Abstract: A testing element, and methods of use therefor, for the detection of target analytes, for example metal ions and other environmental hazards, utilizing ligand functionalized fluorescent nanoparticles on a substrate. The non-toxic, air, and water stable fluorescent nanoparticles of the present invention are made from varying ratios of metals including zinc, silver, copper, and indium and sulfur. By varying the ratios of these metals nanoparticles can be synthesized that emit over a large range of the visible spectrum. Charge transfer between a target analyte and the nanoparticle is readily identified by a fluorescence change allowing for a fast, simple, visual detection system without the need for expensive analytical instrumentation. The test element can have more than one type of functionalized fluorescent nanoparticle which allows for the detection of multiple target analytes using a single test element.

Abstract: A lead-free electric primer composition including a mixture of at least one metal having nanometer-sized particles with at least one oxidizer having nanometer-sized particles producing a metal(s)-oxidizer(s) nanocomposite, wherein the oxidizer(s) is present in an effective amount to substantially oxidize the metal(s), at least one gas generating material mixed with the metal(s)-oxidizer(s) nanocomposite producing a metal(s)-oxidizer(s)-gas generator(s) composition, at least one binder, the metal(s)-oxidizer(s)-gas generating composition is coated with the binder, and at least one conductive material.

Abstract: A lead-free percussion primer compositions include a mixture of at least one metal having nanometer-sized particles with at least one oxidizer having nanometer-sized particles producing a metal(s)-oxidizer(s) nanocomposite, wherein the oxidizer(s) is present in an effective amount to substantially oxidize the metal(s), at least one gas generating material mixed with the metal(s)-oxidizer(s) nanocomposite producing a metal(s)-oxidizer(s)-gas generator(s) composition, and at least one binder, the metal(s)-oxidizer(s)-gas generating composition is coated with the binder.

Abstract: A lead-free electric primer composition including a mixture of at least one metal having nanometer-sized particles with at least one oxidizer having nanometer-sized particles producing a metal(s)-oxidizer(s) nanocomposite, wherein the oxidizer(s) is present in an effective amount to substantially oxidize the metal(s), at least one gas generating material mixed with the metal(s)-oxidizer(s) nanocomposite producing a metal(s)-oxidizer(s)-gas generator(s) composition, at least one binder, the metal(s)-oxidizer(s)-gas generating composition is coated with the binder, and at least one conductive material.

Abstract: An electrostatic charge dissipation composition having at least one energetic particle component and at least one oxidized electrically active polymer deposited on the energetic component. In another embodiment, the electrostatic charge dissipation composition includes at least one energetic particle component, at least one non-conducting polymer binder, and at least one oxidized electrically active polymer deposited on the energetic/binder composition.

Abstract: An electrostatic charge dissipation composition having at least one energetic particle component and at least one oxidized electrically active polymer deposited on the energetic component. In another embodiment, the electrostatic charge dissipation composition includes at least one energetic particle component, at least one non-conducting polymer binder, and at least one oxidized electrically active polymer deposited on the energetic/binder composition.

Abstract: An electrostatic charge dissipation composition having at least one energetic particle component and at least one oxidized electrically active polymer deposited on the energetic component. In another embodiment, the electrostatic charge dissipation composition includes at least one energetic particle component, at least one non-conducting polymer binder, and at least one oxidized electrically active polymer deposited on the energetic/binder composition.

Abstract: An electrostatic charge reduction system including a composition having at least one energetic particle component with or without a non-conducting binder, and conducting polymer or electrically neutral polymer deposited on the energetic component in its oxidized form. The oxidation of the polymer occurs during or after the polymer deposition process.

Abstract: A firefighting and protection apparatus being thermally-activated and/or heat resistant when subjected to a temperature above a pre-determined limit thermally set chemical reactions occur within the apparatus which causes the apparatus to expand in volume for multifunctional purposes including acting as an insulator against heat, an absorbent for diminishing contact between fuel and oxygen, and release inert gases and flame retardants for disrupting chemical reactions that sustain a fire.

Abstract: A firefighting and protection apparatus being thermally-activated and/or heat resistant when subjected to a temperature above a pre-determined limit thermally set chemical reactions occur within the apparatus which causes the apparatus to expand in volume for multifunctional purposes including acting as an insulator against heat, an absorbent for diminishing contact between fuel and oxygen, and release inert gases and flame retardants for disrupting chemical reactions that sustain a fire.

Abstract: A firefighting and protection apparatus being thermally-activated and/or heat resistant when subjected to a temperature above a pre-determined limit thermally set chemical reactions occur within the apparatus which causes the apparatus to expand in volume for multifunctional purposes including acting as an insulator against heat, an absorbent for diminishing contact between fuel and oxygen, and release inert gases and flame retardants for disrupting chemical reactions that sustain a fire.

Abstract: A firefighting and protection apparatus being thermally-activated and/or heat resistant when subjected to a temperature above a pre-determined limit thermally set chemical reactions occur within the apparatus which causes the apparatus to expand in volume for multifunctional purposes including acting as an insulator against heat, an absorbent for diminishing contact between fuel and oxygen, and release inert gases and flame retardants for disrupting chemical reactions that sustain a fire.

Abstract: The present invention discloses monomers of structure (IV) wherein “X” is an alkyl, aryl, or oligoether group, and “R” is an alkyl, aryl, or oligoether group that is chemically bonded to the N1 or N2 position of each of the tetrazole rings. The monomers of the present invention are suitable as binders in energetic compositions.

Abstract: A process for making energetic urethane cured binders by making poly-tetrazoles to produce multi-functional tetrazole polyols for producing tetrazole base polymers. Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to a process for preparation of a monomer including reacting an effective amount of nitrile(s) with inorganic azide and a divalent zinc salt in a first solvent, cooling to room temperature producing poly tetrazole purifying the poly tetrazole by recrystallization or precipitation in a second solvent, and reacting an effective amount of the purified poly-tetrazole with a third solvent, a soluble reversible or non-reversible base, and 2-chloro-ethanol, cooling to room temperature producing tetrazole polyol. Embodiments of the present invention further include the monomers produced by the processes described herein.

Abstract: A process for making energetic cured binders by making poly-tetrazoles to produce multi-functional tetrazole polyols for producing tetrazole base polymers. Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to a process for preparation of a monomer including reacting an effective amount of nitrile(s) with inorganic azide and a divalent zinc salt in a first solvent, cooling to room temperature producing poly tetrazole, purifying the poly tetrazole by precipitation in a second solvent, and reacting an effective amount of the purified poly tetrazole with a third solvent, a soluble reversible or non-reversible base, and 2-chloro-ethanol, cooling to room temperature producing tetrazole polyol.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes an apparatus and a method for fire suppression including the utilization of an explosive composition layered between a fire suppressant panel such as, for example, a powder panel and another fixed structure such as, for example, a fuel tank dry bay wall. Upon impact or other means of detonation the explosive composition effects the rupture of a large number of frangible cells in the panel, dispersing the fire suppressant substance, thereby extinguishing or preventing fire.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes an apparatus and a method for fire suppression including the utilization of an explosive composition layered between a fire suppressant panel such as, for example, a powder panel and another fixed structure such as, for example, a fuel tank dry bay wall. Upon impact or other means of detonation the explosive composition effects the rupture of a large number of frangible cells in the panel, dispersing the fire suppressant substance, thereby extinguishing or preventing fire.

Abstract: An electrostatic charge reduction system including a composition having at least one energetic particle component with or without a non-conducting binder, and conducting polymer or electrically neutral polymer deposited on the energetic component in its oxidized form. The oxidation of the polymer occurs during or after the polymer deposition process.

Abstract: An electrostatic charge dissipation composition having at least one energetic particle component and at least one electrically active polymer is coated on the energetic component and thereafter, the polymer coating is oxidized. In another embodiment, the electrostatic charge dissipation composition includes at least one energetic particle component, at least one non-conducting polymer binder, and at least one electrically active polymer is coated on the energetic component/binder mixture and thereafter, the polymer coating is oxidized.

Abstract: A polyimide is disclosed of the formula: CG1 and CG2 are independently electron-accepting and/or electron-donating groups; x is an integer from about 3 to about 3000; ODAH is any of a number of known dianhydride residues; ODAM is any of a number of known diamine residues; and m, n, o, and p cumulatively add to 1.0, with the sum of m and n ranging from about 0.05 to about 1.0, the sum of o and p ranging from about 0 to about 0.95, the sum of m and o being about 0.5 and the sum of n and p being about 0.5. In addition, a film structure comprising the polyimide and devices utilizing the film structure are disclosed.