Abstract: A non-toxic primer composition for use in ammunition is provided with a hygroscopic oxidizer which is protected from absorption of water vapor by a water-barrier coating. A preferred oxidizer is potassium nitrate and a preferred coating is nitrocellulose.

Abstract: There is disclosed a green moulded product suitable for preparing shaped fired units comprising (a) at least 55% to 99% by weight of non-calcined asbestos tailings, the remainder comprising (b) at least one of (i) a heat decomposable metal salt selected from sodium, potassium, lithium, calcium, barium, magnesium, aluminum and mixtures thereof in an amount of from 1% to 15% by weight, (ii) a natural aluminum silicate in an amount of from 1% to 30% by weight, and (iii) mixtures of (i) and (ii). The properties of fired units are such that they can be used as structural bricks, medium refractory bricks, firebricks, tiles and the like.