Abstract: An explosive composition comprising (a) a water-in-oil emulsion comprising (i) a discontinuous aqueous phase comprising at least one oxygen-releasing salt, (ii) a continuous water-immiscible organic phase and (iii) an emulsifier, and (b) 20 to 75% w/w of the total composition of brisant explosive and wherein the emulsifier is chosen from poly[alk(en)yl] succinic acid and derivatives thereof.

Abstract: A liquid propellant comprising a mixture of an energetic azido fuel such as 1,1,1-azidodinitroethane, a diluent such as methanol and azidoethanol and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: There is provided the compound 4-azido-4,4-dinitro-1-butanol (ADNBOH) and a method for making same which comprises reacting trinitromethane and acrolein at a reduced temperature to provide 4,4,4-trinitro-butyraldehyde (TNBAl), reducing the TNBSl to provide 4,4-trinitro-1-butanol (TNBOH) which is further reduced to provide 4,4-dinitro-1-butanol (DNBOH), reacting the DNBOH with acetyl chloride to provide 4,4-dinitro-1-butyl acetate (DNBAc), reacting the DNBAc with an alkali metal azide in an electrolysis cell to provide 4-azido-4,4-dinitro-1-butyl acetate (ADNBAc) and reacting the ADNBAc with a lower alcohol and recovering the 4-azido-4,4-dinitro-1-butanol (ADNBOH).Also provided are several azidodinitro derivatives of 4-azido-4,4-dinitro-1-butanol and methods for making same.

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: A detonating energy transmittal device is provided which, when combined with even relatively low-power blasting caps, is capable of promoting and initiating the explosive detonation of liquid nitromethane, which device comprises a plurality of layers of foam material, an effective amount of frangible articles carried on at least one surface of the foam material layers and forming thereon a substantially continuous layer intermediate the adjacent foam material layer, and a cavity capable of accommodating a blasting cap and of placing said blasting cap in intimate contact with said plurality of foam material layers. Methods for detonating fluid explosives also are provided.

Abstract: Well stimulation involving use of a liquid explosive composition in the explosive fracturing of subterranean formations such as oil and gas bearing formations. An explosive formulation comprising a nitrate ester explosive component and a phlegmatizer component is introduced into a well penetrating the formation to be fractured. The phlegmatizer component is an alkyl or alkoxy diester which is mixable with the nitrate ester and can be varied in concentration to control the detonation velocity and maximum explosive pressure. Examples of phlegmatizing agents include alkyl or alkoxy alkyl esters of adipate or azelaic acids such as dibutoxyethyl adipate or diisobutyl azelate or polyethylene glycoxy-based diesters such as triethylene glycol dipelargonate. After the formulation is detonated to fracture the formation, the well is placed on production to recover hydrocarbons at an increased rate.

Abstract: Bis(2-fluoro-2,2-dinitroethoxy)(1-fluoro-1,1-dinitro-2-propoxy)methane wh is useful as an energetic coplasticizer with bis(2-fluoro-2,2-dinitroethyl)formal in plastic-bonded explosives.

Abstract: A melt castable explosive composition not based on TNT is disclosed which consists essentially of about 10 to 20 weight percent of a matrix material having a melting temperature of about 60.degree. to 100.degree. C., up to about 0.5 weight percent of an emulsifying agent and up to about 20 weight percent aluminum powder, balance high explosive. The matrix material is ozokerite wax, ozokerite modified with carnauba wax, or a waxy polyethylene.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new explosive compound which is an associated compound of ammonium nitrate and glycine and also includes explosive composition containing this compound.The compound ANGC is prepared by a crystallization process preferably effected by cooling a melt or saturated solution containing ammonium nitrate and glycine.ANGC is especially advantageous as an ingredient of low water content emulsion explosive compositions.

Abstract: 2,2,2-trinitroethyl 2-nitroxyethyl ether (TNEN), C(NO.sub.2).sub.3 CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 ONO.sub.2, which is prepared by the following reaction sequence:C(NO.sub.2).sub.3.sup.- K.sup.+ +ClCH.sub.2 OCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 BR.fwdarw.C(NO.sub.2).sub.3 CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 Br C(NO.sub.2).sub.3 CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 Br+AgNO.sub.3 .fwdarw.C(NO.sub.2).sub.3 CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 ONO.sub.2.2,2,2-trinitroethyl 2-nitroxyethyl ether is useful an an energetic plasticizer, for example in LOVA gun propellants.

Abstract: A less sensitive explosive, 3-nitro-1,2,4-triazol-5-one. The compound 3-nitro-1,2,4-triazol-5-one (NTO) has a crystal density of 1.93 g/cm.sup.3 and calculated detonation velocity and pressure equivalent to those of RDX. It can be prepared in high yield from inexpensive starting materials in a safe synthesis. Results from initial small-scale sensitivity tests indicate that NTO is less sensitive than RDX and HMX in all respects. A 4.13 cm diameter, unconfined plate-dent test at 92% of crystal density gave the detonation pressure predicted for NTO by the BKW calculation.

Abstract: A water-in-oil emulsion explosive having a high resistance against dead pressing is obtained by adding a cushioning medium having a high impact energy-absorbing property to a water-in-oil emulsion explosive containing a continuous phase consisting of a carbonaceous fuel, a disperse phase consisting of an aqueous solution of inorganic oxidizer salt and an emulsifier.

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 novel heterogeneous, cap-sensitive high explosive is provided which comprises a crystalline inorganic nitrate salt having dispersed throughout the matrix of the salt crystal a hydroxyalkyl nitrate fuel. Particularly preferred are ammonium nitrate crystals having dispersed therein ethylene glycol mononitrate. The crystalline high explosive is dry and free flowing and may be used per se, in admixture with bulking agents or fluidizing agents or may be used as a replacement for a substantial amount of nitroglycerine in conventional dynamite compositions.

Abstract: An improved explosive composition and a method for making the composition are disclosed. The explosive composition is prepared by first formulating a gel concentrate that comprises a mixture of a sensitizer, such as hexamethylenetetramine or hexamethylenetetraminemononitrate and an oxidizer, such as ammonium nitrate in water and a gelling agent. Mixtures of sensitizers or mixtures of oxidizers can also be used in our invention. This gelled concentrate can be prepared, stored and later utilized to form the explosive composition by combining from 5 to 60 parts by weight of the gelled concentrate with from 95 to 40 parts by weight of a particulate oxidizer, such as ammonium nitrate or an ammonium nitrate-fuel oil composition. The resulting explosive compositions have increased densities and hence a significantly higher energy per unit volume.

Abstract: Fuel phase for use as a continuous phase together with a discontinuous aqueous oxidizing salt phase in water-in-oil emulsion explosives, comprising a carbonaceous fuel and at least one but not all components of a gassing system; process for the preparation of a water-in-oil emulsion explosive by emulsifying an aqueous oxidizing salt phase into a carbonaceous fuel phase and introducing into the emulsion voids by using a gassing system, characterized in that at least one but not all components of said gassing system is distributed in at least part of the fuel phase and that the salt phase is then emulsified into the fuel phase containing salt component; and a water-in-oil emulsion explosive system in two-pack form, wherein one pack comprises an aqueous oxidizing salt phase containing at least one but not all components of a gassing system and the other pack comprises a carbonaceous fuel phase containing the remaining components of said gassing system.

Abstract: 1:3 "mixed" orthocarbonates of the formula[CF(NO.sub.2).sub.2 CH.sub.2 O].sub.3 C--ORwherein R is--CH.sub.2 C(NO.sub.2).sub.3,--CH.sub.2 C(NO.sub.2).sub.2 CH.sub.3,--CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 NO.sub.2,--CH.sub.2 C(NO.sub.2).sub.2 CH.sub.2 OH,--CH.sub.2 C(NO.sub.2).sub.2 CH.sub.2 OC[OCH.sub.2 CF(NO.sub.2).sub.2 ].s3,--CH.sub.2 C(NO.sub.2).sub.2 CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.2 OCH.sub.2 C(NO.sub.2).sub.2 CH.sub.2 OH,--CH.sub.2 C(NO.sub.2).sub.2 CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.2 OCH.sub.2 C(NO.sub.2).sub.2 CH.sub.2 OC[OCH.sub.2 CF(NO.sub.2).sub.2 ].sub.3,--CH.sub.2 CF.sub.3,--CH.sub.2 CH.sub.3, and ##STR1## and a method of preparation.

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: Energetic plasticizers comprising 4,4,4-trinitrobutyryl and 1,3,5-benzene tricarboxylic acid esters of pentaerythritol triazide and pentaerythritol diazido mononitrate, prepared by reacting the appropriate acid chloride, e.g. 4,4,4-trinitrobutyryl chloride, with pentaerythritol triazide or pentaerythritol diazido mononitrate.

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: The invention relates to propellant powders and specifically to stabilizers for nitrocellulose-based propellant powders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of compound pyrotechnic products.The invention relates to a three-step, solvent-free process for the manufacture of compound pyrotechnic products containing a thermosetting binder obtained by reaction of a polyhydroxylated prepolymer with a diisocyanate, which process is characterized in that:in a first step the said prepolymer is mixed with an energetic charge and with a quantity of diisocyanate representing 50 to 90% of the required stoichiometric quantity,in a second step the remainder required to attain the said stoichiometric quantity is added and, after mixing, the pasty mixture thus obtained is extruded,in a third step the crosslinking of the thermosetting binder is completed hot.The invention makes it possible to obtain industrially, by extrusion, small-diameter pyrotechnic products containing a thermosetting binder without restriction on the "pot life" period. The invention is particularly suitable for the production of compound propellent powders for arms.

Abstract: Essentially anhydrous energetic compositions, including explosives, propellants, flares, and gas generators, are initially formed at process temperatures above the solidification temperature of contained oxidizer salts as stable, melt-in-fuel emulsions having a continuous fuel phase and a discontinuous molten oxidizer phase. Surfactants are employed which cause the compositions to retain general fuel phase continuity and oxidizer phase discontinuity upon solidification. The final product is a firm or solid emulsion generally characterized by an intimate dispersion of discrete solid oxidizer cells in a fuel continuum, the product having excellent storage stability and water resistance.

Abstract: A primer composition using manganese dioxide as the predominant oxidizer is disclosed. The manganese dioxide oxidizer is combined with a fuel source and non-metallic initiating explosive material. Various diazo, triazole, or tetrazole compounds may be used as non-metallic initiating explosives, although diazodinitrophenol is preferred. The combustion by-products of the invention do not include toxic oxides of lead, barium, or mercury. The invention therefore provides distinct safety and environmental advantages.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved desensitized dynamites, the improvement comprising the incorporation of a desensitizing compound selected from the class of compounds known as diesters, polyesters, triesters except those esters containing benzyl rings, and dialkyl substituted amides or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A primer charge containing an oxidizing agent and an initiating explosive. The charge contains as the oxidant zinc peroxide and as the initiating explosive diazodinitrophenol and/or a strontium salt of mono- and/or dinitrodihydroxydiazobenzene. In correspondence with the content of the strontium salt employed, the charge can also be utilized with low tamping; alternatively, such tamping can be selected at will. The charge is furthermore distinguished by lead-free and barium-free combustion products so that the charge does not exhibit the properties which make the heretofore known primer charges deleterious to the health of humans.

Abstract: An azidonitrate energetic composition i.e. cellulose azidonitrate and a pess of making the same from nitrocellulose and sodium or lithium azide.

Abstract: A liquid-type low detonation-velocity explosive composition having reduced shock energy with unhindered bubble energy, and a method for minimizing damage from explosive well stimulation procedure by use of such composition.

Abstract: Improved, multiphase, high performance, high energy, extrusion cast explosive compositions, comprising, a crystalline explosive material; an energetic liquid plasticizer; a urethane prepolymer, comprising a blend of polyvinyl formal, and polycaprolactone; a polyfunctional isocyanate; and a catalyst are disclosed. These new explosive compositions exhibit higher explosive content, a smooth detonation front, excellent stability over long periods of storage, and lower sensitivity to mechanical stimulants.

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: A high density emulsion blasting agent and method is provided for increasing volume energy and optimizing booster sensitivity of water-in-oil emulsion blasting agents without loss of desirable handling characteristics of invert emulsions by utilizing an effective amount of a special sensitizing formulation in total or partial substitution for gas entraining density control agents.

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: The invention provides a novel magnetically traceable or detectable explosive blended with a magnetic ferrite powder which facilitates the detection of the misfired explosive, e.g. dynamite, remaining in the field after blasting by a magnetic means but not to adversely affect the stability of the explosive. The ferrite powder is freed of any free alkalinity on the surface before blending with the explosive either by washing with water, neutralization with a dilute acid, reaction with an acid followed by washing with water or neutralization with an alkali and/or by coating with a polymeric material on the particles. The most efficient method for the coating of the ferrite powder with a polymeric material is the in situ polymerization of a radical-polymerizable monomer in contact with the ferrite particles in the presence of hydrogensulfite ions and the explosives blended with such a polymer-coated ferrite powder retain their stability even after a prolonged storage.

Abstract: A primary explosive, potassium 7-hydroxyamino-4,6-dinitro-4,7-dihydrobenzroxanide ##STR1## is prepared by reacting 4,6-dinitrobenzofuroxan with hydroxylamine in a methanolic solution of potassium bicarbonate.

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: Energetic orthoformates of the formula ##STR1## wherein R and R' vary independently and R is --CH.sub.2 C(NO.sub.2).sub.2 H.sub.3,--CH.sub.2 C(NO.sub.2).sub.3,--CH.sub.2 CF(NO.sub.2).sub.2,--CH.sub.2 CF.sub.2 (NO.sub.2), or--CH.sub.2 CF.sub.3,R' is--CH.sub.2 CF(NO.sub.2).sub.2,--CH.sub.2 F.sub.2 (NO.sub.2), or--CH.sub.2 CF.sub.3,and Y is --F, --N.sub.3, --C.tbd.N, ##STR2## and methods of preparation.

Abstract: A liquid-type low detonation-velocity explosive compositions having reduced shock energy with unhindered bubble energy, and a method for minimizing damage from explosive well stimulation procedure by use of such compositions.

Abstract: The novel compound, tetranitroglycoluril, is described having a stability under vacuum of 6 cm.sup.3 /g/100 hours at 110.degree. C. The compound exhibits a rate of detonation at least equal to 9,073 meters per second under a density charge of 1.94, has a decomposition temperature of about 200.degree. C. and is stable at a temperature of up to 100.degree. C. at normal pressure. It may be dried at 65.degree. C. The brisance value by the Friedrich's formula is 159.7.times.10.sup.6. The rate of detonation and brisance value are superior to octogen.

Abstract: An arming fuze for ordnance type munitions having but one movable part comprising a solvent desensitized liquid explosive contained in a ported (ventilated) cavity that is normally sealed by a sleeve. Upon movement of the sleeve and exposure of the liquid explosive within the cavity to the air, the liquid explosive loses a volatile solvent, the desensitizing agent, and becomes progressively more sensitive. A first embodiment is that of an inertia armed nose fuze for a projectile wherein the desensitized liquid explosive is enclosed in the cavity in a porous solid matrix. Upon rapid acceleration, as when the projectile is fired, the sleeve undergoes set-back thereby exposing the porous matrix to a violent slip stream of air and to a strong desiccating action. The liquid explosive rapidly loses solvent to the air, rapidly becoming more sensitive whereby it is impact sensitive by the time impact on the target occurs.

Abstract: Energetic copolymers having repeating mer units derived from different monomers, one or both of which have pendant energetic groups such as azido, nitro or nitrato groups. Copolymers have improved formulating characteristics compared to homopolymers of the energetic monomers; e.g., they are less crystalline or less viscous. Preferably the monomers are cyclic oxides having three to six atoms in the ring. The energetic monomers are preferably azido, nitro or nitrato derivatives of oxetane or THF. Copolymerization is preferably carried out by cationic polymerization using an adduct of the preinitiator precursor (e.g., 1,4-butane diol) and a catalyst suitable for cationic polymerization (e.g., boron trifluoride etherate) which is employed in stoichiometric proportion to the monomers and a low molecular weight, low polydispersity copolymer results. Certain novel monomers also are provided.

Abstract: 1,3,5,7-Tetranitroxyadamantane is a novel propellant having desirably low pact sensitivity. It can be prepared by reacting 1,3,5,7-tetrahydroxyadamantane or 1,3,5,7-tetraacetoxyadamantane with mixed conc. nitric and sulfuric acids.

Abstract: An emulsion explosive composition comprising an oxygen-supplying salt component as a discontinuous phase, an organic medium forming a continuous phase and an emulsifying agent which comprises at least one conventional emulsifier and at least one emulsification enhancer. The compositions are easily emulsifiable.

Abstract: 1,1,1-azidodinitro compounds such as 1,1,1-azidodinitroethane are prepared by reacting the corresponding 1,1,1-trinitromethyl compound with lithium azide in the presence of a dipolar aprotic solvent. 1,1,1-azidodinitro compounds are also known as 1-azido-1,1-dinitro compounds.

Abstract: Bis(2-fluoro-2,2-dinitroethoxy)acetonitrile, N.tbd.C--CH[OCH.sub.2 CF(NO..2).sub.2 ].sub.2, is useful as a coplasticizer with bis(2-fluoro-2,2-dinitroethyl)formal in energetic plasticizer mixtures for plastic bonded explosives.

Abstract: 2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy bis(2-fluoro-2,2-dinitroethoxy)methane, CF.sub.3 CHb.2 OCH[OCH.sub.2 CF(NO.sub.2).sub.2 ].sub.2, is an energetic plasticizer useful in plastic-bonded explosives. Of particular importance is its miscibility with fluoropolymers.

Abstract: An energetic plasticizer which is a mixture of bis(2,2,2-trinitroethyl)fol, bis(2,2-dinitropropyl)formal, and a new compound 2,2-dinitropropyl 2,2,2-trinitroethyl formal.

Abstract: 4,4,10,10-tetranitro-6,8-dioxatridecane-1,13-diol polyformal, HO(CH.sub.2ub.3 C(NO.sub.2).sub.2 CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.2 OCH.sub.2 C(NO.sub.2).sub.2 (CH.sub.2).sub.3 O[CH.sub.2 O(CH.sub.2).sub.3 C(NO.sub.2).sub.2 CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.2 OCH.sub.2 C(NO.sub.2).sub.2 (CH.sub.2).sub.3 O].sub.n H, which has high energy, high thermal stability, and which is useful as a prepolymer for plastic-bonded explosive compositions.

Abstract: Bis(2-fluoro-2,2-dinitroethoxy) 2,2,3,3,4,4,4-heptafluorobutoxymethane, (F), CF.sub.3 CF.sub.2 CF.sub.2 CH.sub.2 OCH[OCH.sub.2 CF(NO.sub.2).sub.2 ].sub.2, is an energetic plasticizer with a melting point of -18.degree. C. and thermal stability up to 150.degree. C. HFBF is miscible with polyfluoro- and polynitropolymers and useful as a plasticizer in plastic-bonded explosives.

Abstract: A process for preparing an energetic mixture of 1,2,4-butanetroil trinitr and nitroglycerin by forming a polyol mixture of 1,2,4-butanetriol and glycerin, and then nitrating the polyol mixture with a mixture of nitric and sulfuric acids.