Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a water-hydrocarbon fuel emulsion comprising: a) 87-99% by weight of at least one hydrocarbon fuel with respect to the emulsion; b) 0.1-10% by weight of water with respect to the emulsion; c) 1-3% by weight of an emulsifying blend with respect to the emulsion; and d) 0.05-1% by weight of at least one inorganic hydride with respect to the emulsion, wherein the emulsifying blend comprises i) at least one oil-soluble nonionic surfactant; ii) at least one water-soluble nonionic surfactant; and iii) at least one ionic surfactant. The present disclosure also reveals a convenient preparation process of the water-hydrocarbon fuel emulsion.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to pyrotechnic aerosol fire suppression compositions that burn rapidly, but coolly. The rapid burning of the compositions of the present invention produces a voluminous flame-suppressive aerosol that is useful in suppressing and/or extinguishing both small and large fires. The compositions of the invention contain at least one oxidizer and a fuel component comprising at least one organic acid salt, which combination produces a rapid burning composition that burns at low temperatures with little or no flame and have a low heat of combustion.

Abstract: An energetic composition with controlled detonation having at least a first organic material and a second material, where the second material is a porous material (micro-, meso-, or macroporous), having a pore ratio of at least 10% and preferably greater than 50%, and the first material is, at least partially, infiltrated into the pores of the second material. A mixture containing such a composition, and a method for manufacturing such a composition and such a mixture. Additionally, a method for fragmenting or expanding a microporous immaterial at nanoscale.

Abstract: A gas generating composition of the present invention contains at least one fuel selected from carboxylic acids, salts of carboxylic acids, and polymers; at least one perchlorate salt; and/or at least one metal oxide or metal hydroxide. A gas generating system 200 containing a gas generant in accordance with the present invention is also contemplated.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to pyrotechnic aerosol fire suppression compositions that burn rapidly, but coolly. The rapid burning of the compositions of the present invention produces a voluminous flame-suppressive aerosol that is useful in suppressing and/or extinguishing both small and large fires. The compositions of the invention contain at least one oxidizer and a fuel component comprising at least one organic acid salt, which combination produces a rapid burning composition that burns at low temperatures with little or no flame and have a low heat of combustion.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to pyrotechnic aerosol fire suppression compositions that burn rapidly, but coolly. The rapid burning of the compositions of the present invention produces a voluminous flame-suppressive aerosol that is useful in suppressing and/or extinguishing both small and large fires. The compositions of the invention contain at least one oxidizer and a fuel component comprising at least one organic acid salt, which combination produces a rapid burning composition that burns at low temperatures with little or no flame.

Abstract: A smoke generating composition including at least one smoke generating material and an effective amount of a polymerized monosaccharide or disaccharide as a binder. The polymerized monosaccharide or disaccharide serves the dual purpose of being both a binder and a fuel to provide a more efficient and safer smoke generating composition.

Abstract: Pyrotechnic burster composition combines high explosive energy when confined, with reduced ignition hazard when unconfined. The composition includes pyrotechnic mixtures of KClO4, metal powders, and pentaerythritol or terephthalic acid.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a device for generating a V agent vapor and aerosol. The device comprises a container having a first and second chamber separated by a destructable diaphragm. The chemical components necessary to form the V agent are divided between the two compartments. Freon or a similar fluorinated hydrocarbon is placed in one of the chambers which communicates with an ejection nozzle through a sealed opening. An explosive charge is detonated to remove the diaphragm between the compartments and to allow the chemical components to combine and form the V agent. The heat of the reaction in the presence of the freon causes the pressure to increase in the chamber. This pressure, together with the heat of reaction, breaks the seal between the chambers and the ejection nozzle and the V agent is ejected from the nozzle as a vapor and aerosol.

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: The invention comprises a method of preventing afterblast sulfide dust explosions in blasting operations involving sulfide-containing ores, which method comprises (a) loading a borehole that has been drilled into a sulfide-containing ore body with an emulsion blasting agent that comprises an emulsifier, a continuous organic fuel phase, a density control agent, and a discontinuous oxidizer salt solution phase that comprises inorganic oxidizer salt(s), water and urea as a chemical inhibitor in an amount of from about 1% to about 10% by weight of the blasting agent, the blasting agent being loaded in a coupling relationship with the borehole; and (b) detonating the blasting agent.

Abstract: The air bag gas generating composition of this invention comprises a nitrogen-containing organic compound and at least one oxidizing agent selected from the group consisting of oxo halogen acid salts and nitrates. The invention provides an air bag gas generating composition without a high shock sensitivity and with an available burning velocity and gas output characteristics and featuring a comparatively low combustion temperature.

Abstract: A gas generating composition which is capable of significantly reducing the concentration of harmful gas components, particularly carbon monoxide, in the generated gas. Also a process for molding a gas generating composition in a suitable shape with high efficiency without a risk of explosion, fire or the like, the process being capable of producing a durable and firm molded gas generating composition.The gas generating composition of the invention contains an oxide-based catalyst comprising at least two members selected from the elements of Groups I, IV, V, VI, VII and VIII in the periodic table in addition to the nitrogen-containing organic compound and the oxygen-containing inorganic oxidizing agent both essentially incorporated in the gas generating composition.

Abstract: The invention comprises a cap-sensitive, cast, solid explosive composition usable as a booster or primer and as a seismic explosive composition. The cast, solid explosive composition contains dispersed microballoons which impart important and surprising advantages.

Abstract: A gas-generating composition for air bags, which provides low explosion risk and low toxicity, has at least one gas-generating base selected among urazol and metal salts thereof, as the active ingredient, and an oxidizing agent. Urazol and metal salts thereof can effectively generate gas at a low burning temperature when in combination with the oxidizing agent.

Abstract: A low-solids gas generating composition, comprising a mixture of a fuel selected for the group consisting of guanidine nitrate, nitroguanidine, cellulose, cellulose acetate, hexamine, and mixtures thereof, and an oxidizer selected from the group consisting of ceric ammonium nitrate, lithium nitrate, lithium perchlorate, sodium perchlorate, phase stabilized ammonium nitrate, a combination of ammonium nitrate with potassium nitrate, potassium perchlorate, or mixtures thereof, such that the combination is a solid solution, a mixture of ammonium perchlorate and at least one alkali metal salt, and mixtures thereof, where the fuel is not nitroguanidine when the oxidizer includes ammonium nitrate. The combination of ammonium nitrate with other salts in solid solution is intended to phase stabilize the ammonium nitrate. The oxidizer-fuel mixture is within about 4 percent of stoichiometric balance.

Abstract: An autoignition propellant (AIP) is disclosed for use in conjunction with gas generative compositions for air bags to reduce the autoignition temperature of said propellant without adversely affecting the AIP's storage thermal stability. Said AIP consists essentially of A) a mixture of a) about 60 to 80% by weight KClO.sub.3, b) about 15 to about 30% by weight lactose and c) about 1 to about 10% by weight of an aliphatic polycarbonate and B) an autoignition lowering effective amount of superfine iron in an amount up to 10% by weight based upon the combined weight of A) and B). A method of using the AIP to lower autoignition temperatures and an air bag inflator containing the AIP are also disclosed.

Abstract: A gas generator for an air bag is provided which contains a spontaneously-firing explosive composition in which at least one of a squib, igniting agent and a gas generant is contained in a casing formed of a light alloy material, the spontaneously-firing explosive composition containing carbohydrates, oxohalogenates and metal oxides or alternatively carbohydrates, oxohalogenates, metal oxides and one or more synthetic resins. The spontaneously-firing explosive composition has a spontaneous firing property in temperature range of either 165.degree.-220.degree. C. or 165.degree.-200.degree. C. The effective temperature range may be selected as needed.

Abstract: A solid explosive composition is made by curing a mixture of a 20-50% by weight of a liquid matrix, 50-80% by weight of an essentially anhydrous inorganic chlorate or perchlorate salt, and 0-15% of a nitrate salt after transferring said mixture to a mold. The matrix can include 50-84% by weight of a non-explosive liquid fuel selected from the group consisting of polyhydric alcohols, lower aliphatic alcohols, ketones, and hydrocarbons; 0-15% by weight of a nitrate oxidizer salt; 0-15% by weight water; 0-15% by weight of a thickener; and 0-5% by weight of an acid.

Abstract: A solid explosive composition is made by curing a mixture of a 20-50% by weight of a liquid matrix, 50-80% by weight of an essentially anhydrous inorganic chlorate or perchlorate salt, and 0-15% of a nitrate salt after transferring said mixture to a mold. The matrix can include 50-84% by weight of a non-explosive liquid fuel selected from the group consisting of polyhydric alcohols, lower aliphatic alcohols, ketones, and hydrocarbons; 0-15% by weight of a nitrate oxidizer salt; 0-15% by weight water; 0-15% by weight of a thickener; and 0-5% by weight of an acid.

Abstract: A solid composition for generating gases when ignited is a combination 5-aminotetrazole and at least two oxidizers selected from the group consisting of potassium nitrate, potassium per-chlorate, ferric oxide, copper oxide and manganese dioxide.

Abstract: An improved fuel composition suitable for use in explosive compositions is obtained by forming a reaction product of a transition metal or transition metal compound, preferably iron or iron oxide, with ascorbic or erythorbic acid. The improved fuel composition is combined in admixture with an inorganic oxidizing agent to produce an improved explosive composition. When the improved fuel composition is combined in admixture with potassium nitrate, an improved explosive composition suitable for use as a gunpowder having enhanced performance characteristics is obtained. Methods for making the fuel composition and the explosive composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: The amount of particulate matter that is forced into the passenger compartment of an automobile by the deployment of an air bag as it protects the lives of occupants is reduced by improving the filterability of the combustion products of a composition for generating gas to inflate the bag. The filterability is improved by adding a nucleating agent for alkali metal halide vapors formed during said combustion. Silica, alumina, and graphite are representative of the nucleating agents.

Abstract: In gas generant compositions utilizing as fuel, at least in part, tartaric acid, aqueous processing is improved through the use of d,1-tartaric acid over naturally-occurring 1-tartaric acid.

Abstract: The present invention describes a pyrotechnic gas generating composition which upon reaction produces a breathable gas. The composition comprises a fuel, an oxidizer and a nitrogen source and can be useful in inflating passive restraint air bags for vehicles. Also disclosed is a method for inflating a passive restraint safety bag with a breathable gas composition of the subject invention.

Abstract: A gas generant composition includes a fuel, at least 25 wt % of which is an alkali, alkaline earth, and/or transition metal salt of dicyanamide and an oxidizer which is an ammonium, alkali metal and/or alkaline earth metal salt of a chlorate, perchlorate or nitrate.

Abstract: A two-part igniter for inflators used to inflate inflation devices such as air bags, lift rafts, slide chutes, and the like which includes a heterogeneous mixture of an ignition material and a consolidated mass of either i) a pyrotechnic component or ii) a composite propellant. The ignition material can be in a granular form or pelletized. The pyrotechnic component or composite propellant is provided as a pellet which is in immediate contact with the ignition material. The pyrotechnic component or composite propellant lowers the auto-ignition temperature of the two-part igniter. The two-part igniter can be used in inflators which generate all inflation gases from gas-generating compositions and in inflators which include a supply of stored pressurized inflation gases.

Abstract: The solvent-free gas generant composition of this invention, comprising an oxidizer and a thermosettable resin, cures in about an hour or less at room temperature and within 5 minutes at 135.degree. F. Void-free and crack-free gas generant grains are formed and cured in an extrusion process in which the temperature may be from about room temperature to about 200.degree. F. The thermosettable resin is at least one of the group consisting of an acrylate-terminated polybutadiene, a hydroxy-terminated polybutadiene/diisocyanate reaction product, an ester of a polybutadiene polycarboxylic acid and an epoxy modified polybutadiene and/or a hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene, and a styrene/polyester copolymer.

Abstract: Air bag inflators having reduced risk of premature deployment, reduced risk of chemical and thermal burning of the driver, and reduced toxicity are obtained by using a non-sodium azide containing gas generating composition. The gas generating compositions include lithium, potassium and sodium perchlorates, optionally with a nitride or non-halogenated polymer or both, styrene peroxides, polystyrene peroxides, zinc peroxide in hydrated form, iron oxalate hydrazinate, and iron nitrate hydrazinate. A gas generating composition containing copper nitride, sodium perchlorate, and polyester is especially preferred because the resulting gas is compositionally the same as air.

Abstract: An initiator device for an air bag inflator contains fluid fuel which, upon reaction, produces gas used in the inflation of an inflatable safety device for an occupant of a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic composition, particularly for fireworks, which contains an organic compound having at least one aromatic group as a binder. The compound preferably has a weight ratio of carbon:hydrogen of at least 10:1 and is substantially free of groups of the formulae COOH or COO.sup.-M.sup.+, wherein M.sup.+ is the equivalent of a metal ion. Also, pyrotechnic devices containing such composition.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns a propellant mixture for producing propellant gas for passenger protection systems in motor vehicles, in particular airbag systems. According to this invention, this propellant mixture comprises fumaric acid, with a share of 20 to 45% by weight, as well as an inorganic oxidant with a share of 55 to 80% by weight. These revealed propellant components are non-toxic and characterized by a high thermal stability as well as low hygroscopicity. In addition, this propellant contains only minor traces of pollutant gases, with even combustion residues being non-toxic.

Abstract: An emulsion explosive composition having improved resistance to precompression desensitization comprising an emulsion explosive matrix and a high level of a low strength microspheres. Preferably, the microspheres having a crush strength of between 100 and 400 psi, and are present in at least 4% by weight of the formulation. Accordingly, the present invention allows the use of a more standard (and usually less expensive) microspheres in the production of a precompression desensitization-resistant emulsion explosive. Further, the emulsion explosives of the present invention would permit emulsion explosives, in general, to be utilized in a wider range of applications.

Abstract: A gas generator composition, primarily containing perchlorate and cellulose acetate is provided to generate a large amount of gas without forming any substantial amount of harmful carbon monoxide. A metal oxide is additionally incorporated in an amount of more than 5% by weight and not more than 40% by weight. For example, 50 to 87% by weight of potassium perchlorate and 8 to 26% by weight of cellulose acetate are incorporated in the composition. The gas generator composition contains 36% by weight or less of bitetrazole metal hydrate, preferably bitetrazole manganese dihydrate, since it forms no corrosive residue after burning. The composition contains a nonmetallic compound consisting at least of nitrogen and hydrogen and containing at least 11% by weight of nitrogen. As such compound, nitroguanidine, guanidine nitrate, etc. is employed. The compounds preferably contains 10 to 83% by weight of nitrogen. The compound is preferably incorporated in an amount of 10 to 45% by weight.

Abstract: A gas generating agent comprising at least one compound (A) selected from the group consisting of maleic hydrazide, carbohydrazide, thiocarbohydrazide and 3-methyl-5-pyrazolone and a gas generator containing said gas generating agent. The gas generating agent may optionally comprise an oxidant and a binder.

Abstract: Autoigniting compositions and processes for a gas generator of a vehicle occupant restraint system result in rapid autoignition at relatively low temperatures from approximately 135.degree. C. to 210.degree. C., thereby allowing the gas generator to operate at lower temperatures to facilitate use of an aluminum canister. The autoignition compositions of the present invention are safely manufactured by wet blending, remain effective following long-term high temperature ageing, and produce an energy output that is suitable for use with gas generating compositions.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic composition useful for gunpowder, propellant or explosive purposes, which comprises an organic acid such as ascorbic or erythorbic acid, a nitrate salt oxidizer, and about 6-15% of potassium perchlorate, has improved properties including reduced residue.

Abstract: An improved emulsion explosive composition including hollow microspheres/bulking agents having high density and high strength. The hollow microspheres/bulking agents have true particle densities of about 0.2 grams per cubic centimeter or greater and include glass, siliceous, ceramic and synthetic resin microspheres, expanded minerals, and mixtures thereof. The preferred weight percentage of hollow microspheres/bulking agents in the composition ranges from 3.0 to 10.0 A chlorinated paraffin oil, also present in the improved emulsion explosive composition, imparts a higher film strength to the oil phase in the emulsion. The emulsion is rendered nonincendive by the production of sodium chloride in situ via the decomposition of sodium nitrate, a chlorinated paraffin oil, and sodium perchlorate. The air-gap sensitivity is improved by the in situ formation of monomethylamine perchlorate from dissolved monomethylamine nitrate and sodium perchlorate.

Abstract: Match head formulations suitable for the production of safety matches and matches that may be struck anywhere are described in which chromium compounds, sesqui-based phosphorus compounds, sulphur compounds and oxides of zinc are absent. In their place is described the use of either amorphous phosphorus or, in the case of match head formulations suitable for the production of safety matches, an iron phosphide known as ferrophosphorus. These formulations are environmentally friendly both in manufacture and use. Environmentally friendly match head formulations which may be brightly colored are also described.

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: The water-in-oil emulsion explosives of this invention contain a water-immiscible organic fuel as a continuous phase, an emulsified inorganic oxidizer salt solution as a discontinuous phase, an emulsifier, gas bubbles or an air entraining agent for sensitization, and from about 1% to about 30% by weight of the composition urea for stabilization against thermal degradation with reactive sulfide/pyrite ores. The invention also relates to a method of using such explosives.

Abstract: A method for improving the disperion of particulate materials in intermollar explosive compositions which comprises dry blending at least one fuel compound and at least one oxidizer compound, a viscosity modifier and a dispersable particulate material, melt blending the resulting dry blend, and thereafter casting the melt into a suitable form, casing or mold. The viscosity modifier suitable for use in the invention is a cationic salt of carboxymethylcellulose ether. The viscosity modifier is added in an amount sufficient to achieve a desired melt viscosity.

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: The present invention relates to cap-sensitive explosive compositions, in particular to emulsion explosives doped with solid particulate ammonium nitrate which retain stability and cap-sensitivity despite containing relatively high levels of dopant.

Abstract: A gas generant composition devoid of azides which yields solid combustion products which are easily filtered rendering the gases useful for inflating automobile occupant restraint bags.

Abstract: This invention provides an explosive composition comprising a blend of a melt-in-fuel emulsion and solid particulate oxygen-releasing salt. Said melt-in-fuel emulsion comprises a discontinuous oxygen-releasing salt phase, a continuous water-immiscible organic fuel phase and an emulsifier component. The oxygen-releasing salt is preferably selected such that the water content is minimized. The explosive composition may additionally comprise a discontinuous gaseous component. The compositions are stable against crystallization and segregation and are blowloadable without significant blowback. The compositions have an added advantage of a propensity to be loaded into upholes without the need for stemming or other plugging arrangements.

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: An emulsion explosive composition comprising a discontinuous phase comprising an oxygen-releasing salt, a continuous water-immiscible organic phase and an emulsifier component comprising a condensation product of a primary amine and a poly[alk(en)yl]succinic acid or anhydride and wherein the condensation product comprises at least 70% by weight succinimide product.

Abstract: A physically stable emulsion explosive composition consisting of a dispersed phase and a continuous phase, wherein the dispersed phase consists essentially of at least one oxidizing compound and at least one fuel compound, and wherein the continuous phase consists essentially of a polyacrylate resin.

Abstract: A blasting composition is disclosed having bulk density and hence explosive energy superior to that of conventional ammonium nitrate fuel oil mixtures, e.g. 94% AN, 6% fuel oil mixtures, but of nearly comparable cost. It comprises two major constituents blended together, namely, (1) about 10 to 40% by weight of a water in oil emulsion which includes aqueous solution of a powerful oxidizer salt as the disperse or inner phase and an oil serving to provide oxygen balance as the external or continuous phase, this emulsion being mixed or blended with (2) a mass of essentially solid particulate oxidizer salt in proportions of 60 to 90% of the total. The emulsion, which may be also a slurry, is mixed to partially but not completely fill the pores or interstices in the solid particulate mass, thereby to increase bulk density, part of the spaces being left unfilled to provide aeration and active sites or "hot spots" to facilitate detonation of the composition by standard detonation devices.