Abstract: A melt/cast explosive composition comprising about 20 to 100 wt. % of a binary complex of ammonium nitrate (AN) and methyl nitroguanidine (MeNQ) in a molar ratio of about 0.55:1 to 1.35:1. This binary complex may be used alone or it may be formulated with up to about 80 wt. % compatible fuels and/or oxidizers to tailor the formulation for specific military or commercial applications.

Abstract: An emulsion explosive composition comprising a discontinuous oxidizer phase and a continuous fuel phase is provided wherein the fuel phase comprises a nitroalkane compound. The composition essentially contains as the emulsifying agent a polyisobutylene succinic anhydride-based compound in admixture with an ester of 1-4 sorbitan and oleic acid. The composition demonstrates high explosive strength and excellent stability.

Abstract: An emulsion explosive composition comprising a discontinuous oxidizer phase and a continuous fuel phase is provided wherein the fuel phase comprises an aromatic hydrocarbon compound. The composition essentially contains as the emulsifying agent a polyisobutylene succinic anyhdride-based compound in admixture with an ester of 1-4 sorbitan and oleic acid. The composition demonstrates high explosive strength and excellent stability.

Abstract: Thermostability, age stability, and ignition property at low temperatures of a W/O type emulsion explosive are remarkably improved by incorporating a chelating agent in the W/O type emulsion explosive.

Abstract: A compound having the following formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is --N.sup.+ H.sub.3 as found in claim 1 and R.sup.2 is either the same as F.sup.1 or hydrogen. "A" is an oxidizing anion, and X is selected to provide a neutral charge balance for the compound. A method of making a compound of the indicated structure from a compound of similar structure by an anion exchange process is also disclosed. Finally, propellant formulations incorporating the novel compounds of the present invention as fuels and oxidizers are disclosed.

Abstract: Water-containing explosives, such as emulsions, slurries and water gels, are sensitized in their salt phase with sensitizing energy release agents based on nitroalkanes and nitroalkane blends and optionally including arene coupling agents.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a flat form from blended metallic powder including a major constituent by weight having a high melting point and a minor constituent by weiht having a substantially lower melting point includes selection of the powder to provide continuous and reproducible compacted flat forms. Powder is selected on the basis of compressibility and flowability. The selected powder is compacted to a flat green form and then liquid phase sintered. The flat form may be stacked to provide a flat article of a desired thickness which will result in a monolithic or composite cross section when subsequently sintered. Liquid phase sintering is carried out in a manner designed to avoid undesirable embrittlement and to provide a uniform microstructure in the fully consolidated article. The process is especially useful in the production of tungsten heavy alloy plate.

Abstract: This invention provides a solid explosive composition comprising a low-water content melt-in-fuel emulsion when prepared at elevated temperature which solidifies on cooling. The emulsion comprises a continuous phase containing water immiscible fuel and emulsifier and a discontinuous phase containing oxidizer salt. A particulate material effective as a nucleating agent is incorporated in the composition to reduce supercooling of the discontinuous phase and to accelerate crystallization of the oxidizer salt.The particulate nucleating agent is preferably colloidal solid particles for example silica or an insoluble salt of aluminium, calcium or barium, which salt may optionally be formed in situ by a double decomposition reaction.The presence of the nucleating agent to accelerate crystallization of the oxidizer enhances the proportion of discrete droplets which remain totally encapsulated in the solidified composition and enables solid products to be obtained from relatively low melting oxidizer salts melts.

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) at least one amine; 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: The shock sensitivity of explosives based on ammonium nitrate can be decreased by adding thereto a desensitizing amount of a polyethyleneimine or a polyethyleneimine polynitrate.

Abstract: Provided is a water-in-oil explosive emulsion composition having a 1/2 cartridge gap sensitivity of at least about three inches, yet a water content of at least about 10 percent by weight. The composition comprises an emulsion matrix of a hydrocarbon or carbonaceous fuel component, at least one inorganic oxidizer, an emulsifier and water in an amount of at least about ten percent by weight of the emulsion matrix. In addition to the emulsion matrix, the composition further comprises from 1 to 12 weight percent of a water insoluble sensitizer and sufficient density control agent such that the density of the composition is at least 1.0 g/cc. The resulting composition exhibits excellent sensitivity in combination with excellent stability. Another advantage of the resulting composition is that it exhibits an improved ability to withstand underwater wave compression (dead pressness) which often results in total failure of any explosive in the near vicinity.

Abstract: A new arrangement of matter is developed which can be formulated to be a high explosive, a propellant or a gas generator. The new arrangement of matter in its explosive embodiment is known as a microknit composite explosive (MCX) in which an essentially anhydrous mixture of perchlorate based oxidizer salts, surfactants and organic fuels is prepared while the oxidizer is molten, and a microcrystalline property is created which imparts a hard, machinable characteristic to the arrangement of matter.

Abstract: A new arrangement of matter is developed which can be formulated to be a high explosive, a propellant or a gas generator. The new arrangement of matter in its explosive embodiment is known as a eutectic microknit explosive (EMCX) in which an essentially anhydrous eutectic mixture of ammonium nitrate, soluble explosive, and other oxidizing salts is mixed with surfactants and organic fuels while the eutectic mixture is molten, and a microcrystalline property is created which imparts a hard, machinable characteristic to the arrangement of matter.

Abstract: A new arrangement of matter is developed which can be formulated to be a high explosive, a propellant or a gas generator. The new arrangement of matter in its explosive embodiment is known as a microknit composite explosive (MCX) in which an essentially anhydrous mixture of inorganic salts, surfactants and organic fuels is prepared while the oxidizer is molten, and a microcrystalline property is created which imparts a hard, machinable characteristic to the arrangement of matter.

Abstract: The pneumatic loading of essentially free-flowing slurry-bearing ammonium nitrate (AN) prills, i.e., AN prills which carry or support a water gel or water-in-oil emulsion, produces a high-density explosive consisting of the tightly packed whole and crushed slurry-bearing prills. The density of this explosive can be as much as 20% higher than the poured density of the mass of slurry-bearing prills.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cast explosive composition having a relatively high density and energy and a critical diameter no larger than about 150 mm at a temperature of 5.degree. C. The composition comprises inorganic oxidizer salt consisting primarily of ammonium nitrate, a water-immiscible organic liquid fuel, less than about 5% water, a sensitizer and an emulsifier which allows formation of a water-in-oil emulsion at an elevated formulation temperature but which also allows the emulsion to weaken and the inorganic oxidizer salt to crystallize at lower or ambient temperatures to produce a cast composition.

Abstract: Improved process for manufacturing an explosive eutectic composition comprising about 46% by weight ammonium nitrate, about 46% by weight ethylene diamine dinatrate, and about 8% by weight potassium nitrate. First, potassium hydroxide, ammonia, water, nitric acid, and ethylene diamine are reacted in aqueous solution to produce the indicated components of the eutectic mixture. Then the solution is cooled to supersaturate each solute thereof and passed through a continuous crystallizer to crystallize the components of the product in eutectic proportions. The product is then separated from the mother liquor, which is recycled. The process can be operated continuously and safely without producing by-products or employing solvents which must be evaporated from the composition or disposed of.

Abstract: A water-in-oil emulsion explosive composition containing hollow microspheres obtained by firing volcanic ash and having a bulk density of 0.05-0.1 and an average particle size of 10-100 .mu.m has improved explosion performance and safety over water-in-oil emulsion explosive composition containing conventional hollow microspheres.

Abstract: A soft composite explosive composition is made by forming an oil-continuous, melt-in-fuel emulsion in which the discontinuous phase is comprised of ammonium nitrate and other ingredients which together form a eutectic mixture. The continuous phase includes a combination of fuels and emulsifiers constituting less than 2.5% by weight of the formulation. Soluble compounds such as self-explosive compounds or compounds which can be converted to explosive compounds in situ may be added directly to the discontinuous phase along with one or more oxidizer salts.

Abstract: Ethylenediamine salt of 5-nitrotetrazole and preparation. This salt has been found to be useful as an explosive alone and in eutectic mixtures with ammonium nitrate and/or other explosive compounds. Its eutectic with ammonium nitrate has been demonstrated to behave in a similar manner to a monomolecular explosive such as TNT, and is less sensitive than the pure salt. Moreover, this eutectic mixture, which contains 87.8 mol % of ammonium nitrate, is close to the CO.sub.2 -balanced composition of 90 mol %, and has a relatively low melting point of 110.5 C. making it readily castable. The ternary eutectic system containing the ethylenediamine salt of 5-nitrotetrazole, ammonium nitrate and ethylenediamine dinitrate has a eutectic temperature of 89.5 C. and gives a measured detonation pressure of 24.8 GPa, which is 97.6% of the calculated value. Both the pure ethylenediamine salt and its known eutectic compounds behave in substantially ideal manner. Methods for the preparation of the salt are described.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an explosive of a water-in-oil emulsion type including an aqueous oxidizer solution, an oily material, an emulsifier and hollow microspheres, wherein the oily material forming the continuous phase of the emulsion comprises an oil component and at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of epoxy resin, unsaturated polyester resin, polybutene, polyisobutylene, petroleum resin, butadiene resin and ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer.

Abstract: An explosive composition containing micro-voids consisting of thermoplastic resin hollow microspheres coated with a thermosetting resin has a remarkably excellent low temperature detonability in a small diameter cartridge after lapse of a long period of time.

Abstract: A gas-retaining agent consisting of bubble assemblies, each bubble assembly being one particle consisting of a large number of bubbles agglomerated into the particle, is effective for improving the safety of water-in-oil emulsion explosive compositions against methane and coal dust, for improving the sympathetic detonability of the explosive compositions and for lowering their detonation velocity without deteriorating their strength.

Abstract: A gas-retaining agent having a particle size of 177-3,000 .mu.m is effective for improving the safety of water-in-oil emulsion explosive compositions against methane and coal dust and for improving the sympathetic detonability of the explosive compositions without deteriorating their strength.

Abstract: A dry explosive seismic composition which can be initiated by low grain detonating cord so as to minimize the fire hazards typically associated with seismic testing. Preferred compositions within the scope of the present invention include a sensitizer of Hexamine or a derivative thereof, such as Hexamethylenetetramine Mononitrate. The compositions of the present invention not only reduce the fire hazards associated with using such compositions, but they also resist vaporization of the sensitizer, thereby minimizing the problems associated with handling the compositions.

Abstract: This invention concerns a dynamite type explosive composition which comprises at least one liquid explosive nitric ester and an emulsion composition comprising an oxygen-releasing salt phase, an organic phase and an emulsifier. The invention provides dynamite type compositions in which the amount of liquid explosive nitric ester can be significantly reduced without adversely affecting the performance and physical properties of the composition.

Abstract: A method for making a water-in-oil emulsion type explosive composition is disclosed. The method comprises combining a liquid carbonaceous fuel and an aqueous solution of at least one inorganic oxidizing salt, with agitation, in the presence of ingredients A and B and incorporating dispersed gas bubbles into the resulting emulsion. One of the ingredients A or B is added before or during agitation and the remaining ingredient is added during agitation. Ingredient A is oleic acid and/or linoleic acid. Ingredient B is an ammonium or alkali metal phosphate or carbonate.

Abstract: Thickeners, preferably galactomannans, in aqueous solutions or slurries, e.g., water gel explosives, oil well drilling muds, and hydraulic fracturing fluids, are stabilized against thermal degradation by incorporating iodide and/or iodate ions in the solution or slurry. The preferred stabilizer is the iodide ion introduced into the fluid by dissolving an alkali metal or alkaline-earth metal iodide, or ammonium or alkyl-substituted ammonium iodide, in the aqueous phase.

Abstract: Applicants have discovered a new composition of matter which is an explosive addition compound of ammonium nitrate (AN) and diethylenetriamine trinitrate (DETN) in a 50:50 molar ratio. The compound is stable over extended periods of time only at temperatures higher than 46.degree. C., decomposing to a fine-grained eutectic mixture (which is also believed to be new) of AN and DETN at temperatures lower than 46.degree. C. The compound of the invention has an x-ray density of 1.61 g/cm.sup.3, explodes to form essentially only gaseous products, has higher detonation properties (i.e., detonation velocity and pressure) than those of any mechanical mixture having the same density and composition as the compound of the invention, is a quite insensitive explosive material, can be cast at temperatures attainable by high pressure steam, and is prepared from inexpensive ingredients. Methods of preparing the compound of the invention and the fine-grained eutectic composition of the invention are given.

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: 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: An explosive ternary nitrate mixture of ethylenediamine dinitrate, ammonium itrate, and potassium is prepared by mixing together approximately stoichiometric amounts of aqueous nitric acid, ethylenediamine, ammonia, and potassium hydroxide at a temperature of less than about 130.degree. C. The additions can be made simultaneously or sequentially in any order.

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 multi-component propellant charge is disclosed wherein one component is energetic high-strength composite resin, which is plasticized by an energetic plasticizer and supports the other components during the high-acceleration stage of the propellant's performance.

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: 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: 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: A direct process of making ethylenediamine dinitrate through the reaction of ethylenediamine and ammonium nitrate.

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: 2-Hydroxymethyl-1,3-propanediol trinitrate, processes for its preparation, and compounds related thereto are disclosed. The final product is useful as a plasticizer of relatively low volatility in double based propellant compositions and as a liquid explosive.

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

Abstract: Water-in-oil emulsion explosive compositions containing (e) nitromethane gelatinized product obtained by mixing nitromethane with a gelatinizer for nitromethane and (f) hollow microspheres and/or (g) bubbles formed from a chemical foaming agent in a water-in-oil emulsion composition consisting of (a) ammonium nitrate or ammonium nitrate and the other inorganic oxidizer salts, (b) water, (c) an oil and/or wax and (d) a sorbitan fatty acid ester surfactant.

Abstract: Novel explosives which comprise mixtures of ammonium nitrate and an ammonium salt of a nitroazole in desired ratios are disclosed. A preferred nitroazole is 3,5-dinitro-1,2,4-triazole. The explosive and physical properties of these explosives may readily be varied by the addition of other explosives and oxidizers. Certain of these mixtures have been found to act as ideal explosives.

Abstract: A method of drilling and blasting a field is disclosed. By use of a certain combination of blasting agents, it is possible to expand the bore hole pattern by 30 to 50%, thereby decreasing the number of bore holes per unit of area to be blasted.

Abstract: A two-component explosive composition is disclosed in which each of the components, in and of themselves, is non-detonable. At the use site, the components are readily mixed to form a No. 6 cap-sensitive explosive composition. The composition includes (1) a solid dry component, preferably granular ammonium nitrate or like solid oxidizer and (2) a liquid component for admixture with the dry component consisting essentially of a non-self reacting compound with a fuel value of less than 5 kcal./gm. in which is dispersed 2% to 40% by weight based on the weight of the dry composition of a lower nitro-aliphatic fuel.

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 solid propellant hydrogen generator for chemical laser systems and the like comprising an oxidizer, a fuel, and a binder formulated to provide a stoichiometry which will maximize the hydrogen exhaust components while minimizing exhaust outputs of CH.sub.4, CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2 O and yielding flame temperatures above 1200.degree. K.

Abstract: A slurry explosive composition comprising at least one inorganic oxidizing salt, an aqueous liquid phase, fuel material and a sensitizing agent which agent comprises a combination of hydrophobic particles of high explosive material and gas bubbles.

Abstract: An improved explosive composition is disclosed and comprises a major portion of an explosive having a detonation velocity between about 1500 and 10,000 meters per second and a minor amount of a donor additive comprising an organic compound or mixture of organic compounds capable of releasing low molecular weight free radicals or ions under mechanical or electrical shock conditions and which is not an explosive, or an inorganic compound or mixture of inorganic compounds capable of releasing low molecular weight free radicals or ions under mechanical or electrical shock conditions and selected from ammonium or alkali metal persulfates.

Abstract: A slurry explosive composition comprising inorganic oxidizing salt and a liquid solvent, dispenser or carrier for the salt, which liquid is emulsified with a sensitizing liquid aliphatic mononitrate containing from 3 to 8 carbon atoms per molecule.