Abstract: A nucleus-nitrated aryl ether is produced by reacting an aromatic halogen-containing nitro compound with an aromatic hydroxy compound, which may be nitrated in the presence of a base. The ether may be an oligomer compound or a polymer and is suitable for use as an explosive or propellant charge.

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: A new polynitro compound pentanitrophenyl azide is disclosed, and a method of preparation is disclosed wherein hexanitrobenzene is reacted with sodium azide. This new polynitro compound is useful as an explosive.

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: The invention relates to a cast explosive composition having a relatively high density and energy and a critical diameter no larger than about 150 mm at a temperature of 5.degree. C. The composition comprises inorganic oxidizer salt consisting primarily of ammonium nitrate, a water-immiscible organic liquid fuel, less than about 5% water, a sensitizer and an emulsifier which allows formation of a water-in-oil emulsion at an elevated formulation temperature but which also allows the emulsion to weaken and the inorganic oxidizer salt to crystallize at lower or ambient temperatures to produce a cast composition.

Abstract: A cold moldable explosive composition comprises 85 to 98% by weight of at least one explosive chosen from among octogen, hexogen, pentrite, hexanitrostilbene and triaminotrinitrobenzene, 1.5 to 11% by weight of a thermoplastic binder constituted by a chlorinated and/or fluorinated elastomer, such as copolymer of trifluorochloroethylene and vinylidene fluoride and 0.5 to 4% of a fluorinated plasticizer constituted e.g. by a low molecular weight trifluorochloroethylene polymer.

Abstract: A process of making mixed, stable explosives from emulsions, the resulting omposite having a greater degree of energy available for release.

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: A new compound 2,6-diamino-1,4,5,8-tetranitronaphthalene is disclosed and a method of preparation thereof. The new compound is useful as a high energy, high density explosive.

Abstract: Method of maximizing stability and minimizing production of toxic fumes as explosion by-products by utilizing a moisture resistant blasting composition and said composition, comprising an invert emulsion component having, as the continuous external organic phase thereof, a partial ester of a 2-12 carbon polyhydric alcohol and a tall oil fatty acid, said explosive composition being capable of utilizing sufficient solid oxygen-supplying salt to obtain an Oxygen Balance of about zero without substantial loss of sensitivity.

Abstract: An explosive oil-in-water emulsion and a method of manufacture is disclosed. The process comprises combining a liquid carbonaceous fuel and an aqueous solution of at least one inorganic oxidizing salt, with agitation, in the presence of ingredients A and B, ingredient A being selected from the group consisting of oleic acid, linoleic acid and mixtures thereof, and ingredient B being selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkylamines, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyldiamines, hydrazine, C.sub.2 -C.sub.6 alkanolamines, urea and mixtures thereof, incorporating dispersed gas bubbles into the resulting water-in-oil emulsion, one of said ingredients A and B being added before or during agitation and the remaining ingredient of ingredients A or B being added during agitation.

Abstract: A method for making a water-in-oil emulsion type explosive composition is disclosed. The method comprises combining a liquid carbonaceous fuel and an aqueous solution of at least one inorganic oxidizing salt, with agitation, in the presence of ingredients A and B and incorporating dispersed gas bubbles into the resulting emulsion. One of the ingredients A or B is added before or during agitation and the remaining ingredient is added during agitation. Ingredient A is oleic acid and/or linoleic acid. Ingredient B is an ammonium or alkali metal phosphate or carbonate.

Abstract: An emulsion explosive composition comprising a discontinuous phase containing an oxygen-supplying phase wherein the discontinuous phase additionally comprises a crystal growth-inhibitor. The compositions exhibit improved storage characteristics.

Abstract: An emulsion explosive composition comprising an oxygen-supplying salt component as a discontinuous phase, an organic medium forming a continuous phase and a stabilizer which comprises a polycyclic hydrocarbon. Suitable stabilizers include sterols, such as cholesterol. The compositions, which may also include a conventional emulsifier, exhibit small diameter cap-sensitivity and improved storage characteristics.

Abstract: A cast explosive charge composition comprises trinitrotoluene (TNT) as a fusible component, at least one further energy carrier as solid filler, and a finely pulverized inert solid substance which is present in an amount of from 0.01 to 5% by weight, said inert solid substance having a specific surface of 10 to 1200 m.sup.2 per gram.

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: A mixture of about from 60 to 40 percent amorphous boron and about from 94 to 60 percent ferric oxide, useful as an ignition composition for electrically actuated blasting caps and squibs, has outstanding thermal stability, i.e., up to about 500.degree. C. making it especially suitable for use in blasting caps in oil wells that are deep and hot, e.g., in the liquid-disabled cap described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 469,954. Bridgewire-sensitive compositions containing about from 10 to 20 percent boron are preferred. The compositions can be self-grained, or they may be grained preferably with a water-soluble polymeric binder.

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: A method of enhancing the combustion of solid fuel/water slurries by the addition of about 100 to 5,000 ppm of a stable water-soluble explosive, which will detonate early in the combustion process, thereby producing a secondary dispersion of fuel particles, and an 80-65% coal/20-35% water composition suitable for secondary dispersion during combustion containing about 100-5,000 ppm of a water-soluble explosive, preferably selected from at least one member of a group consisting of picric acid; alkali picrates, such as ammonium picrate, sodium picrate, potassium picrate, calcium picrate, etc., and heavy metal picrates, such as iron picrate, lead picrate, zinc picrate, etc.; guanidine and nitroguanidine. The addition of the explosive may be made to the water of make up of the slurry or may be added to the formed slurry.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved explosive TNT based composit consisting of TNT, HDX, RDX, aluminum and a small amount of an elastomeric linear polymer having polar groups dissolved or dispersed throughout, said composition having improved properties. Such improved properties include: reduced cracking and exudation, improved friction sensitivity, sympathetic detonation and enhanced cook-off hazard properties.

Abstract: A chemically and thermally stable explosive composition comprising hexanitrostilbene, a perhalogenate oxidizing agent, a sensitizing metal and a source of copper ions. The explosive composition is thermally stable up to a temperature of about 550.degree. F. and can be initiated by an exploding bridge wire or an electrostatic discharge of sufficient energy.

Abstract: Aminopolynitrotoluenes, having energetic properties, including 4-amino-2,,6-tetranitrotoluene 3-amino-2,4,5,6-tetranitrotoluene and 2-amino-3,4,5,6-tetranitrotoluene, and methods for their preparation. Also, 4-amino-N,2,3,6-tetranitrotoluene and 4-amino-N-2,3,5,6-pentanitrotoluene, each having energetic properties. Further, a process for preparing 2,3,4,5,6-pentanitrotoluene.

Abstract: The invention deals with a method for temporarily eliminating those risks associated with transporting, storing and generally handling particle formed solid explosive substances. According to the invention this is achieved (desensitizing the explosive substance) by mixing the said explosive substance with a non-explosive substance which relative to the explosive substance is an inert particle formed solid material (desensitizing substance) having by and large the same particle size as that of the explosive substance. Salts, and in particular calcium chloride, containing chloride ions have been shown to be excellent as desensitizing substances. A mixture of trinitrobenzene (TNB) and calcium chloride (CaCl.sub.2) where the content of CaCl.sub.2 is greater than or equivalent to 55% by weight should not be classified as an explosive substance.

Abstract: A high explosive composition comprising2 to 57% ammonium nitrate2 to 50% ethylenediamine dinitrate1 to 10% potassium nitrate1 to 80% nitroguanidineThese explosive compositions possess physical and explosive properties corable to those of explosive compositions based on TNT (2,4,6-trinitrotoluene); but they are relatively insensitive and less costly to manufacture and can be loaded into projectiles with existing melt/cast loading facilities.

Abstract: A two-component emulsion explosive composition is provided consisting of a continuous oil/fuel phase and a discontinuous aqueous oxidizer salt phase and, as an emulsifier, a dimer acid glyceride wherein the dimer acid has a carbon atom chain length of C18-C60. The composition demonstrates superior properties of long period storage stability and sensitivity.

Abstract: A high solids content explosive charge is formed by placing the dry solids uch as RDX in a mold, adding TNT over the dry solids and holding the interior of the mold at an elevated temperature and reduced pressure to permit diffusion of the liquid TNT through the solids while the vacuum enhances the discharge of air from the mass. In one embodiment, a casing and liner of a shaped-charge warhead is employed for the mold and the TNT is placed in a funnel atop the casing. This assembly is placed inside a heated evacuated chamber for long enough to permit the liquid TNT to diffuse through the solid particles and for air to be discharged. In other embodiments, an air-tight casing is employed whose interior is evacuated while heating is performed.

Abstract: A castable high-energy explosive composition comprising trinitrotoluene (TNT) and crystalline explosives of the RDX or HMX type as well as aluminum powder, and, optionally, flegmatizing agents and stablizers consisting of wax, lecithin and nitrocellulose (NC), is prepared by dispersing crystals of RDX (or HMX) in water with wax, under heavy stirring and a temperature above the melting point of the wax, then adding aluminum powder, treated in order to tolerate water, to the dispersion, and then, optionally, cooling in order to separate the explosive as granules. A further step comprises melting and dispersing TNT in hot water under heavy stirring, optionally under the addition of wetted NC and lecithin, then reducing the temperature to below 80.degree. C., and separating the solidifying, dispersed explosive droplets in the form of granules.

Abstract: A process for promoting the oxidation of an explosive-containing mixture or a pyrotechnical mixture involves utilizing zinc peroxide as the sole or predominant oxidant in the mixture. Preferably the zinc peroxide has an available oxygen content of more than 12.3% by weight.

Abstract: Plastic bonded self-explosive compositions having improved thermal stability consisting essentially of a self-explosive, e.g., hexanitro-stilbene, which exhibit an exotherm as measured by differential thermal analysis at a temperature no lower than 275.degree. C. and a binder which is a polymer of an alkyl methacrylate wherein the alkyl group has 10 to 20 carbon atoms e.g. lauryl methacrylate.

Abstract: An effective amount of 5-nitrobarbituric acid or its trihydrate, when mixed ith molten TNT explosive permits the TNT explosive to set with a fine unoriented crystal structure. In one embodiment, the 5-nitrobarbituric acid or its trihydrate is added to well-stirred liquid TNT at about 100.degree.-110.degree. C. and the mixture is allowed to cool until it stiffens and then is reheated slightly below 85.degree. C. and then cast at about 81.degree. C.

Abstract: An improved method for producing known primer constituents lead styphnate and barium nitrate, in situ, plus water. The process is carried out by reacting effective amounts of trinitroresorcinol (TNR), with barium hydroxide, or barium carbonate, and lead nitrate in water.

Abstract: An improved explosive composition is disclosed and comprises a major portion of an explosive having a detonation velocity between about 1,500 and 10,000 meters per second and a minor amount of a getter additive comprising a non-explosive compound or mixture of non-explosive compounds capable of chemically reacting with free radicals or ions under shock initiation conditions of 2,000 calories/cm.sup.2 or less of energy fluence.

Abstract: A novel composite explosive comprised of conventional explosive material and a mixture of boron and at least one other metal is disclosed. The other metal must be capable of exothermically reacting with boron to produce intermetallic compound and an energy release of at least about 1.0 kcal/gm. In a preferred embodiment of the composite explosive, pellets of a stoichiometric mixture of boron and titanium are mixed with cyclotetramethylenetetranitramine (HMX). By mixing the boron and at least one other metal which forms an intermetallic compound with boron in an exothermic reaction wherein the heat energy release is at least about 1.0 kcal/gm and adding a conventional explosive material to the mixture, there is an improved method of forming a mass of hot or molten particles in an environment when the conventional explosive is detonated.

Abstract: Light emitting diodes (LED) are used in conjunction with phototransistors determine the liquid-solid state of a 0.030-0.040 inch film of trinitrotoluene (TNT). Liquid TNT is collected on the surface of a rotating drum, and is subsequently cooled to a solid film and removed by a "flaking" knife. The emitted beam from the LED is absorbed when the TNT is in the solid state and transmitted to and reflected from the drum surface when the TNT is in the liquid state. The relative intensity of the reflected beam is a measure of the state of the TNT.

Abstract: A process is provided for preparing a composition composed of TNT and a tmoplastic organic polymer containing as high as 30-35% of the polymer, in the form of a granular product, which is rapidly soluble in a TNT melt. The process involves preparing a solution of the TNT and the polymer in methyl ethyl ketone solvent and diluting the solution with water to precipitate the TNT-polymer composition as granules, which can be readily separated by filtration and are rapidly soluble in molten TNT.

Abstract: Emulsion explosive sensitive to a detonator, which can be initiated with a conventional detonator no. 8, of water-in-oil-emulsion type containing sensitizers which, as opposed to types known previously, here comprise aromatic nitro-compounds, in which emulsion the organic phase consists primarily of the aromatic nitro-compounds and the water phase consists primarily of a water solution of inorganic oxidizing salts and in which emulsion emulsifier is also included; detonation stabilizers in the form of particles with enclosed or adsorbed gas ("hot spots"); additional fuels such as aluminium, urea, etc.; optional stabilizers for the organic phase and for the water phase; and possibly an agent to lower the crystallization point.

Abstract: An improved explosive composition is disclosed and comprises a major portion of an explosive having a detonation velocity between about 1500 and 10,000 meters per second and a minor amount of a donor additive comprising a non-explosive compound or mixture of non-explosive compounds which when subjected to an energy fluence of 1000 calories/cm.sup.2 or less is capable of releasing free radicals each having a molecular weight between 1 and 120. Exemplary donor additives are dibasic acids, polyamines and metal hydrides.

Abstract: Castable high explosive compositions of generally improved physical characteristics consist essentially of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and about 0.05 to 10% by weight of the TNT of a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, which is soluble in the trinitrotoluene and is fully reacted, i.e. contains essentially no free isocyanate groups, prior to incorporation thereof in the explosive composition.

Abstract: A permanently tacky slurry type explosive comprises polyisobutylene containing a balanced fuel explosive phase in the form of an explosive material in particulate condition (ammonium nitrate, PETN, RDX and the like) and a minor amount of a carbon fuel (oil or carbon particles).

Abstract: A process for the production of 2, 2', 4, 4', 6, 6'-hexanitrostilbene, which gives a readily isolable product and in which solvent recovery is relatively straightforward, is described.An alkali or alkaline earth hypochlorite was reacted with 2, 4, 6-trinitrotoluene in an aqueous organic solvent, preferably containing tetrahydrofuran. The reactant mixture was allowed to stand for at least 30 minutes when a solution of a mineral acid, especially sulphuric acid, was added, with stirring, to acidify the mixture to a final pH of less than 5, preferably between 0.5 and 1.0, especially 0.7. This acidification caused agglomeration of the hexanitrostilbene. When complete mixing of the solutions had been obtained, the stirring was stopped and the mixture allowed to settle and separate into two layers. The top layer, which contained little solid product, was run off through a filter and the filtrate was treated separately to recover solvents, especially tetrahydrofuran.

Abstract: Metallic or ammonium salts of diazotized mono or dinitrodihydroxyaminobenzenes are disclosed wherein the corresponding aminonitrodihydroxybenzene has the formula ##STR1## where n equals 1 or 2. The amino group is diazotized to form the diazotized mono or dinitrodihydroxyaminobenzene from which the metallic or ammonium salt is formed. Disclosed in the application are metallic or ammonium salts of diazotized mono or dinitrodihydroxyaminobenzenes, processes for their preparation and their use as igniting agents for priming compositions and explosives.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for preparing a gelatine explosive composition comprising the steps of adding at least one dispersing agent to a mixture of liquid nitric esters and ortho-nitrotoluene, adding the resulting mixture to blasting soluble nitrocotton to form a gel and subsequently adding oxidizing salts, fuels, and when desired, a water-proofing agent such as tamarind seed flour or guar gum to form a homogeneous mixture.

Abstract: A method for desensitizing explosive materials consisting of the elements carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen, comprises contacting the explosive material with a reductant containing no elements besides those contained in the explosive material for a period of time sufficient to desensitize said explosive, and thereafter disposing of said explosive by combustion or other means suitable for a non-explosive solid, e.g., landfill. The method of the present invention possesses important advantages in that it eliminates polluting by-products from prior art reductants and provides energy savings in reduced time and fuel requirements for the combustion of the explosive materials.

Abstract: A slurry explosive composition comprising at least one inorganic oxidizing salt, an aqueous liquid phase, fuel material and a sensitizing agent which agent comprises a combination of hydrophobic particles of high explosive material and gas bubbles.

Abstract: This invention relates to Cold-Formulated Slurry Explosives with Ultra-Fine Oxidizer Solids and including perchlorates.

Abstract: At least one combustion modifier is incorporated in liquid propellants by ssolving the modifier in at least one solvent such as alkoxypolyethylene glycol ether or a bis(alkoxypolyethylene glycol) formal to form a solution and mixing the resulting solution with the energetic component of the liquid propellant. Similar solutions of combustion modifier are also suitable for use as casting liquids in cast double-base propellants.

Abstract: Polymeric binders for plastic bonded explosives. The binders are prepared om polyfunctional ortho-nitrophenols and polyisocyanates. The binders will reversibly dissociate when subjected to temperatures the range of from 100.degree. to 150.degree. C.

Abstract: Novel energetic sulfate salts which form a eutectic with ammonium nitrate ntaining explosive formulations are disclosed. The eutectic quality of such formulations facilitates melt loading thereof. Two typical novel sulfate salts of the invention are 1-(2-ammonium sulfatoethyl)-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene and 1,3-Bis-2(2-ammonium sulfoethyl)-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene. Also disclosed is a method for the synthesis of such sulfate salts together also with a method for the synthesis of the necessary alkanol substituted trinitrobenzene derivative precursor.