Abstract: A water-in-wax emulsion explosive composition is provided wherein the continuous carbonaceous fuel phase comprises paraffin wax together with a minor amount of a rheology modifier and stabilizer combination comprising an ethylene-containing polymer and a low molecular weight hydrocarbon liquid. The resulting explosive composition exhibits properties of viscosity and stability comparable to similar compositions containing highly refined microcrystalline wax fuels.

Abstract: A blasting composition, method, and system for making such is disclosed. The blasting composition consists essentially of a particulate inorganic nitrate oxidizer, a particulate metal fuel, water, and a gelling agent. The composition is prepared by blending 10-20% by weight of the total amount of water to be added to the composition, with the particulate inorganic nitrate oxidizer; adding a dry blend of gelling agent and particulate metal fuel to the damp oxidizer; briefly mixing the two components; adding the remainder of the water; and slowly subjecting the mixture to a tumbling action for a brief period of time sufficient to obtain a uniform composition.

Abstract: A water-in-oil emulsion explosive composition comprising a carbonaceous fuel, and inorganic oxidizer, an emulsifier, and a sensitizing/densifying agent of finely divided non-explosive material of high density, such as ferrophosphorus, ferrosilicon, ferromanganese, sand or alumia which is added to the oil phase. The water-in-oil composition can also contain other components, such as bulking agents, additional fuels and auxiliary sensitizers. The sensitized compositions can be detonated with a No. 6 cap in diameters as low as 2.54 centimeters at temperatures as low as 5.degree. F. and with densities as high as 1.50 g/cc.

Abstract: This invention concerns a water-in-oil emulsion explosive composition which comprises a discontinuous aqueous phase containing one or more oxygen-releasing salts, a continuous water-immiscible organic phase comprising sump oil, and an emulsifying agent. The explosive compositions show improved sensitivity over conventional compositions made using paraffin oil as the organic phase.

Abstract: A sensitizing agent for water gel explosive compositions and process for preparing the same is provided which comprises an oxidizer, water, a gelling agent, and a cross-linker, and wherein the improvement comprises including therein a sensitizer comprised of from about 1 to about 15 weight percent of aluminum admixed with from about 2 to about 25 weight percent of a densifying agent, such as ferrophosphorus, ferromanganese, ferrosilicon, or combinations thereof, said weight percentages being based on the total weight of the composition.

Abstract: An improved explosive composition comprises a carbonaceous absorbent formed from processed cellulose, a liquid explosive and an oxygen-supplying salt. By adding varying amounts of nitrocellulose, the composition may form a gelatin or semigelatin dynamite.

Abstract: A gas-bubble-sensitized melt explosive composition, which is not deleteriously affected by pumping, containing certain surfactants which inhibit the disengagement of the sensitizing gas bubbles.

Abstract: A granulated blasting agent composition comprising ammonium nitrate, a nitroalkane having of from 2 to 3 carbon atoms and mixtures thereof, a density improver selected from the group consisting of wheat flour and bentonite and polyoxyethylene ether as a thickening agent for the nitroalkane in an amount sufficient to prevent migration of the nitroalkane from the ammonium nitrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved blasting agents. More particularly, the invention relates to a water-in-oil emulsion blasting agent containing sodium nitrate (SN) in an amount of from about 40% to about 70% by weight of the total composition. The water-in-oil emulsion blasting agents of this invention have a water-immiscible liquid organic fuel as a continuous phase; an emulsified aqueous inorganic oxidizer salt solution as a discontinuous phase; particulate inorganic oxidizer salt; an emulsifier; and optionally a density reducing agent. Preferably the blasting agents contain from about 10% to about 40% ammonium nitrate (AN) in addition to SN.

Abstract: A plastic bound high power explosive comprises 90 to 97 percent by weight of a powerful explosive compound, for example octogen, and 3 to 10 percent by weight of a novel stabilizing and binding agent. The agent comprises substantially 20 to 50 percent poly-O-butyl acrylate and 3.5 to 20 percent paraffin, as well as 2 to 7 percent poly tetrafluorethylene as a lubricant, 20 to 65 percent of a filler and 1 to 8 percent poly ethylene or, respectively, in the case of an antistatic high power explosive, 25 to 65 percent graphite as a lubricant and 15 to 25 percent calcium sulphate as a filler, each by weight of the portion of solids in the agent. Further additives like emulsifiers, dispersants, defoamers, surfactants, thickeners and small amounts of silica gel are added.

Abstract: The invention deals with a method for temporarily eliminating those risks associated with transporting, storing and generally handling particle formed solid explosive substances. According to the invention this is achieved (desensitizing the explosive substance) by mixing the said explosive substance with a non-explosive substance which relative to the explosive substance is an inert particle formed solid material (desensitizing substance) having by and large the same particle size as that of the explosive substance. Salts, and in particular calcium chloride, containing chloride ions have been shown to be excellent as desensitizing substances. A mixture of trinitrobenzene (TNB) and calcium chloride (CaCl.sub.2) where the content of CaCl.sub.2 is greater than or equivalent to 55% by weight should not be classified as an explosive substance.

Abstract: A high explosive composition comprising2 to 57% ammonium nitrate2 to 50% ethylenediamine dinitrate1 to 10% potassium nitrate1 to 80% nitroguanidineThese explosive compositions possess physical and explosive properties corable to those of explosive compositions based on TNT (2,4,6-trinitrotoluene); but they are relatively insensitive and less costly to manufacture and can be loaded into projectiles with existing melt/cast loading facilities.

Abstract: A two-component emulsion explosive composition is provided consisting of a continuous oil/fuel phase and a discontinuous aqueous oxidizer salt phase and, as an emulsifier, a dimer acid glyceride wherein the dimer acid has a carbon atom chain length of C18-C60. The composition demonstrates superior properties of long period storage stability and sensitivity.

Abstract: An improved pyrotechnic delay composition of intermediate to slow burning time is provided for use in both electric and non-electric blasting caps. The composition comprises a mixture of barium sulphate and silicon to which may optionally be added a proportion of red lead oxide. The composition is characterized by the basence of any carcinogenic properties and is not water soluble.

Abstract: A water-in-oil emulsion explosive composition comprising an aqueous solution of ammonium nitrate alone or in admixture with the other inorganic oxidizer salt, fuel oil and/or wax, an emulsifier of dipentaerythritol fatty acid ester, polyoxyalkylenedipentaerythritol fatty acid ester, sugar fatty acid ester, polyoxyalkylenesugar fatty acid ester or sorbitol fatty acid ester, and hollow microspheres or microbubbles, has excellent storage stability in the detonation sensitivity in a small diameter cartridge and at low temperature.

Abstract: A method of producing water-in-oil emulsion explosive by carrying out emulsification and kneading of a raw material mixture in one step is disclosed. In the method, hollow microspheres and a mixture of an aqueous solution of inorganic oxidizer, an oil and an emulsifier are separately supplied into a common passage of an emulsifying and kneading machine; the hollow microspheres and the mixture are emulsified and kneaded on the surface of a disc arranged on the downstream side of the disc, while rotating the disc; the emulsified and kneaded mixture is flowed down from the outer peripheral portion of the disc into a kneading room formed under the disc, while continuing the emulsification and kneading; the emulsified and kneaded mixture is fully emulsified and kneaded in the kneading room; and then the resulting water-in-oil emulsion explosive is taken out from the kneading room.

Abstract: A water-in-oil explosives composition comprising water, liquid or liquefiable carbonaceous fuel and inorganic oxidizer salt, optionally with gassing agent and/or thickening agent, and containing 0.02 to 2% of a stabilizer selected from organo-sulphur compounds, organic compounds containing quaternary nitrogen, phenolic compounds and substituted derivatives thereof, dihydroxybenzenes, quinones, unsubstituted and substituted aryl diazo compounds, unsubstituted and substituted aryl amines and salts thereof, and unsubstituted and substituted quinolines. Preferred stabilizers include thioureo, hydroquinone, anthraquinone, 1-phenylazo-2-naphthol, 1-[(4'-o-tolylazo)-o-tolylazo]-2-naphthol, N-phenyl-.alpha.-naphthylamine, N-phenyl-.beta.-naphthylamine, the condensation products of 1,4 dichloroanthraquinone with p-toluidine and 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinolines.

Abstract: This invention concerns a melt explosive composition which comprises at least one oxygen-releasing salt, for example ammonium nitrate, at least one melt soluble fuel material, for example urea, and at least one naphthalenesulfonate derivative selected from the condensates of formaldehyde and naphthalenesulfonic acids and the alkali and alkaline earth metal salts thereof, for example disodium methylene-bis(naphthalene-.beta.-sulfonic acid). The explosive compositions show a considerable improvement in detonation sensitivity in small diameter boreholes.

Abstract: A water-in-oil emulsion explosive composition having excellent storage stability, low-temperature detonability and explosion reactivity is disclosed, which comprises (a) a disperse phase formed of an inorganic nitrate consisting mainly of ammonium nitrate, (b) a continuous phase formed of an oil, (c) an emulsifier, (d) hollow microspheres and/or a chemical foaming agent, and (e) an inorganic chlorate.

Abstract: An explosive, water-in-oil type emulsion composition comprising an aqueous phase of from 70-90% by weight comprising water 10-30%, oxidizing salt 50-75%, an oil phase 5-20%, an air entrapping material 1-5% and an emulsifying agent 1-5%. Nitropropanes constitute all or a portion of the fuel component.

Abstract: A water-in-oil emulsion explosive composition having a remarkably improved storage stability in its initiation sensitivity in small diameter cartridges and at low temperatures is disclosed. The explosive composition comprises a disperse phase formed of an aqueous oxidizer solution consisting of (a) ammonium nitrate or a mixture of ammonium nitrate and another oxidizer salt, (b) water and (c) a specifically limited weak acid salt or condensed phosphate; a continuous phase consisting of (d) fuel oil and/or wax; (e) an emulsifier; and (f) hollow microspheres or microbubbles.

Abstract: The invention concerns an emulsion explosive of the water-in-fuel type which has as its discontinuous phase an oxidizing salt-containing component, and as its continuous phase a fuel component which is immiscible with the discontinuous phase, the continuous phase comprising at least a proportion of polymer in liquid form or in finely divided particle form. A method of making the explosive is also described.

Abstract: This invention concerns itself with the addition of certain copper salts and chelates to solid propellant formulations as burning rate modifiers. The additives increase the burning rate of the propellant while simultaneously decreasing its pressure exponent.

Abstract: Microparticles encoded for retrospective identification of substances into which they are incorporated. The novel microparticles have flat surfaces bearing repetitive identifying indicia such as alphanumerics which can be visually interpreted under magnification. The indicia may provide only part or all of the code.

Abstract: Water-soluble protein is coated onto particles of nitramines by making a rry of nitramine powder in a water solution of the protein and removing the water by evaporation or by filtration after previously precipitating the protein by addition of ethanol. The protein coating acts as a bonding agent to enhance the bond strength between propellant binders and the nitramine particles, resulting in substantial enhancement of desirable propellant properties.

Abstract: Gas generating compositions comprising a cyanamide compound and an oxidant therefor. The compositions produce non-toxic, low temperature gases which are especially useful for inflating vehicle passive restraint crash bags.

Abstract: A water-in-oil emulsion explosive comprising 1 to 10% by weight of a continous phase of a petroleum wax having a melting point of 160.degree. F. or more and containing 30% by weight or more of a urea-non-adduct component, 50 to 95% by weight of a discontinuous phase of an aqueous oxidizer solution containing ammonium nitrate as a major component, and 0.5 to 7% by weight of an emulsifier of an organic surface active agent wherein an unsaturated long-chain aliphatic acid constitutes a hydrophobic group.

Abstract: An aqueous slurry explosive blasting composition comprising an aqueous suspension of water-soluble crystalline oxidizing salt consisting predominantly of ammonium nitrate, which salt has been comminuted in a saturated aqueous solution in the presence of a water-soluble crystal-growth inhibiting surfactant having a hydrophobic portion and a hydrophilic portion in its molecule, in intimate admixture with liquid water-immiscible hydrocarbon fuel sensitizer. The surfactant maintains the oxidizer salt in a finely divided state and also ensures that the liquid hydrocarbon remains uniformly distributed throughout the explosive mass as a stable coating of droplets on the salt particles thereby enhancing the explosive sensitivity of the composition.

Abstract: A pyrotechnical composition for delay elements comprising metallic antimony and potassium permanganate are disclosed. The pyrotechnical composition can contain 0.1 to 2.08 percent of a light metal in powder form. It is useful as a delay composition in time fuses having burning time intervals of over 150 milliseconds.

Abstract: Cap sensitive emulsion explosive compositions comprising a discontinuous aqueous oxidizer salt phase, a continuous carbonaceous fuel phase, and closed cell void containing materials are disclosed which exhibit increased sensitivity, as measured by the 1/2 cartridge air gap sensitivity test, due to a reduced water content in the range of from about 4% to less than about 10% by weight of the emulsion matrix which is used to prepare the composition.

Abstract: Water-bearing explosives comprising oxidizer, fuel, and sensitizer components in a thickened or gelled continuous aqueous phase are stabilized against the degradation of their thickened or gelled structure by the incorporation therein of iodide and/or iodate ions. Preferably, iodide ion is introduced by dissolving ammonium iodide or an alkali metal iodide in an aqueous liquor or sol containing the oxidizer component. The stabilization method is particularly useful in explosives containing a guar gum thickener and flake aluminum in the sensitizer component.

Abstract: A novel pyrotechnic delay composition is provided for use in both non-electric and electric blasting caps which is characterized by uniform burn rate and low toxicity. The composition, comprising an admixture of stannic oxide and silicon, has no carcinogenic properties.

Abstract: Sensitive, low water containing water-in-oil emulsion explosive compositions generally comprise a discontinuous aqueous oxidizer salt phase, a continuous carbonaceous fuel phase, and closed cell void containing materials are disclosed. Increased gap sensitivity, even in the presence of inert salts is achieved by employing an emulsion matrix of reduced water content (less than about 10%) in combination with an amine sensitizing agent and a relatively minor portion of a detonation catalyst, such as copper chloride.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a permissible aqueous blasting composition containing at least about 15% calcium nitrate as oxidizer salt. The calcium nitrate combined with water, inert material, a sensitizer, and cross linking and thickening agents forms a stable aqueous blasting composition or slurry which will meet the permissibility requirements of the U.S. Department of Labor. The use of this minimum amount of calcium nitrate particularly is effective in increasing storage stability.

Abstract: This invention relates to propellants and in particular to a method for safely forming a binary propellant.More specifically, this invention relates to a method for safely forming a Binary Propellant useful as a propellant replacement for Black Powder.

Abstract: A process is disclosed by which thermoplastic elastomers may be utilized to repare melt-formable composite rocket propellants. The thermoplastic elastomer is dissolved in a volatile organic solvent, the other propellant ingredients are mixed in, and the volatile organic solvent is evaporated. The dried propellant is melt-formed to final shape by molding or extruding above the melting point of the elastomer. An example of a usable thermoplastic elastomer is a block copolymer comprised of about 5 to about 20 weight percent styrene and of about 80 to 95 weight percent diene. The formed grain can be reclaimed by melting or dissolution in an organic solvent for reuse of the propellant ingredients.

Abstract: A water-in-oil explosive composition based on colloidal dispersions is provided. Unlike conventional emulsion explosive compositions, the microemulsion composition of the invention displays exceptional long term storage stability retaining sensitivity to propagation even in small diameter charges. The composition is also tolerant to doping with further fuel and energy enhancing ingredients. The microemulsion-producing component of the composition comprises a combination of at least one conventional water-in-oil emulsifier and at least one amphiphatic synthetic polymeric emulsifier selected from graft, block or branch polymers.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a small model rocket motor. The motor includes a plastic composite propellant, and plastic ablative nozzle, and provides means for producing thrust, a time delay, and a charge to activate external devices of desirable design.

Abstract: The invention relates to a water-in-oil emulsion blasting agent having a discontinuous aqueous oxidizer salt solution phase which contains a calcium nitrate to ammonium nitrate weight ratio of 1.5 or greater, a continuous oil or water-immiscible liquid organic phase, an emulsifier, and optionally a density reducing agent.

Abstract: Self-supporting water-bearing explosive products, e.g., for use as primers and in blasting and seismic charges, contain discrete cells of an aqueous solution of an inorganic oxidizing salt and/or of an amine salt encapsulated by a crosslinked (thermoset) resin matrix. The products are sensitized by a dispersed solid high explosive and/or gas bubbles or voids. Preferred primers are sensitized by PETN and are rigid. The products are made by crosslinking a liquid polymer in the continuous phase of an emulsion which contains the aqueous solution as a discontinuous phase.

Abstract: An explosive composition comprising ammonium nitrate, a nitroalkane, a sensitizer, and an oxidizable fuel.

Abstract: A slurry composition based essentially on ammonium nitrate, prepared by a process which comprises comminuting solid substance containing ammonium nitrate by grinding in the presence of a saturated solution of solid in a liquid in which the solid has a solubility greater than 1% by weight, the mixture of the solution and the solid being in fluid condition with the solid being a separate phase during grinding and the solution having dissolved therein an additive which is a crystal growth inhibitor for the solid whereby crystal growth is inhibited at both existing crystal surfaces and new crystal surfaces created by the breaking down of relatively coarse particles.

Abstract: A cap-sensitive explosive composition in powder form contains, in addition to ammonium nitrate as its single oxygen releasing component, and optional components commonly used in explosive compositions, four components within specific weight ranges, calculated on the basis of the weight of the explosive composition:(a) 3 to 8% of a combustible liquid consisting of one or more completely water soluble components, having a boiling temperature of above 120.degree. C., and being capable of dissolving ammonium nitrate in amounts of between 20 grams and 100 grams per 100 grams of said liquid without reacting chemically with ammonium nitrate;(b) 0.5 to 2.5% of a water blocking agent consisting of a high molecular weight polysaccharide having the property of imparting high viscosity to an aqueous, saturated ammonium nitrate solution;(c) 0.

Abstract: The new heteropolysaccharide S-84, prepared by fermentation of an unnamed Pseudomonas species, ATCC 31562 has valuable properties as a thickening, suspending and stabilizing agent in aqueous systems. It is especially useful in formulating explosive gels. Its chemical composition is within the following weight ranges of sugars: 8-15% glucuronic acid; 40-50% glucose; 35-45% mannose; 5-15% rhamnose; and 3-9% arabinose; it also contains 1-5% acetyl and 2-7% pyruvate groups.

Abstract: A composite-type propellant is disclosed. The propellant contains metal grains having an average grain size of not more than 0.2.mu. as an exothermic agent.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to countermeasure systems, particularly to systems for providing a protective cover against homing and/or fire control devices operating upon infrared, sonar, or microwave reflected energy or for confusing search and tracking devices, and more particularly to decoy rounds and their method of fabrication. The decoy rounds include at least one load of energy generating material, means for propelling the load, a burst charge for shattering the load, the burst charge being constructed so as to cause a line type explosion, and means for igniting the burst charge. The decoy rounds are fabricated by a process which includes a novel method of producing the line type explosion and includes a novel assembly operation which allows the round to be exploded in such a way that birdnesting of the decoy material is minimized.

Abstract: A two component, high temperature, thermally stable explosive composition comprises a liquid or low melting oxidizer and a liquid or low melting organic fuel. The oxidizer and fuel in admixture are incapable of substantial spontaneous exothermic reaction at temperatures on the order of 475.degree. K. At temperatures on the order of 475.degree. K., the oxidizer and fuel in admixture have an activation energy of at least about 40 kcal/mol. As a result of the high activation energy, the preferred explosive compositions are nondetonable as solids at ambient temperature, and become detonable only when heated beyond the melting point. Preferable oxidizers are selected from alkali or alkaline earth metal nitrates, nitrites, perchlorates, and/or mixtures thereof. Preferred fuels are organic compounds having polar hydrophilic groups. The most preferred fuels are guanidinium nitrate, acetamide and mixtures of the two.

Abstract: An explosive composition which is in the form of a "melt-in-fuel" emulsion as defined. The melt comprises ammonium nitrate and is the discontinuous phase, while the fuel forms the continuous phase. The composition is substantially water-free and includes an emulsifying agent which imparts to it a greasy consistency. A method of making such an explosive 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: The invention relates to cap-sensitive water-in-oil emulsion blasting agents having a discontinuous aqueous phase, a continuous oil or water-immiscible liquid organic phase, an emulsifier, and perlite of fine particle size.