount of organic solvent in the mixture is 10 wt. % or less based on total weight of the mixture.

Abstract: A double base propellant modifier uses a lead-tin component with a defined amount of lead and a copper component with a defined surface area to effect super-rate burning of double base propellants with defined plateau and mesa burning rate characteristics.

Abstract: Secondary crystalline high explosives are disclosed which are suitable for filling very small volume loading holes in micro-electric initiators for micro-electro-mechanical mechanisms (MEMS), used as safe and arm (S&A) devices. The explosives are prepared by adding the such a high explosive to an aqueous first volatile mobile phase, adding such a high explosive to a non-aqueous second volatile mobile phase, mixing the first and second volatile mobile phases and then loading the combined phases into the MEMS device and allowing the aqueous and non-aqueous solvents to evaporate depositing the high explosive. Enhanced adhesion between the deposited high explosive and enhanced rheological properties can be obtained by adding a polymeric binder to both mobile phases.

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

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

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: Sol-gel chemistry is used for the preparation of energetic materials (explosives, propellants and pyrotechnics) with improved homogeneity, and/or which can be cast to near-net shape, and/or made into precision molding powders. The sol-gel method is a synthetic chemical process where reactive monomers are mixed into a solution, polymerization occurs leading to a highly cross-linked three dimensional solid network resulting in a gel. The energetic materials can be incorporated during the formation of the solution or during the gel stage of the process. The composition, pore, and primary particle sizes, gel time, surface areas, and density may be tailored and controlled by the solution chemistry. The gel is then dried using supercritical extraction to produce a highly porous low density aerogel or by controlled slow evaporation to produce a xerogel. Applying stress during the extraction phase can result in high density materials.

Abstract: An electrostatic charge dissipation composition having at least one energetic particle component and at least one oxidized electrically active polymer deposited on the energetic component. In another embodiment, the electrostatic charge dissipation composition includes at least one energetic particle component, at least one non-conducting polymer binder, and at least one oxidized electrically active polymer deposited on the energetic/binder composition.

Abstract: An explosive composition is provided comprising an explosive agent, a solid fuel and a polymeric adherent wherein the explosive agent, solid fuel and polymeric adherent are dispersed throughout the composition.

Abstract: Nanotubular structures of high energy materials are used in high energy compositions, such as propellants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a semi-continuous method for obtaining a composite explosive charge comprising a solid polyurethane matrix loaded with a charge, the charge being in powder form and comprising at least one nitro-organic explosive.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel process for the production of casting powder with high ntirocellulose content, and casting multiple-base rocket propellant including nitroglycerin formulated from such casting powder.

Abstract: A method for making high energy compositions, such as propellants, explosives, pyrotechnics or the like, including a solid metal particulate fuel dispersed in a cured binder matrix. The compositions are formed with ingredients including a particulate metal fuel such as boron, binder polymer (such as GAP polyol), binder plasticizer, and a curing agent containing isocyanate. The improved method includes pre-reacting the particulate metal fuel with an amount of isocyanate, which acts as a curative to neutralize residual acid. The particulate metal fuel/isocyanate from the pre-curing step is mixed together with the binder polymer, binder plasticizer, and remaining curing agent to form the solid propellant. The initial neutralization of the metal fuel avoids gassing and improves the mechanical properties of the propellant yield.

Abstract: A method of making pelletized nitrocellulose (PNC) includes preparing a lacquer, the lacquer comprising nitrocellulose (NC), ethyl acetate and ethyl centralite, the NC having a nitrogen content of at least about 12.2%; mixing the lacquer with an antisolvent to thereby emulsify the lacquer and form PNC; drowning the PNC with the antisolvent; and separating the antisolvent and ethyl acetate from the PNC.

Abstract: Extrudable gas generant compositions which, upon combustion, produce or result in an improved effluent and related methods for generating inflation gas for use in an inflatable restraint system are provided. Such extrudable gas generant compositions include a non-azide, organic, nitrogen-containing fuel, at least one copper-containing compound, a perchlorate additive and a polymeric binder material. The at least one copper-containing compound may be selected from basic copper nitrate, cupric oxide, a copper diammine-ammonium-nitrate mixture wherein the ammonium nitrate is present in the mixture in a range of about 3 to about 90 weight percent, and/or a copper-nitrate complex resulting from reaction of 5-aminotetrazole with basic copper nitrate.

Abstract: A munition includes a structural component formed from a composite material comprising a energetic material dispersed in a metallic binder material. A method is also provided that includes forming a energetic material, combining the energetic material with a metallic binder material to form a mixture, and shaping the mixture to form a composite structural munition component.

Abstract: An electrostatic charge reduction system including a composition having at least one energetic particle component with or without a non-conducting binder, and conducting polymer or electrically neutral polymer deposited on the energetic component in its oxidized form. The oxidation of the polymer occurs during or after the polymer deposition process.

Abstract: High explosives suitable for filling very small volume loading holes in micro-electric initiators for micro-electro-mechanical mechanisms, used as safe and arm devices, are prepared from slurries of crystalline energetic materials and applied using various methods. These methods include swipe loading, pressure loading and syringe loading. A volatile mobile phase may be added to the slurry so as to partially dissolve the energetic material so that, upon evaporation of the mobile phase, the energetic material precipitates and adheres to the loading hole.

Abstract: A method is provided for preparing thermoplastic elastomers. A blocks of the thermoplastic elastomers are crystalline at temperatures below about 60° C. and are derived from oxetane derivatives and/or tetrahydrofuran derivatives. B blocks of the thermoplastic elastomer are amorphous above about ?20° C. and are derived from oxetanes, tetrahydrofuran, oxiranes, and derivatives thereof. According to this method, the A and B blocks are dissolved into solution containing a non-halogenated solvent, preferably tetrahydrofuran, then dried by azeotropic distillation. The dried blocks are end-capped with a diisocyanate, preferably a diisocyanate having one isocyanate moiety substantially more reactive with the terminal groups of the blocks than the other isocyanate moiety of the diisocyanate. The end-capped blocks are then linked together with a linking compound.

Abstract: A synthetic route for producing nanostructure metal-oxide-based materials using sol-gel processing. This procedure employs the use of stable and inexpensive hydrated-metal inorganic salts and environmentally friendly solvents such as water and ethanol. The synthesis involves the dissolution of the metal salt in a solvent followed by the addition of a proton scavenger, which induces gel formation in a timely manner. Both critical point (supercritical extraction) and atmospheric (low temperature evaporation) drying may be employed to produce monolithic aerogels and xerogels, respectively. Using this method synthesis of metal-oxide nanostructured materials have been carried out using inorganic salts, such as of Fe3+, Cr3+, Al3+, Ga3+, In3+, Hf4+, Sn4+, Zr4+, Nb5+, W6+, Pr3+, Er3+, Nd3+, Ce3+, U3+ and Y3+.

Abstract: An electrostatic charge dissipation composition having at least one energetic particle component and at least one electrically active polymer is coated on the energetic component and thereafter, the polymer coating is oxidized. In another embodiment, the electrostatic charge dissipation composition includes at least one energetic particle component, at least one non-conducting polymer binder, and at least one electrically active polymer is coated on the energetic component/binder mixture and thereafter, the polymer coating is oxidized.

Abstract: Gas generating compositions having a fuel preferably comprising a mixture of 5-aminotetrazole (5-AT), azodicarbonamide (ADCA), an oxidizer, and a superfine metal powder burn rate enhancer such as nano-aluminum, for use in automotive seatbelt pretensioners and other suitable applications requiring high impetus, high rate of gas generation. Also, methods of making these compositions, and devices incorporating them such as seatbelt pretensioners.

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: 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 propellant composition including a fuel, an oxidizer, and a latex binder and method of making, wherein the method of making eliminates the need for the large amounts of volatile, flammable solvents that are typically associated with the traditional process.

Abstract: A synthetic method for preparation of hybrid inorganic/organic energetic nanocomposites is disclosed herein. The method employs the use of stable metal in organic salts and organic solvents as well as an organic polymer with good solubility in the solvent system to produce novel nanocomposite energetic materials. In addition, fuel metal powders (particularly those that are oxophilic) can be incorporated into composition. This material has been characterized by thermal methods, energy-filtered transmission electron microscopy (EFTEM), N2 adsoprtion/desorption methods, and Fourier-Transform (FT-IR) spectroscopy. According to these characterization methods the organic polymer phase fills the nanopores of the material, providing superb mixing of the component phases in the energetic nanocomposite.

Abstract: A synthetic method for preparation of hybrid inorganic/organic energetic nanocomposites is disclosed herein. The method employs the use of stable metal inorganic salts and organic solvents as well as an organic polymer with good solubility in the solvent system to produce novel nanocomposite energetic materials. In addition, fuel metal powders (particularly those that are oxophillic) can be incorporated into composition. This material has been characterized by thermal methods, energy-filtered transmission electron microscopy (EFTEM), N2 adsoprtion/desorption methods, and Fourier-Transform (FT-IR) spectroscopy. According to these characterization methods the organic polymer phase fills the nanopores of the composite material, providing superb mixing of the component phases in the energetic nanocomposite.

Abstract: The invention relates to pyrotechnic primer charges produced on the basis of metal powders or metal hydride powders, potassium perchlorate and binders. In order to obtain a homogenous mixture, the powdery components are mixed with a liquid dispersing agent in a suspension with the aid of ultrasound and dosed having said consistency. Mixing for obtaining a suspension can also be carried out directly in a casing receiving the pyrotechnic primer charges.

Abstract: A method for processing explosives containing a high loading of CL-20 may advantageously include a binder system having naphthenic oil and/or paraffinic oil. Solid energetic ingredients are added into the binder system and mixed to form a free-flowing suspension in which the solid energetic ingredients are homogeneously mixed and coated with the binder system. The binder system is then cured and cast to form a cross-linked explosive.

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 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 method of preparing energetic metal-oxide-based energetic materials using sol-gel chemistry has been invented. The wet chemical sol-gel processing provides an improvement in both safety and performance. Essentially, a metal-oxide oxidizer skeletal structure is prepared from hydrolyzable metals (metal salts or metal alkoxides) with fuel added to the sol prior to gelation or synthesized within the porosity metal-oxide gel matrix. With metal salt precursors a proton scavenger is used to destabilize the sol and induce gelation. With metal alkoxide precursors standard well-known sol-gel hydrolysis and condensation reactions are used. Drying is done by standard sol-gel practices, either by a slow evaporation of the liquid residing within the pores to produce a high density solid nanocomposite, or by supercritical extraction to produce a lower density, high porous nanocomposite.

Abstract: A synthetic method for preparation of hybrid inorganic/organic energetic nanocomposites is disclosed herein. The method employs the use of stable metal inorganic salts and organic solvents as well as an organic polymer with good solubility in the solvent system to produce novel nanocomposite energetic materials. In addition, fuel metal powders (particularly those that are oxophillic) can be incorporated into composition. This material has been characterized by thermal methods, energy-filtered transmission electron microscopy (EFTEM), N2 adsoprtion/desorption methods, and Fourier-Transform (FT-IR) spectroscopy. According to these characterization methods the organic polymer phase fills the nanopores of the composite material, providing superb mixing of the component phases in the energetic nanocomposite.

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 synthetic method for preparation of hybrid inorganic/organic energetic nanocomposites is disclosed herein. The method employs the use of stable metal inorganic salts and organic solvents as well as an organic polymer with good solubility in the solvent system to produce novel nanocomposite energetic materials. In addition, fuel metal powders (particularly those that are oxophillic) can be incorporated into composition. This material has been characterized by thermal methods, energy-filtered transmission electron microscopy (EFTEM), N2 adsoprtion/desorption methods, and Fourier-Transform (FT-IR) spectroscopy. According to these characterization methods the organic polymer phase fills the nanopores of the composite material, providing superb mixing of the component phases in the energetic nanocomposite.

Abstract: Sol-gel chemistry is used for the preparation of energetic materials (explosives, propellants and pyrotechnics) with improved homogeneity, and/or which can be cast to near-net shape, and/or made into precision molding powders. The sol-gel method is a synthetic chemical process where reactive monomers are mixed into a solution, polymerization occurs leading to a highly cross-linked three dimensional solid network resulting in a gel. The energetic materials can be incorporated during the formation of the solution or during the gel stage of the process. The composition, pore, and primary particle sizes, gel time, surface areas, and density may be tailored and controlled by the solution chemistry. The gel is then dried using supercritical extraction to produce a highly porous low density aerogel or by controlled slow evaporation to produce a xerogel. Applying stress during the extraction phase can result in high density materials.

Abstract: Solutions and process are described useful to produce coated HE powder granules in an aqueous slurry agglomeration process. A reaction mixture is made utilizing a lacquer stock solution comprising a binder material dissolved in a substantially aqueous-immiscible organic lacquer solvent, and an aqueous HE powder slurry solution comprising a non-aqueous soluble HE powder and an at least partially aqueous-miscible organic co-solvent. The co-solvent acts as an entrainer and improves the immiscible of the lacquer solvent in the water phase of the aqueous HE powder slurry solution, resulting in formation of HE powder agglomerates that remain stable as the solvents are removed from the reaction mixture during the agglomeration process. Further, the process is adjustable to substantially eliminate organic solvent contamination of the waste water stream.

Abstract: Solutions and process are described useful to produce coated HE powder granules in an aqueous slurry agglomeration process. A reaction mixture is made utilizing a lacquer stock solution comprising a binder material dissolved in a substantially aqueous-immiscible organic lacquer solvent, and an aqueous HE powder slurry solution comprising a non-aqueous soluble HE powder and an at least partially aqueous-miscible organic co-solvent. The co-solvent acts as an entrainer and improves the immiscible of the lacquer solvent in the water phase of the aqueous HE powder slurry solution, resulting in formation of HE powder agglomerates that remain stable as the solvents are removed from the reaction mixture during the agglomeration process. Further, the process is adjustable to substantially eliminate organic solvent contamination of the waste water stream.

Abstract: A pourable, plastic-bound explosive charge has a crystalline explosive substance embedded in a polymer matrix which includes a binder, a softener and a metal powder. The metal powder which is added in a proportion of 0.1 to 10 weight % has substantially spherical grains and is one or more of the following materials: vanadium, niobium, tantalum, chromium, molybdenum or tungsten.

Abstract: A method of making a batch of explosive molding powder including preparing a lacquer comprising an organic solvent, a binder and if required, a plasticizer; adding water to a kettle; adding explosive material to the kettle; adding the lacquer to the kettle; heating contents of the kettle to above 98 degrees C.; cooling the contents of the kettle to below about 55; separating the water from the explosive material; and drying the explosive material to form the explosive molding powder.

Abstract: A synthetic route for producing nanostructure metal-oxide-based materials using sol-gel processing. This procedure employs the use of stable and inexpensive hydrated-metal inorganic salts and environmentally friendly solvents such as water and ethanol. The synthesis involves the dissolution of the metal salt in a solvent followed by the addition of a proton scavenger, which induces gel formation in a timely manner. Both critical point (supercritical extraction) and atmospheric (low temperature evaporation) drying may be employed to produce monolithic aerogels and xerogels, respectively. Using this method synthesis of metal-oxide nanostructured materials have been carried out using inorganic salts, such as of Fe3+, Cr3+, Al3+, Ga3+, In3+, Hf4+, Sn4+, Zr4+, Nb5+, W6+, Pr3+, Er3+, Nd3+, Ce3+, U3+ and Y3+.

Abstract: A process for the production of an exothermically reacting composition, such as a propellant or explosive, containing at least one normally solid reactive constituent comprises the steps of: forming a uniform dispersion of the ingredients of the said composition in a carrier liquid; forming droplets of said dispersion; feeding said droplets into a cooling medium at a temperature below the freezing point of said carrier liquid to form solidified droplets; and freeze-drying said solidifed droplets.

Abstract: A high temperature incendiary composition having a reactive material of titanium, a second reactive material of boron, an oxidizer of polytetrafluoroethylene in an amount of from about 10 weight percent or less of the composition and a binder of carboxyl-terminated polybutadiene acrylonitrile in an amount of from about 5 weight percent or more. The composition is safe to handle, ignites readily, burns at a low and controlled rate and produces a very high flame temperature.

Abstract: A high temperature incendiary composition having a reactive material of titanium, a second reactive material of boron, an oxidizer of polytetrafluoroethylene in an amount of from about 20 weight percent or greater of the composition and a binder of CTBN in an amount of from about 10 weight percent or less. The composition is safe to handle, ignites readily, produces low slag, burns at a low and controlled rate and produces a very high flame temperature.

Abstract: A degradable polymer has an ester component adjacent to a poly(oxyethylene) component in the polymer chain. The hydrophilic nature of the poly(oxyethylene) draws water close to the ester in the polymer chain, which increases the rate of hydrolysis of the ester. The degradable polymer is useful as a binder in for explosive and propellant compositions.