Abstract: A perchlorate-free solid pyrotechnic flash bang composition is disclosed, which comprises an oxidizer component selected from the group comprising potassium nitrate, strontium nitrate, and basic copper nitrate and combinations thereof, a metallic fuel component selected from the group comprising aluminum, magnesium, magnesium-aluminum alloys, silicon, zirconium, and combinations thereof, and a non-metallic fuel component comprising sulfur. The flash bang pyrotechnic composition may also further comprise a ballistic accelerant component, a pH stabilizer, and a free flow/anti-caking component.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing an energetic metastable nano-composite material. Under pre-selected milling conditions a mixture of powdered components are reactively milled. These components will spontaneously react at a known duration of the pre-selected milling conditions. The milling is stopped at a time at which the components have been compositionally homogenized to produce nanocomposite powder, but prior to said known duration, and thereby before the spontaneous reaction occurs. The milled powder is recovered as a highly reactive nanostructured composite for subsequent use by controllably initiating destabilization thereof.

Abstract: To provide a novel water-addition type, chemical exothermic agent. An exothermic agent comprising, per mass thereof, more than 30% but not more than 40% of a calcium oxide powder having an average particle size of 75 ?m to 150 ?m, and not less than 60% but less than 70% of a mixed aluminum powder in which an aluminum powder having such a particle size distribution that a particle size of 45 ?m pass is 70.0 to 80.0% and a particle size of 45 to 75 ?m is 20.0 to 30.0% and an aluminum powder having such a particle size distribution that a particle size of 45 ?m pass is 60 to 70%, a particle size of 45 ?m is 20 to 30%, a particle size of 63 ?m is 7 to 10% and a particle size of 75 ?m is 1.0 to 2.0% are mixed at a mass ratio of 1:2. This exothermic agent may further contain 5 to 10%, relative to its total mass, of at least one inorganic salt compound selected from the group consisting of calcium sulfate, ferrous sulfate, magnesium chloride, sodium sulfite, sodium phosphate, and sodium carbonate.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing an energetic metastable nano-composite material. Under pre-selected milling conditions a mixture of powdered components are reactively milled. These components will spontaneously react at a known duration of the pre-selected milling conditions. The milling is stopped at a time at which the components have been compositionally homogenized to produce nanocomposite powder, but prior to said known duration, and thereby before the spontaneous reaction occurs. The milled powder is recovered as a highly reactive nanostructured composite for subsequent use by controllably initiating destabilization thereof.

Abstract: There is provided an active iron powder which is suitable for a heat generating composition of a heat generating body, is excellent in rising properties and is excellent in economy by using an iron powder which is generally produced at present and modifying its function into an active iron powder suitable as a raw material of a heat generating body. The invention is concerned with an active iron powder to be contained in a heat generating composition capable of generating heat upon contact with air, characterized in that in the active iron powder, a part of the surface of the iron powder is covered by an iron oxide film; and that a thickness of the iron oxide film is from 3 nm to 100 ?m and is not more than 50% of the total thickness of the active iron powder.

Abstract: An expendable infra-red radiating means having a rupturable container 1 housing a plurality of decoy plates (11) and an ignition means (17) for igniting the decoy plates (11). Each of the decoy plates (11) comprises a composition of a metal and an oxidant capable of an exothermic combustion reaction upon ignition which produces negligible quantities of radiation in the visible or ultra-violet regions and which results, after the combustion reaction is completed, in the decoy plates (11) containing hot metal emitting infra-red radiation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an expansive cell composition for an electric rock destruction. The expansive cell composition is fabricated using metallic salt that is oxidation agent, metallic powder, and hydrocarbon compound. The composition is uniformly mixed at a certain composition ratio so that the composition is stably expanded by a high temperature heat and impact wave energy generated when a high current is fast discharged with respect to a metallic wire. A hybrid-oxidation and combustion reaction is obtained, in which a hybrid-oxidation and combustion reaction is performed, in which a flame oxidation reaction of metallic salt and metallic powder and a combustion oxidation reaction of a hydrocarbon compound by the flame oxidation reaction are mixed. The rocks are destructed by generating a vapor expansion force matching with a fracture ability class of rocks. Low noise and vibration are obtained when destructing rocks, and broken pieces of rocks do not fly away.

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: An igniter for an inflator has a heat generating body provided on a bottom surface of a pyrotechnic material accomodating space. By dripping a pyrotechnic material slurry including a fuel component and an oxidizing agent component dispersed in a solvent from above the accomodating space upon manufacturing the igniter, the heat generating body can be prevented from being damaged.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rapidly expanding metallic mixture treated for oxidation prevention thereof at room temperature, comprising a metal salt and a metal powder, which prevents its spontaneous explosion due to oxidation of the metal powder in the mixture at room temperature during storage, or dysfunction of the mixture upon blasting work because of altered mixing ratios between the metal salt and the metal powder. The rapidly expanding metallic mixture is characterized in that the mixture is added with a water repellent such as oil or an inorganic preservative, or is coated with a resin and formed to the size of 0.1-100 mm3.

Abstract: A high temperature combination delay element and ignition composition contains a polymeric silicone component, an oxidizer component and a high temperature metal component.

Abstract: Fluoroalkylsilane-coated metal particles having a central metal core, a buffer layer surrounding the core, and a fluoroalkylsilane layer attached to the buffer layer are prepared by combining a chemically reactive fluoroalkylsilane compound with an oxide coated metal particle having a hydroxylated surface. The resulting fluoroalkylsilane layer that coats the particles provides them with excellent resistance to aging. The particles can be blended with oxidant particles to form energetic powder that releases chemical energy when the buffer layer is physically disrupted so that the reductant metal core can react with the oxidant.

Abstract: An igniting agent composition substantially free of a lead compound, characterized in that it comprises a metal power and one or more selected from the group consisting of nitrate salt, basic nitrate salt, a metal oxide and a basic carbonate salt; and an igniter using the igniting agent composition. The igniting agent composition shows no delay in ignition time and no reduction in igniting capability, as compared to conventional lead-containing composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a low temperature autoignition composition for safely initiating combustion of a main pyrotechnic charge in a gas generator or pyrotechnic device exposed to flame or a high temperature environment.

Abstract: An ignition composition effective to form a porous igniter substance capable of adhering to an associated inflator apparatus surface for use in an automotive inflatable restraint system and a method for preparing a porous igniter coating formed from the ignition composition are provided. The ignition composition includes a fuel, an oxidizer, a polymeric binder and a blowing agent effective, upon decomposition, to increase the surface area of the porous igniter substance. The porous igniter substance or coating is formed by heating the ignition composition to a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: Pyrotechnic compositions such as used in initiator devices and corresponding initiator devices having a low firing energy are provided. The pyrotechnic composition includes a mixture containing a fuel component which includes a quantity of at least one Iron Blue Pigment and an oxidizer component which includes at least one oxidizer effective, upon reaction initiation with at least a portion of the quantity of the at least one Iron Blue Pigment, to produce gaseous reaction products. The pyrotechnic composition may additionally include a burn rate enhancing additive such as zirconium metal powder.

Abstract: Fluoroalkylsilane-coated metal particles. The particles have a central metal core, a buffer layer surrounding the core, and a fluoroalkylsilane layer attached to the buffer layer. The particles may be prepared by combining a chemically reactive fluoroalkylsilane compound with an oxide coated metal particle having a hydroxylated surface. The resulting fluoroalkylsilane layer that coats the particles provides them with excellent resistance to aging. The particles can be blended with oxidant particles to form energetic powder that releases chemical energy when the buffer layer is physically disrupted so that the reductant metal core can react with the oxidant.

Abstract: A thermite composition for pyrotechnics having high heat transfer charactistics comprising a strongly reducible metal oxide, a thermally decomposable heat transfer agent consisting of Cu2O, and a strong reducing agent. It is desirable that the stoichiometerics and mechanics of the thermite reaction is such that there is a substantial excess of oxygen. Also, other ingredients may be added to the composition such as gas generating compounds, binders, diluents and supplemental oxidizing agents.

Abstract: The present invention features methods for preparing stabilized &agr;-AlH3 and &agr;′-AlH3, compositions containing these alane polymorphs, e.g., energetic compositions such as rocket propellants, and methods for using the novel polymorphs as chemical reducing agents, polymerization catalysts, and as a hydrogen source in fuel cells and batteries. The method produces stabilized alane by treating &agr;-AlH3 with an acidic solution that optionally contains a stabilizing agent such as an electron donor, an electron acceptor, or a compound which coordinates the Al3+ ion.

Abstract: An autoignition material includes a plurality of agglomerates. Each agglomerate comprises an oxidizer material particle. A plurality of metal fuel particles are disposed on the oxidizer material particle. The metal fuel particles are present in a weight ratio effective to substantially stoichiometrically balance the oxidizer material particle. The metal fuel particles exothermically react with the oxidizer material particle when the autoignition material is exposed to a temperature of about 80° C. to about 250° C. A thin binder film adheres the metal fuel particles to the oxidizer material particle and maintains the metal fuel particles in intimate contact with the oxidizer particle.

Abstract: A thermite composition for pyrotechnics having high heat transfer charactistics comprising a strongly reducible metal oxide, a thermally decomposable heat transfer agent consisting of Cu2O, 5 and a strong reducing agent. It is desirable that the stoichiometerics and mechanics of the thermite reaction is such that there is a substantial excess of oxygen. Also, other ingredients may be added to the composition such as gas generating compounds, binders, diluents and supplemental oxidizing agents.

Abstract: The invention relates to an igniter composition for use in a gas generator for a safety means in vehicles. The igniter composition consists of a gas-generating composition in an amount of 15 to 70 wt-% and of a thermite composition in an amount of 30 to 85 wt-%. The gas-generating composition consists essentially of a guanidine compound as fuel and an inorganic oxidizer. The thermite composition consisting essentially of a metal and a metal oxide. The igniter composition or the gas-generating composition and the thermite composition, each for itself, have an oxygen balance of between 0 and −20%.

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: This invention relates to granules comprising a homogenous mixture of metal flakes and/or metal powder and metal oxide powder, and a binder. The process also relates to a process for producing such granules. The process includes the step of forming a mixture of metal flakes and metal oxide powder, forming the mixture into a homogenous blend, adding the blend, together with a binder, to a granulator to form granules, and drying the granules. Granules so formed containing aluminium, aluminium oxide and iron oxide find particular use as sensitisers and energisers in explosives compositions.

Abstract: A delay composition for a detonator or delay device. The composition comprising a mixture of silicon and barium sulfate, and an amount of red lead in the range of about 3 to 15%, and preferably 6 to 12%, by weight of the mixture. The invention also relates to a delay element comprising a rigid metal tube containing the delay composition, and a delay device incorporating the delay element.

Abstract: Disclosed are propellants such as may be used in solid rocket motors. In one preferred embodiment, the propellant comprises one high energy propellant composition comprising a homogeneous mixture of fuel and oxidizer having a predetermined fuel/oxidizer ratio, wherein individual fuel particles are generally uniformly distributed throughout a matrix of oxidizer, and a low energy propellant composition comprising a fuel and oxidizer. The amounts of the two propellants are present in amounts which achieve a preselected burn rate.

Abstract: An apparatus (12) for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) comprises an inflator housing (20). A gas generating material (18) is within the inflator housing (20). The gas generating material (18), when ignited, generates a gas for inflating the vehicle occupant protection device (14). An autoignition material (24) is provided for igniting the gas generating material (18). The autoignition material (24) comprises an additive that has a ratio of absorptivity of incident radiation to emissivity of internal energy by radiation of at least about 10.

Abstract: Gas generating compositions and methods for their use are provided. Metal complexes are used as gas generating compositions. These complexes are comprised of a metal cation template, a neutral ligand containing hydrogen and nitrogen, and sufficient oxidizing anion to balance the charge of the complex. The complexes are formulated such that when the complex combusts, nitrogen gas and water vapor is produced. Specific examples of such complexes include metal nitrite ammine, metal nitrate ammine, and metal perchlorate ammine complexes, as well as hydrazine complexes. A binder and co-oxidizer can be combined with the metal complexes to improve crush strength of the gas generating compositions and to permit efficient combustion of the binder. Such gas generating compositions are adaptable for use in gas generating devices such as automobile air bags.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions comprising mixtures of metallic particles and solid oxidizer, and a method for preparing such compositions. The compositions comprise a homogeneous mixture of metallic particles and solid oxidizer wherein individual metallic particles are generally uniformly distributed throughout a matrix of solid oxidizer which is suitable for use in a solid rocket motor.

Abstract: The invention relates to an igniter composition for use in a gas generator for a safety means in vehicles. The igniter composition consists of a gas-generating composition in an amount of 15 to 70 wt-% and of a thermite composition in an amount of 30 to 85 wt-%. The gas-generating composition consists essentially of a guanidine compound as fuel and an inorganic oxidizer. The thermite composition consisting essentially of a metal and a metal oxide. The igniter composition or the gas-generating composition and the thermite composition, each for itself, have an oxygen balance of between 0 and −20%.

Abstract: A firing mixture which contains explosives, oxidizing and reducing agents is characterized in that it contains one or several explosives which can be fired by laser light. Also disclosed is a process for producing the same and its use.

Abstract: The invention provides a new and improved process and exothermic reaction mixture for producing molten weld metal. The molten weld metal is used in joining one metallic piece with at least one other metallic piece. The process and exothermic reaction mixture have distinct advantages over the prior art. These advantages include a higher filler metal yield, an increased tensile strength, and a higher quality corrosion resistant weld. These advantages are accomplished by a process wherein a reactant mixture is provided which has a reducing agent, a metallic compound, and at least two filler metals that at least in part do not chemically react with the metallic compound, one of which is aluminum. The metallic compound subsequently forms, with the reducing agent, having a high heat of formation which provides an exothermic reaction with sufficient heat to melt the filler metals.

Abstract: This invention pertains to an article that emits infrared radiation for a period of about 15 minutes or more, depending on the size and shape, and to a process for preparing the article. The article includes, in a preferred embodiment, a combustible aerogel or other nanocellular substrate with iron metal impregnant formed by thermal decomposition of iron pentacarbonyl deposited on and in the substrate in an amount of at least about 5% or at least about 20% of the weight of the substrate, depending on the substrate. The impregnant reacts exothermically on contact with air or an oxygen-containing gas and imparts sufficient energy to the substrate to cause it to burn for about 30 seconds to about 30 minutes depending on size and shape, thereby emitting infrared radiation. The process pertains to deposition of the impregnant on and in the substrate by flowing a carrier gas saturated with the impregnant precursor over and through the substrate.

Abstract: A detonator comprising a shell with a secondary explosive base charge, igniting means and an intermediate pyrotechnical train, said train comprising a novel ignition composition with a specific redox-pair of a metal fuel and a metal oxide oxidant, said fuel being present in excess to the amount of stoichiometrically being required to reduce the metal oxide, the ignition composition being able to ignite said secondary explosive into a convective deflagrating state to reliably detonate the same. Use of said novel ignition composition for the ignition of secondary explosives in general.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a low temperature autoignition composition for safely initiating combustion of a main pyrotechnic charge in a gas generator or pyrotechnic device exposed to flame or a high temperature environment.

Abstract: 35 g of a heating medium comprising 70 to 85% of powdered aluminum and 15 to 30% of powdered calcium oxide on the basis of the total weight of the heating medium is contacted with 80 ml of water to react the powdered calcium with water at a first reaction step to generate heat of reaction and calcium hydroxide, and then the calcium hydroxide is reacted at a second reaction step with powdered aluminum to generate heat of reaction to make use of approximately 3886 cal/g as the sum of the heat of reaction generated at the first reaction step and second reaction step, which can arrive at temperatures of approximately 100 ° C. for a short time which can be maintained for at least 20 minutes. The heating medium of this invention is built in a heating apparatus of a heating cooking container without increasing the weight and bulk of the container.

Abstract: A spontaneous firing explosive composition for use in a gas generator for an airbag containing a fuel, an oxidizer, a combustion modifier, and a binder.

Abstract: Gas generative compositions especially useful in inflators for protective passive restraint devices (e.g., motor vehicle air bags, escape slide chutes, lift rafts, and the like) include a nitrogen-containing fuel and an oxidizer selected from copper (II) oxide (CuO), cupric nitrate, basic copper nitrate (Cu(NO.sub.3).sub.2.3Cu(OH.sub.2), strontium nitrate (Sr(NO.sub.3).sub.2) and mixtures thereof. Most preferably the nitrogen-containing fuel is azodicarbonamidine dinitrate (AZODN) and/or 2,4,6,8,10,12-hexanitro-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexaazaisowurtzitane (CL-20). The compositions of the present invention provide high burning rates with acceptable burning rate pressure exponents which allow their operation at lower pressures, thereby resulting in the use of less costly, lower weight, and lower strength materials for design and manufacture of the inflator pressure vessel.

Abstract: A gas generating composition, when ignited, produces gas to inflate an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device. The gas generating composition comprises ammonium nitrate phase stabilized with a moisture indicating material. The moisture indicating material exhibits a color that changes with change in the concentration of moisture within the ammonium nitrate.

Abstract: Chlorate-free autoignition compositions are disclosed, and may be embodied in compositions comprised of (i) an azodiformamidine dinitrate (ADFD), a self-deflagrating, low ignition temperature fuel, (ii) an oxidizer (e.g., a perchlorate, nitrate or mixture thereof) and (iii) an ignition accelerator/augmentor (e.g., a metal or metal oxide powder). One especially preferred solid AIP composition in accordance with the present invention includes ADFD, a mixture of ammonium perchlorate and sodium nitrate, an iron oxide powder and a binder, such as a poly(alkylene carbonate).

Abstract: A pyrotechnic fuel material for a booster in a pyrotechnic system having an adjacent igniter. In one embodiment, a powdered BaAl.sub.4 compound is used as the booster pyrotechnic fuel. In another embodiment, a powdered zirconium/nickel alloy is used as the booster pyrotechnic fuel. Both the powdered BaAl.sub.4 compound and the powdered zirconium/nickel alloy exhibit ignition sensitivity thresholds on the order of millijoules, thereby allowing for increased safety in manufacturing and handling over elemental powdered metal pyrotechnic fuels normally used for the entire pyrotechnic system.

Abstract: High nitrogen gas generant compositions, useful for inflating passenger restraint gas inflator bags, comprise a nitrogen rich coordination compound selected from coordination complexes comprised of anionic nitro and nitrito ligands coordinated with a transitional metal template, and nonmetallic or nonmetallic/metallic cations. The gas generant compositions generate relatively more gas and less solids, and are safer than known gas generant compositions. Certain gas generant compositions ignite at lower autoignition temperatures thereby facilitating the use of an aluminum or light weight metal pressure vessel. Other gas generants self-deflagrate eliminating the need for other constituents in the composition. Novel methods for the synthesis of nonmetal derivative coordination complexes, guanidine and hydrazine for example, are also presented.

Abstract: An igniter composition, and a method of manufacturing the igniter composin, comprised of an oxidizer dispersed in polyurethane resin using anhydrous acetone as a solvent. The polyurethane resin is cured at room temperature and granulated to form a granulated igniter. The granulated igniter may be blended with powdered magnesium. Preferably, the oxidizer is strontium peroxide and the amount of polyurethane resin is approximately 10 to 14 parts by weight and the amount of strontium peroxide is approximately 90 to 86 parts by weight, the ideal mixture is 12 part by weight polyurethane resin and 88 parts by weight strontium peroxide.

Abstract: Gas generating compositions contain a non-azide fuel, phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) and silicon. These gas generant compositions yield inflation gases having a reduced content of undesirable gases such as NO.sub.x and CO. The gas generanting compositions preferably contain 5-aminotetrazole at a concentration of 15-30 wt. % as the fuel, an oxidizer system at a concentration of 35-80 wt. % which comprises phase stabilized ammonium nitrate, at least 0.5 wt. % silicon, about 1 wt. % iron oxide and at least one material selected from binders and processing aids. The gas generating compositions are useful for inflating vehicle occupant restraint devices and for pyrotechnically operated fire suppression devices. The high level of gases produced by the compositions of the invention allow for smaller inflators which reduce the costs of production and the saving of weight.

Abstract: An infrared emitting pyrotechnic material comprising a fibrous carbon containing substrate (1) onto one or both faces (4, 5) of which is vapor deposited a combustible material layer (2, 3) which may be protected by an additional coating (6, 7). The thickness and composition of each of the layers (2, 3) are selected such that in use each of the layers is capable of igniting substantially simultaneously the entire surface on which it is deposited.

Abstract: A fire starting flare suitable for hand-held launchers has a fuse and ignitor assembly within a flare core material such that as the flare is launched the fire ignites and as the flare lands the fuse reaches the ignitor assembly to set off the flare.

Abstract: The stoichiometry and/or crystal structure of vanadium oxide particles are altered by heating initial particles of vanadium oxide under mild conditions. The temperature is generally at least about 300.degree. C. less than the melting point of both the initial vanadium oxide particle and the product vanadium oxide particles. Preferred initial particles are vanadium oxide nanoparticles. The heating can be performed under an oxidizing atmosphere or an inert atmosphere, depending on the particular initial particles and the desired product particles.

Abstract: Nonazide gas generant compositions, useful for inflating passenger restraint gas inflator bags, comprise a multimetallic coordination complex oxidizer selected from coordination complexes comprised of anionic nitro and nitrito ligands coordinated with a transitional metal template, and a cationic component comprised of two or more different metals. The gas generant compositions generate relatively more gas and are significantly less toxic than known azide gas generant compositions, and furthermore, generate solids that are readily filterable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an autoignition composition for safely initiating combustion of a main pyrotechnic charge in a gas generator or pyrotechnic device exposed to flame or a high temperature environment. The autoignition compositions of the invention include a mixture of an oxidizer composition and a powdered metal, wherein the oxidizer composition includes at least one of an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal nitrate, a complex salt nitrate, such as Ce(NH.sub.4).sub.2 (NO.sub.3).sub.6 or ZrO(NO.sub.3).sub.2, a dried, hydrated nitrate, such as Ca(NO.sub.3).sub.2.4H.sub.2 O or Cu(NO.sub.3).sub.2.2.5 H.sub.2 O, silver nitrate, an alkali or alkaline earth chlorate, an alkali or alkaline earth metal perchlorate, ammonium perchlorate, a nitrite of sodium, potassium, or silver, or a solid organic nitrate, nitrite, or amine, such as guanidine nitrate, nitroguanidine and 5-aminotetrazole, respectively.

Abstract: In a gas generant composition containing a source of ammonia, such as an ammonium salt or an ammonia-transitional metal complex that emits ammonia as a degradation product, a zeolite, particularly chabazite, is added as an ammonia-absorbing material. In gas generant formulations containing a copper compound and a nitrate source, the zeolite acts to reduce or prevent formation of copper tetrammine dinitrate.