Abstract: High performance explosive compositions and ordnances using the explosive compositions as an explosive ingredient for high performance, low sensitivity explosive applications are disclosed. The explosive formulation includes CL-20 as an explosive ingredient, and a binder system including cellulose acetate butyrate as a non-energetic binder and bis-dinitropropyl acetal and bis-dinitropropyl formal as an energetic plasticizer. The CL-20 may be present in the explosive formulation in a concentration of from about 85 wt % to about 96 wt %. The formulation is preferably sufficiently pressable and/or extrudable to permit it to be formed into grains suitable for ordnance and similar applications, including use as grenades, land mines, missile warheads, and demolition explosives.

Abstract: Hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane-containing compositions which comprise hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane, polynitropolyacetylhexaazaisowurtzitanes and one or more of oxaisowurtzitane compounds represented by the specified formulae. The explosive compositions which contain the hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane-containing compositions have improved handling safety by lowering their sensitivity without degrading combustibility and detonability.

Abstract: An ammonium nitrate and paraffinic material based gas generating composition is provided. The gas generating composition includes ammonium nitrate as a oxidizer, mixed with a paraffinic material as a fuel. Examples of paraffinic material include paraffin wax, and broadly includes polyolefins. Polyolefins include polyethylene, polypropylene and polybutylene. Additionally, as alternatives, the gas generating composition of the present invention can also include a small quantity of magnesium stearate, potassium perchlorate or alternatively, RDX. The ammonium nitrate oxidizer, the paraffinic material fuel and the additional alternative components are combined and mixed in a predetermined stoichiometric ratio. The gas generating composition is devoid of metal oxides and produces virtually no particulate and slag upon ignition.

Abstract: A universal pyrotechnical percussion compositions used in rimfire ammunition and in cenerfire ammunition primers which is free of lead and other heavy metals. In the PCC of the present invention, the task of maintaining ecological purity of its burning products, absence of corrosion action on a barrel, increased shelf-life, with simultaneous increase of energetic parameters of primer and ballistic characteristics of a shot is achieved. The composition includes a base mixture of diazodinitrophenol, tetrazene and an inert organic or glass stablizer. To this base mixture, monopotassium styphnate or potassium dinitrobenzofuroxane is added. The mixture so created has a specific gravity of less than 1.7 grams per cubic centimeter.

Abstract: Processes and compositions for nitration of N-substituted isowurtzitane compounds with concentrated nitric acid at elevated temperatures to form HNIW and recovery thereof with high yields and purities. Polymorphic conversions to the epsilon HNIW crystal form at quanititative yields are also described.

Abstract: Novel energetic compounds are provided comprising N,N'-azobis-nitroazoles or analogs thereof. The compounds are useful as igniter materials in a variety of energetic compositions, particularly gas-generating compositions for inflating automobile or aircraft occupant restraint devices. The compounds are also useful in solid rocket propellant compositions, and as primary explosives to be used as detonators, blasting caps, firearms, and the like. Methods for synthesizing the compounds and manufacturing energetic compositions therewith are provided as well.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing an acyl group-containing hexaazaisowurtzitane derivative represented by the following formula (1),WA.sub.n H.sub.(6-n) (1)wherein n represents an integer of 4 or 6, each A independently represents an acyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, H represents a hydrogen atom, and W represents a hexavalent hexaazaisowurtzitane residue represented by the following formula (2): ##STR1## which comprises: providing a composition system comprising a mixed solvent of a first solvent and a second solvent respectively having high and low dissolving abilities for the desired compound, wherein the mixed solvent has the desired compound dissolved therein; and removing the first solvent having a high dissolving ability from the composition system to thereby deposit crystals of the desired compound. The desired compound, which is useful as a precursor of high performance explosive additive, i.e.

Abstract: Hexabenzylhexaazaisowurtzitane is converted to tetracetyl, dibenzyl azaisowurtzitane. The benzyl groups are removed by catalytic transfer hydrogenolysis leaving a pair of available nitrogens. The available nitrogens are acetylated, and the resulting intermediate is converted to CL-20 with a strong nitrating agent.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (20) and a gas generating composition (16) which when ignited produces gas to inflate the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (20). The gas generating composition (16) comprises an oxidizer and a fuel component. The oxidizer is an inorganic salt. The fuel component is a keto derivative of RDX or HMX, more specifically a fuel component selected from the group consisting of 2-oxo-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazacyclohexane (keto-RDX), 2,4-dioxo-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazacyclohexane (di-keto-RDX), 2,4,6-trioxo-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazacyclohexane (tri-keto-RDX), 2-oxo-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazacyclooctane (keto-HMX), 2,4-dioxo-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetracyclooctane (di-keto-HMX), 2,4,6-trioxo-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetracyclooctane (tri-keto-HMX), and 2,4,6,8-tetraoxo-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetracyclooctane (tetra-keto-HMX).

Abstract: A high-performance minimum smoke propellant composition comprising an oxidizer and a lead salt which reduces the amount of smoke produced and enables the composition to sustain combustion at low pressure. The propellant is useful for various purposes, such as propelling man-rated, shoulder-launched rockets.

Abstract: In a process for the manufacture of explosives from old explosive materials, especially from cyclonite or mixtures containing cyclonite, wherein the old explosive materials are wetted with an organic solvent and transformed into a crumbly mass, the crumbly mass is directly fed into a mixer in which it is mixed with at least an inorganic nitrate and in the process dried into the finished explosive through evaporation of the solvent.

Abstract: The invention pertains to propellants that have a substantially reduced CO concentration in the gas vapors compared to NC propellants. These propellants contain nitroaminoguanidines as main component, explosives as additives and oxidising agents.

Abstract: A nonazide gas generant that may be used in an inflation device, such as a vehicle passenger restraint system, comprising a hydrated or anhydrous mixture of nonazide fuel, an oxidizer and a quantity of copper phthalocyanine, otherwise known as Monarch Blue and/or azodicarbonamidine dinitrate. Specifically, the nonazide gas generant composition of the present invention may include phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN), high bulk density nitroguanidine (HBNQ), one or more nonazide fuels, a quantity of copper phthalocyanine and/or azodicarbonamidine dinitrate and optionally a binder. The gas generant composition of the present invention is capable of self-sustained burning at low or ambient temperatures and pressures, important for use in dual stage "smart" inflator automotive passenger restraint systems, while exhibiting a relatively high gas volume to solid particulate ratio upon combustion at acceptable flame temperatures.

Abstract: Processes and compositions for nitration of N-substituted isowurtzitane compounds with concentrated nitric acid at elevated temperatures to form HNIW and recovery of gamma HNIW with high yields and purities. Polymorphic conversion of HNIW crystals to epsilon HNIW crystals is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of working up and recovering returned explosives which are principally of the military type and which contain both fusible and non-fusible crystalline substances. In accordance with the invention, the returned explosive is treated in a multi-stage process which includes a first leaching stage for removing the non-crystalline, preferably fusible, component of the explosive in the form of trotyl, wax or plastic. The substance used in the leaching stage, principally toluene, does not affect the crystalline components of the explosive. The collected leaching liquid is separated off and the toluene, together with its dissolved content of trotyl or wax, is conveyed onwards for working up.

Abstract: A plasticizer-free propellant for inflating passenger airbags in vehicles mprising from about 78 to about 90 weight percent of cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX) and from about 10 to about 22 weight percent of a plasticizer-free polymer binder formed by curing a mixture of a polyoctenamer and a polymer comprising an acrylate polymer or a methacrylate polymer having a glass transition temperature of -30.degree. C. or lower and 0.01 to 5 weight percent based on the total amount of the monomers, of a crosslinking monomer having two or more double bonds of substantially the same reactivity in the molecule or one double bond and a crosslinking functional group such as an epoxide ring, a hydroxyl group, or a carbonyl group. This propellant is useful in hybrid inflators for air/safety bags in vehicles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an azide-free gas-producing composition, in particular for use in safety devices for motor vehicles, comprising or consisting essentially ofa fuel consisting of from 20 to 50% by weight of guanidine nitrate and from 0 to 20% by weight of cyanuric acid, isocyanuric acid, cyamelide and/or melamine;from 45 to 80% by weight of an oxidant, wherein the oxidant is selected from the group consisting of copper oxide (CuO) and CUO together with potassium perchlorate and/or potassium chlorate, andfrom 0 to 5% by weight of processing aids.

Abstract: The sensitivity to shock initiation of cast 1,3,3-trinitroazetidine (TNAZ) is reduced when an effective amount of at least one nitro-substituted aromatic amine is added to a melt comprising TNAZ.

Abstract: Composition comprising 2,4,6,8,10,12-hexanitrohexaazoisonurtitane (CL-20) coated with a shock sensitivity reducing agent whereby the shock sensitivity of the composition is reduced a statistically significant amount.

Abstract: Composition comprising 2,4,6,8,10,12-hexanitrohexaazoisonurtitane (CL-20) coated with a shock sensitivity reducing agent whereby the shock sensitivity of the composition is reduced a statistically significant amount.

Abstract: Composition comprising 2,4,6,8,10,12-hexanitrohexaazoisonurtitane (CL-20) coated with a shock sensitivity reducing agent whereby the shock sensitivity of the composition is reduced a statistically significant amount.

Abstract: A warhead has a pair of shells, each having an annular rim at one end and opening at the other end. The rims abut one another and are fastened together to define a chamber filled with explosive having a bore aligned with the openings. The explosive has sensitivity to detonation that requires axial detonation in the bore by a detonating cord to initiate explosion thereby preventing detonation by lesser stimuli. A tube extends through the openings and bore and is sized to receive the detonating cord. Opposite ends of the tube are crimped to hold the shells together. A line charge provided with a plurality of such warheads has significant pressure, shock, fragmentation energy, wire cutting ability and mine neutralization capacity as compared to contemporary devices. These improved capabilities are directly attributed to the explosive type and density of this design.

Abstract: A castable explosive composition consisting essentially of about 50 to 90 weight percent tungsten powder, about 3 to 40 weight percent of a high energy explosive, about 3 to 16 weight percent of an energetic binder, and about 2 to 10 weight percent aluminum powder. The aluminum powder acts as a processing aid, virtually eliminating tungsten settling.

Abstract: A solid rocket motor having a main propellant comprising glycidyl azide polymer, combustible solids and a plasticizer.

Abstract: A composition for generating a non-toxic, non-flammable, odorless gas is disclosed wherein the propellant of said composition is a mixture of about 30% by weight to about 45% by weight KClO.sub.4 with about 55% by weight to 706 by weight of guanidine nitrate or a gas-generative effective derivative thereof with about 1% by weight to 3% by weight cellulose acetate butyrate, the oxidation ratio of oxidizer to fuel being about 0.92 to about 0.98. The method of using said composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: Composition comprising cyclotrimethylene-trinitramine (RDX) coated with a shock sensitivity reducing agent whereby the shock sensitivity of the composition is reduced a statistically significant amount.

Abstract: Composition comprising cyclotetramethylene-tetranitramine (HMX) coated with a shock sensitivity reducing agent whereby the shock sensitivity of the composition is reduced a statistically significant amount.

Abstract: A high energy propellant, comprising at least one oxidizer; a nitrocellul binder; an ethyl centralite stabilizer; a plasticizer; and an oxetane thermoplastic elastomer energetic binder. The oxetane thermoplastic elastomer energetic binder comprises from about zero percent to about fifteen percent by weight of the propellant. The preferred oxidizer is selected from the group consisting of CL-20, TNAZ, RDX, HMX and mixtures thereof. The oxidizer comprises from about five percent to about forth percent by weight of the propellant. The nitrocellulose binder comprises from about fifteen percent to about fifty percent by weight of the propellant and the ethyl centralite stabilizer comprises from about 0.7 percent to about 1.5 percent by weight of the propellant. The plasticizer is selected from the group consisting of TNAZ, BTTN, TMETN, TEGDN, BDNPA/F, methyl NENA, ethyl NENA and mixtures thereof. The plasticizer comprises from about five percent to about thirty-five percent by weight of the propellant.

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: The thermal stability of an N,N-dinitramide salt of the formula M.sup.+ ?N(NO.sub.2).sub.2 !.sup.- where M.sup.+ is a nitrogen-containing cation, is improved by mixing with the N,N-dinitramide salt a compound of the formula ##STR1## where R, R' and R" are the same or different and are aryl or alkyl. A new composition of matter is formed by mixing the N,N-dinitramide salt and the prophosphatrane compound.

Abstract: The current invention treats .alpha.-octogene which, with the aid of a new procedure, has been coated with synthetic materials in such a manner that it does not convert into .beta.-octogene at room temperature The coating is done at temperatures between 30.degree. and 60.degree. C. from an aqueous slurry; this causes granulates to form which can be heated to temperatures of 100.degree. C. without a rearrangement to .beta.-octogene to occur; even a grain growth does not take place. The granulates according to the invention are pourable and can be easily dosaged. .beta.-octogene can be coated in the same manner, particularly if it is coated as very fine grain of less than 50 .mu.m according to the invention. Thus, the current invention includes also the particularly fine .beta.-octogene, coated according to the current procedure, which shows the same properties as the required .alpha.-octogene.

Abstract: The present invention relates to solid propellants with high specific impulse and/or high impulse per unit volume, more particularly so-called "clean" propellants, that is to say containing no constituents whose combustion gives halogen-containing products or liquid or solid products. The solid propellants according to the invention comprise especially a binder, at least one energetic filler and various additives; the energetic filler is chosen essentially from the group of dinitrated bifurazanes consisting of 3,3'-azoxybis (4-nitrofurazane), 3,3'-azobis(4-nitrofurazane) and 3,3'-bis(4-nitrofurazane).

Abstract: A process for the hydrogenolysis of 2,4,6,8,10,12-hexabenzyl-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexaazatetracyclo?5.5.0.0.sup.5,9.0 .sup.3,11 !dodecane ("HBIW") is disclosed. In the process, a quantity of HBIW, a cosolvent, and a bromine source are placed into a reaction vessel. Acetic anhydride and a palladium hydrogenolysis catalyst are rapidly added to the reaction vessel. The hydrogenolysis catalyst should be substantially free of water. The reaction vessel is purged of an atmosphere capable of reacting with hydrogen, and hydrogen is quickly introduced into the reaction vessel to convert the HBIW to tetraacetyldibenzylhexaazaisowurtzitane ("TADB"). The acetic anhydride is added immediately prior to hydrogen introduction so that the acetic anhydride does not have time to react with the HBIW to form an acetylated derivative prior to commencement of the desired hydrogenation reaction. The process requires very little palladium catalyst, preferably less than 10% wt/wt based on the HBIW substrate.

Abstract: A high energy propellant comprising 1,3,3-Trinitroazetidine or TNAZ, admi with up to about five percent of cellulose acetate butyrate or CAB by adding the CAB at a temperature slightly above the melting point of the TNAZ. A preferred amount of CAB is from about one percent to about three percent by weight of CAB, based on the weight of TNAZ. When the mixture is melt cast, the crystal structure is finer or smaller than that of pure explosive, producing increased mechanical strength and better resistance to impact. Inclusion of a thermoplastic binder is also contemplated to improve the mechanical integrity of the explosive. Preferred binders are BAMO/AMMO, HYTREL and ESTANE. The formulation permitted inclusion of small quantities of other high explosives because a uniform dispersion was obtained. Preferred high explosive are S-TNT, S-TNB, RDX, HMX and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A high energy shock-insensitive explosive composition for use in deformable warheads. This high energy shock-insensitive explosive composition is comprised of a shock-insensitive explosive and hexa-nitro-hexa-aza-isowurtzitane constituting about 35-45 wt. % and a having an average particle size of about 3 .mu.m. The high performance explosive consists of ammonium nitrate, nitroguanidine, 3-nitro-1,2, 4-triazol-5-one, or mixtures of the three and constitutes about 30-40 wt. %.The CL-20 explosive is wet ground in aqueous alcohol to reduce the size thereof, prior to incorporation in the explosive.

Abstract: Disclosed is a stabilized hydroxylammonium nitrate or hydroxylamine-containing composition comprising said hydroxylammonium nitrate or hydroxylamine and a pyridine or pyridone salt, or an acid thereof, said pyridine or pyridone salt, or acid thereof, being present in said composition in an amount of between about 0.0001% and about 2%, based upon the weight of said composition. Also disclosed is a process for preparing this composition.

Abstract: An airbag device including a gas-emitting substance chamber having an opening. A gas-emitting substance is provided in the gas-emitting substance chamber including between about seventy-six to about eighty percent by weight of a high energy explosive and about twelve to about fifteen percent by weight of a combustible binder. An igniter provided within the gas-emitting substance chamber ignites the gas-emitting substance. A pressure reducing valve arranged in the opening of the gas-emitting substance chamber maintains a desired pressure in the gas-emitting substance chamber during burning of the gas-emitting substance. A gas container having an opening contains a gas for oxidizing gas produced by burning of the gas-emitting substance. A closure closes the opening in the gas container. A mixing chamber is joined to the gas-emitting substance chamber and the gas container in the vicinity of the opening of the gas-emitting substance chamber and in the vicinity of the opening of the gas container.

Abstract: A new compound, 2,4,6,8,10,12-hexanitro-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexaazaisowurtzitane (2,4,6,8,10,12-hexanitro-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexaazatetracyclo?5.5.0.0.sup.5,9.0 3,11 !dodecane) is disclosed and a method of preparation thereof. The new compound is useful as a high energy, high density explosive.

Abstract: Liquid gas generant compositions are aqueous solutions of hydroxylammonium nitrate as the oxidizer and a fuel selected from the group consisting of nitrate salts of amines of the formulae:A.sup.1) an amino tetrazole or amino triazole,A.sup.2) an amine of the formulae (I) (NHZ).sub.2 --C.dbd.O, (II) (NHZ).sub.2 --C.dbd.NZ, (III) HN--(CO--NHZ).sub.2, where the Zs are the same or different and are selected from H and NH.sub.2,A.sup.3) C.sub.2 -C.sub.3 -alkyldiamine, andmixtures of the nitrate salts of amines of the above formulae.

Abstract: A gas generant charge comprises a heterogeneous mixture of between about 80 and about 95 wt % of a first gas generant composition 1) and between about 5 and about 20 wt % of a second gas generant composition 2), based on the total weight of 1) plus 2). The first gas generant composition 1) comprises between about 20 and about 40 wt % fuel A) and between about 20 and about 60 wt % oxidizer B). Between about 50 and about 85 wt % of the fuel A) is a triazole or tetrazole compound A.sup.1), and between about 15 and about 50 wt % of the fuel is, a water-soluble fuel A.sup.2). At least about 20 wt % of the oxidizer B), up to 100%, a transition metal oxide B.sup.1); balance of the oxidizer is selected from the group B.sup.2) consisting of alkali and/or alkaline earth metal nitrates, chlorates or perchlorates.

Abstract: A gas generating mixture comprises a high nitrogen and low carbon fuel from he group nitroguanidine (NIGU), triaminoguanidine nitrate (TAGN), diguanidinium-5,5'-azotetrazolate (GZT) and 3-nitro-1,2-3-triazol-5-one (NTO), as well as copper diammine dinitrate Cu(NH.sub.3).sub.2 (NO.sub.3).sub.2 as the oxidizer and V.sub.2 O.sub.5 /MoO.sub.3 mixed oxides and/or oxide mixtures as the catalyst.

Abstract: Gas generant compositions utilize cupric nitrate complexes of nitrogen-containing compounds as fuels in conjunction with an oxidizer.

Abstract: Method is provided for reducing the sensitivity of energetic materials (explosives, propellants and the like) to detonation induced by mechanical shock or by application of pronounced heat, e.g. by a laser beam. Examples of such energetic materials are fluorine azide and chlorine azide which are model HEDM propellants which are prone to accidental detonation in the solid state. The polycrystalline forms of such solids are sensitive to and readily detonated by, mechanical shock and pulsed laser photolysis. The method of the invention serves to desensitize such energetic materials by forming them as amorphous (disordered) solids by vapor deposition thereof onto a relatively cold substrate, which amorphous form desensitizes them relative to more conventional polycrystalline forms of these energetic materials though both contain about the same amount of chemical energy.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic charge for the rapid opening of a bursting closure of a prerized gas container, particularly for transferring the pressurized gas into another, lower pressure area, e.g. for air bags in motor vehicles, comprises an energy carrier to crystalline nitra-mines, preferably RDX or HMX, and an energy-rich, reactive polymer as the binder, e.g. di- or poly-functional glycidyl-azide polymer (GAP). Such a charge leads to a rapid build-up of the opening pressure and produces adequate heat for avoiding cooling of the gas during the overflow.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved polyurea coating compositions for particluate solids, and especially for fillers which are useful in solid rocket propellants. The composition is a copolymer of a primary or secondary amine and 3-nitrazapentane diisocyanate.

Abstract: High solids pressable explosive compositions containing a liquid energetic polymer and a high performance explosive oxidizer are disclosed. The pressable explosive compositions contain a solids content between 91 and 99 weight percent, with an energetic polymer content less than 9 weight percent. The energetic polymer has a weight average molecular weight greater than 10,000, determined using a polystyrene standard, sufficient to use the polymer precipitation technique in preparing the pressable explosive compositions. Chain-extended PGN (polyglycidyl nitrate) is a preferred energetic polymer. The pressable explosives disclosed herein produce extremely high detonation pressure, high detonation velocity, and excellent metal accelerating capability.

Abstract: An explosive composition is derived from a non-aqueous emulsion of a solution of a self-explosive dispersed as the discontinuous phase (D-phase) throughout a continuous phase (C-phase) which is substantially immiscible with the D-phase. The emulsion is prepared by dropping the solution of self-explosive into a dispersion of surfactant or emulsifier in fuel, at a temperature high enough to prevent precipitation of the self-explosive from solution. Upon cooling and aging, the emulsion becomes a pourable or pumpable mass which gradually is destabilized. Upon destabilization and recrystallization in a cavity, a mass of crystals of self-explosive becomes shaped to the cavity.

Abstract: An improved non-toxic primer which is devoid of metallic oxidizing compounds and of hygroscopic compounds and is comprised of 30-75% by weight of at least two percussion-sensitive compounds selected from a group consisting of a diazo, a triazole, and a tetrazole compound mixed with approximately 10-30% by weight of a suitable propellant, and a frictionator comprised preferably of approximately 12% by weight of calcium silicide and 8% by weight of fine particles of glass. The glass preferably has a particle size of dimensions less than 0.0021". The primer provides improved propellant ignition, non-toxic ignition products, improved ballistic data, and greatly minimizes misfires.

Abstract: There is provided a gas generating propellant mix consisting essentially of guanidine nitrate, an oxidizer selected from the group consisting of potassium perchlorate and ammonium perchlorate, a flow enhancer and a binder. When ignited, the propellant mix generates nitrogen, carbon dioxide and steam at an elevated temperature, typically in excess of 800.degree. C. The propellant mix is particularly useful in augmented gas generators to augment the evolution of oxygen from a secondary source such as potassium chlorate. The propellant mix is free of highly toxic compounds and has particular application in automotive airbags.

Abstract: The use of 4,10-dinitro-2,6,8,12-tetraoxa-4,10-diazatetrocyclo[5.5.0.0.sup.5,9 0.sup.3,11 ]-dodecane as the major explosive ingredient in compositions useful in high performance, low sensitivity explosive applications is disclosed.