Abstract: Emulsion explosives with gas bubbles that are resistant to in-borehole migration or coalescence are disclosed herein. Such emulsions can be sensitized by mechanically-introducing gas bubbles into the emulsion. Resistance to gas bubble migration and coalescence can be achieved by homogenization, without the need for bubble stabilization agents.

Abstract: A projectile cartridge for a hybrid capillary variable velocity electric launcher comprising a launcher and breech/barrel assembly as well as a projectile and a pulsed power supply for supplying adjustable amounts of electric energy to permit variable projectile velocity. The projectile cartridge also includes at least an anode and cathode section, a fuse wire, a capillary liner, and the projectile, which may include both a slug and a sabot jacket. A hybridization medium is included with restraining mechanisms.

Abstract: A missile includes a pyrotechnic charge. The missile is constructed in such a way that the pyrotechnic charge is made to burn deflagratively when the missile is used correctly. The pyrotechnic charge includes a mixture containing at least one metal or a metal alloy as a fuel and at least one metal oxide as an oxidizing agent. The fuel and the oxidizing agent are selected in such a manner that they can react with one another by burning. The mixture is compressed to a density of at least 85% of a theoretical density of the mixture, and the fuel, the oxidizing agent and a quantitative ratio between the fuel and the oxidizing agent are selected in such a manner that a density of the mixture is at least 6 g/cm3.

Abstract: An ignition composition and its applications, the ignition composition including at least (a) an explosive fraction that includes at least one primary explosive, (b) an oxidation-reduction system and (c) an agglomerate. In the ignition composition the explosive fraction represents 9 to 35% by weight of the composition, the primary explosive at least is tetrazene, and tetrazene represents at least 95% by weight of said explosive fraction.

Abstract: A thermite torch formulation that includes a metal fuel in the form of a magnalium alloy and an oxidizer in the form of MoO3. When the thermite formulation is reacted, a torch may direct at least one reaction product onto a certain region of an object to deliver a large amount of energy to that region of the object.

Abstract: A thermite torch formulation that consists essentially of a metal fuel, a first oxidizer CuO, a second oxidizer MoO3, and a binder material. When the thermite formulation is reacted, a torch may direct at least one reaction product onto a certain region of an object to deliver a large amount of energy to that region of the object.

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 invention also relates to a process for producing such granules. The process includes the step of forming a mixture of metal flakes and/or metal powder 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 aluminum, aluminum oxide and iron oxide find particular use as sensitizers and energizers in explosives compositions.

Abstract: A method is provided for making blast explosive molding powder. According to an aspect of the invention, energetic solids and a metal powder are suspended in a bulk phase fluid. Lacquer is added to an energetic solids and metal powder suspension to achieve a super-saturated solution. Final granulation of the super-saturated solution is optimized to form a fluidized metallized energetic molding powder. The fluidized metallized energetic molding powder is distilled to remove an organic solvent component of the lacquer, which is reclaimed through distillation. The bulk phase fluid is decanted to recover a wet metallized energetic molding powder. The bulk phase fluid is reclaimed through distillation. The wet metallized energetic molding powder is dried to form a dry metallized energetic molding powder. This method is especially useful in making insensitive enhanced blast explosive molding powders with high metal powder content.

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 invention also relates to a process for producing such granules. The process includes the step of forming a mixture of metal flakes and/or metal powder 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: An energy-producing material which comprises a chemically uniform polymer material whose monomer units contain an electron donor and an electron acceptor, wherein the stoichiometric ratio of electron donor to electron acceptor is ?1, is proposed.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for preparing metastable nanoenergetic composites (MNC) and for wet loading those MNCs into percussion primer cups. The method involves dispersing nanosize reactants in an inert liquid or, alternatively, making a nanosize reactant surface modification for improvement of reactant's chemical inertness towards water, followed by application of additives supporting a solid reactant particle dispersion in water or water solution prior to mixing. After mixing of the reactants, one maintains the presence of liquid water together within an energetic material in order to enhance safety during pre-loading of the primer mixture into the primer cups and during the final drying.

Abstract: A thermite formulation for use in thermite torch applications made up of from about 3 percent by weight to about 35 percent by weight Mg/Al alloy, from about 30 percent by weight to about 70 percent by weight CuO, and from about 15 percent by weight to about 35 percent by weight MoO3. Additionally, the formulation may also include a binder material.

Abstract: A reactive material that includes at least one of a fuel, an oxidizer, and a class 1.1 explosive and is formulated for use in a reactive material projectile. The reactive material is formulated to provide at least one of an overpressure of greater than approximately 9 pounds per square inch at a radial measurement of 12 inches from a point of impact on a target, a hole greater than approximately 2 square inches at an optimum penetration level in a target, and pressure, damage, and a flame when the reactive material bullet impacts a target. The fuel may be a metal, a fusible metal alloy, an organic fuel, or mixtures thereof. The oxidizer may be an inorganic oxidizer, sulfur, a fluoropolymer, or mixtures thereof. A reactive material projectile having the reactive material disposed therein is also disclosed.

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: 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: A melt-castable explosive composition not based on TNT consisting essentially of about 10 to 20 weight percent of a matrix material having a melting temperature of about 80° to 100° C., about 1 to 5 weight percent of a plasticizer, up to about 20 weight percent of a metal powder, up to about 20 weight percent of an oxidizer and about 70 to 89 weight percent of a high explosive. The matrix material is carnauba wax modified with ozokerite wax in a weight ratio of about 1:1 to 20:1.

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: A composition for generating smoke, consisting essentially of at least one chlorine compound having a chlorine content of at least 56% by weight of the chlorine compound, and a mixture of at least one metal oxide and at least one metal. The metal oxide is an alkaline-earth metal oxide and the metal is an alkaline-earth metal. The molar fraction of alkaline-earth metal, based on the total number of moles of alkaline-earth metal and alkaline-earth metal oxide, is between 0.33 and 0.67. Preferably, the chlorine compound is hexachloroethane. Also preferably, the molar fraction of the mixture of alkaline-earth metal and alkaline-earth metal oxide in the composition is between 0.37 and 0.91. The alkaline-earth metal comprises particles having an average size of 50-100 &mgr;m and particles having an average size of 150-300 &mgr;m.

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: The invention concerns a protective device for valuable documents, including a volume capable of being closed and divided into two compartments, one of the compartments being used to receive the documents to be protected while in the second compartment caps contain a pyrotechnic mixture which, when the device is wrongly manipulated, will burst into a flame and penetrate the documents in the first mentioned compartment.

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: 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: A pyrotechnic composition that emits essentially only infrared radiation upon combustion contains at least one peroxide component, an oxidizer that is more energetic than the peroxide component, a coolant, a binder and silicon. In one embodiment, the peroxide component is a mixture of strontium peroxide and barium peroxide, the oxidizer more energetic than the peroxide component is barium nitrate, the coolant is magnesium carbonate, the binder is calcium resonate and the silicon has a minimum purity of 99.9%. The pyrotechnic composition is useful as the combustible component of an infrared tracer.

Abstract: The invention relates to melt cast explosives, propellants or pyrotechnics which contain a nitrated energetic material such as trinitrotoluene, a desensitizer such as wax or petroleum oil and an alkylated polyvinylpyrrolidone emulsifying agent.

Abstract: Lead fluoride acts as a densifying and stabilizing ingredient for a propent.

Abstract: An emulsion explosive comprising a discontinuous oxygen-releasing salt phase, a continuous fuel phase and an emulsifier blend, said emulsifier blend comprising a first emulsifier component consisting of at least one emulsifier comprising a lipophilic moiety, being a polymer of a C.sub.2 to C.sub.6 olefin, and a hydrophilic moiety, being derived from an amine wherein the HLB of the first emulsifier component, as herein defined, is in the range of from 1.0 to 1.3 and a second emulsifier component and wherein the HLB of the emulsifier blend, as herein defined is in the range of from 1.4 to 3.0. Compositions of the present invention combine not only ease of formation and long term stability but also provide significant advantages in the refinement of emulsions and exhibit improved tolerance to shear allowing repumping and greater ease of handling.

Abstract: Emulsifiers are disclosed which comprise the reaction product of component (I) with component (II). Component (I) comprises the reaction product of certain carboxylic acids or anhydrides, or ester or amide derivatives thereof, with ammonia, at least one amine, at least one alkali and/or at least one alkaline-earth metal. Component (II) comprises certain phosphorus-containing acids; or metal salts of said phosphorus-containing acids, the metal being selected from the group consisting of magnesium, calcium, strontium, chromium, manganese, iron, molybdenum, cobalt, nickel, copper, silver, zinc, cadmium, aluminum, tin, lead, and mixtures of two or more thereof. These emulsifiers are useful in water-in-oil explosive emulsions.

Abstract: Propellant grain consisting essentially of:A. from about 50% to about 75% by weight of an oxidizer consisting essentially of ammonium nitrate;B. from about 1% to about 20% by weight of a cured polymeric binder;C. from 0% to about 30% by weight of a nitrate ester plasticizer;D. from about 3.5% to about 8% by weight of boron in free elemental form; andE. from 0% to about 3% by weight of aluminum metal.The grain has a pressure exponent not exceeding about 0.30 at a combustion pressure between about 2500 and about 7000 pounds per square inch (between about 1700 and about 4800 N/cm.sup.2). Also, an uncured pourable slurry having the formula stated above, except that the binder is uncured. Also, a method for forming a propellant grain having the formula stated above, comprising the steps of providing the uncured pourable slurry defined above, pouring the slurry into a casing, and curing the slurry in situ to form a cured propellant grain having a pressure exponent not exceeding about 0.

Abstract: A blasting agent is disclosed for use in a borehole having a pressure resistant closure. The blasting agent is used in combination with a primary initiating system comprised of a detonator and an initiator for the detonator. The blasting agent is preferably a semi-fluid explosive material having a predetermined sensitivity. The sensitivity is related to the borehole diameter and the initiating system's strength, wherein the blasting agent upon initiation is transformed into explosive products by means of reaction front which consumes substantially all the blasting agent as the reaction front passes through the blasting agent. The reaction front has an average velocity of propagation of between 200 meters/second and 1,000 meters/second for at least 30% of the total length of blasting agent located in the borehole. Another aspect of the invention is a method of blasting wherein the average velocity of propagation of the explosive front in the blasting agent is in a range of between 200 m/sec and 1,000 m/sec.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved permissible explosive composition. More particularly, the invention relates to a permissible water-in-oil emulsion explosive that is shock-resistant and has a relatively low density. The water-in-oil emulsion explosives of this invention contain a water-immiscible organic fuel as the continuous phase and an emulsified inorganic oxidizer salt solution as the discontinuous phase. These oxidizer and fuel phases react with one another upon initiation by a blasting cap or other initiator to produce an effective detonation.

Abstract: A multicomponent explosive composition and its use as a blasting agent in ditching operations and the like. The explosive comprises a fuel component and an oxidizer compnent, both of which are retained in the liquid state over wide temperature ranges and are stable over long storage intervals. The fuel component comprises a suspension of a particulate metal fuel, specifically aluminum, in a carrier liquid formed of a mixture of a water-miscible polyhydric alcohol and a pyrrolidone solvent. The carrier liquid contains a thickening agent to provide thixotropic rheological properties such that the particulate metal fuel remains in suspension at rest, but with shear forces induced by pumping, the components become more fluid for mixing and pumping easily. The oxidizer component comprises an aqueous solution of an inorganic oxidizer salt. The oxidizer solution contains void-containing materials such as glass or saran microbubbles. The void-containing materials may be suspended in the fuel component also.

Abstract: A tracer composition with a relatively high luminous output and a moderate burn rate includes from 35 to 47% by weight magnesium; from 40 to 53% by weight strontium nitrate, from 2 to 10% by weight magnesium carbonate, from 0 to 6% by weight color intensifier; from 0 to 6% by weight retardant and from 3 to 8% by weight of a synthetic polymer binder selected from the group consisting of (i) a terpolymer of vinylidene fluoride, hexafluoropropylene and polytetrafluoroethylene and (ii) a copolymer of vinylidene fluoride and hexafluoropropylene.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic mixture for producing a smoke screen includes a reduction agent comprising a light metal, at least one oxidation agent comprising potassium nitrate, combustion moderators including at least one carbonate and a nitrogen producing compound and at least one sublimable or evaporatable, smoke generating, nontoxic additive.

Abstract: Emulsifiers are disclosed which comprise the reaction product of component (I) with component (II). Component (I) comprises the reaction product of certain carboxylic acids or anhydrides, or ester or amide derivatives thereof, with ammonia, at least one amine, at least one alkali and/or at least one alkaline-earth metal. Component (II) comprises certain phosphorous-containing acids; or metal salts of said phosphorous-containing acids, the metals being selected from the group consisting of magnesium, calcium, strontium, chromium, manganese, iron, molybdenum, cobalt, nickel, copper, silver zinc, cadmium, aluminum, tin, lead, and mixtures of two or more thereof. These emulsifiers are useful in water-in-oil explosive emulsions.

Abstract: A high acceleration high performance solid rocket motor grain such as for a ballistic defense missile or rocket assisted projectile comprises a propellant material which includes a highly plasticized binder so that the grain has a solids ratio equal to at least about 95 percent. In order that the grain with such a solids ratio may have adequate strength and withstand high acceleration forces, a reticulated structure is embedded therein. A method of constructing a rocket motor having such a grain is also disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a pyrotechnical delay charge which may be mixed in water, comprising4-17% by weight of boron (B)0-17% by weight of zirconium (Zr), titanium (Ti) and/or zirconium-nickel alloys10-35% by weight of titanium dioxide (TiO.sub.2)40-65% by weight of tin dioxide (SnO.sub.2), and0.5-10% by weight of chlorinated rubberand possibly up to 3% by weight of an aqueous dispersible acrylate binder.The chlorinated rubber component is a particularly characteristic feature of this pyrotechnical charge and is included as a phlegmatization and burning rate reducing agent.

Abstract: The compound m-tetramethylxylene diisocyanate (m-TMXDI), is a domestically, commercially produced aliphatic diisocyanate process produced by a non-phosgenation process for the polyurethane industry with suggested applications in reaction injection molding, surface coatings, and in soft polyurethanes with specialty applications (e.g. as solar cell encapsulants). Applicant's discovery relates to the use of m-TMXDI in an amount from about 0.5 to about 2.0 weight percent for curing a composite rocket propellant composition comprising other ingredients in weight percentages of a high solids loading of aluminum metal fuel (0-20%) and ammonium perchlorate oxidizer (65-88%), hydroxy-terminated polymer binder (7-15%) with antioxidant (0.15 to 1.0% of polymer), plasticizer (0-4%), burn rate catalyst (0.05-6%), and quick cure catalyst system of about 0.02% maleic acid (MA) or maleic anhydride (MAN) and 0.02% triphenyl bismuthine (TPB).

Abstract: An excellent water in oil type emulsion explosive having both of a superior handling property and a good aging initiating sensitivity at low temperatures and at small calibers, is provided by using a specific low molecular weight polyethylene as the carbonaceous fuel in the emulsion explosive.

Abstract: Very good masking of pack diffusion aluminizing or chromizing on any metal to keep portions from being diffusion coated is effected by localized coating of masking powder, the metal portion of which can have some composition as substrates. Chromizing can be performed before aluminizing for greater effects. Aluminizing of metals like iron and nickel followed by leaching out much of the diffused-in aluminum gives these substrates a pyrophoric and catalytic surface. Foil, wire or powder can be thus activated; very fine activated powder when discharged into the air forms a warm cloud that settles very slowly and decoys heat-seeking missiles.

Abstract: This invention relates to a dry mix explosive composition which includes a bulking agent which comprises from 1-20% (by weight) of a vegetable protein additive, the bulking agent having a bulk density of 0.1-0.6 grams per cubic centimeter. It is preferred that the resulting explosive composition have a bulk density of from 0.5-1.1 grams per cubic centimeter.

Abstract: This invention provides an improved method of foaming a water-in-oil emulsion explosive wherein a gassing agent which is a water-in-oil emulsion containing an aqueous solution of sodium nitrite in its discontinuous phase is mixed with the emulsion explosive. The sodium nitrite reacts with ammonium nitrate in the discontinuous phase of the emulsion explosive to generate small particles of gas which are distributed throughout the explosive. The method improves the gas bubble distribution and enhances the sensitivity of the explosive to blasting cap initiation.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an explosive composition comprising a discontinuous oxidizer phase comprising at least one oxygen-supplying component, a continuous organic phase comprising at least carbonaceous fuel, and an emulsifying amount of (A) at least one salt composition derived from (A) (I) at least one high-molecular weight hydrocarbyl-substituted carboxylic acid or anhydride, or ester or amide derivative of said acid or anhydride, the hydrocarbyl substituent of (A) (I) having an average of from about 20 to about 500 carbon atoms, and (A) (II) ammonia, at least one amine, at least one alkali or alkaline earth metal, and/or at least one alkali or alkaline earth metal compound; and (B) at least one salt composition derived from (B) (I) at least one low-molecular weight hydrocarbyl-substituted carboxylic acid or anhydride, or ester or amide derivative of said acid or anhydride, the hydrocarbyl substituent of (B) (I) having an average of from about 8 to about 18 carbon atoms, and (B) (II) ammonia, at

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method of producing pyrotechnical charges by mixing and granulating the included components in water, a considerable advantage from the point of view of safety. The method according to the invention also makes it possible to vary the percentage concentration of the included components so that the obtained pyrotechnical charges can either be used as delay charges or as ignition charges. Since, moreover, an acrylate binder is included, they will obtain superior mechanical strength properties.

Abstract: A water-in-oil emulsion is disclosed which comprises:(A) a continuous oil phase;(B) a discontinuous aqueous phase;(C) a minor emulsifying amount of at least one salt derived from (C) (I) at least one hydrocarbyl-substituted carboxylic acid or anhydride, or ester or amide derivative of said acid or anhydride, the hydrocarbyl substituent of (C) (I) having an average of from about 20 to about 500 carbon atoms, and (C) (II) ammonia, at least one amine, at least one alkali or alkaline earth metal, and/or at least one alkali or alkaline earth metal compound; and(D) a functional amount of at least one water-soluble, oil-insoluble functional additive dissolved in said aqueous phase; with the proviso that when component (D) is ammonium nitrate, component (C) is other than an ester/salt formed by the reaction of polyisobutenyl (Mn=950) succinic anhydride with diethylethanolamine in a ratio of one equivalent of anhydride to one equivalent of amine.

Abstract: Salt compositions are disclosed which comprise: (A) at least one salt moiety derived from (A)(I) at least one high-molecular weight polycarboxylic acylating agent, said acylating agent (A)(I) having at least one hydrocarbyl substituent having an average of from about 20 to about 500 carbon atoms, and (A)(II) ammonia, at least one amine, at least one alkali or alkaline earth metal, and/or at least one alkali or alkaline earth metal compound; (B) at least one salt moiety derived from (B)(I) at least one low-molecular weight polycarboxylic acylating agent, said acylating agent (B)(I) optionally having at least one hydrocarbyl substituent having an average of up to about 18 carbon atoms, and (B)(II) ammonia, at least one amine, at least one alkali or alkaline earth metal, and/or at least one alkali or alkaline earth metal compound; said components (A) and (B) being coupled together by (C) at least one compound having (i) two or more primary amino groups, (ii) two or more secondary amino groups, (iii) at least one

Abstract: A combustible coating for providing a delay barrier to intrusion into an object. The coating contains a source of fuel as a metal and/or a polymer and a source of oxygen such as an oxidizer. The coating is ignitable at a temperature in excess of about 300.degree. C., during combustion is resistant to the effects of common fire extinguishing materials, and is capable of sustaining combustion for at least five minutes with a burn rate of no more than about six inches per minute.

Abstract: Composite solid propellants are provided containing, in an amount effective to reduce the burning rate of the propellant, at least one bitetrazole compound.

Abstract: Sensitized inorganic nitrate mixtures with high brisance are provided in which oxygen balance is attained by the incorporation of aluminum dust and hydrocarbons. Cap sensitivity is achieved by adding an organic nitrate. The resultant mixtures have a low tendency to sweat and cause headaches.

Abstract: An encapsulated signal illuminant flare composition is comprised of powde magnesium from about 45 to about 60 weight percent, of powdered sodium nitrate from about 32 to about 49 weight percent, and of capsular adhesives containing about 91 weight liquid materials contained within capsules having cell walls of equal parts Arabic gum and gelatin of about 9 weight percent to yield a binder from about 6 to about 12 weight percent. The composition ingredients are blended in a dry mixer to achieve a homogeneously, blended signal illuminant flare composition. The blended signal illuminant flare composition is incrementally fed into a flare press for compacting into cartridges in two increments at about 14,000 psi pressure which ruptures the capsular adhesives by hydraulic forces to achieve polymer mixing and the surrounding of the powder ingredients with the binder ingredients to form a very homogenous signal illuminant flare composition mass.