Abstract: Disclosed herein are pyrophoric composite materials comprising nanoporous pyrophoric alpha iron nanoparticles dispersed in a ceramic matrix for use as aerial decoys. The composite material is prepared using tape casting methods to produce a thin film. The iron precursor in the film is then activated by reduction under a hydrogen atmosphere. The composite nanoporous pyrophoric alpha iron nanoparticles and ceramic material is an improvement over current pyrophoric decoys as it eliminates the use of harmful chemicals and the need for a substrate to support the composite.

Abstract: An improved method for the production of pyrophoric materials which does not employ hot NaOH and produces pyrophoric materials on various types of ceramic, metal, nanomaterial substrates. The method impregnates the substrate materials with pyrophoric iron or other materials resulting in materials that are “tunable” with respect to its pyrophoric output as determined by its temperature, rise time sustenance etc through selective variation of particle size, morphology, and diluents or reactive materials.

Abstract: A novel pyrotechnic delay composition for use in metal delay fuse cartridges, including as its primary constituent Si—Al—Fe3O4 prepared from powdered form. The delay composition yields a progressive burning zone and burns substantially gas-free, is safe to handle, is resistant to moisture and degradation over time, can be incorporated within the confines of existing detonator shells, and poses no environmental hazards.

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