Abstract: The present invention relates to a hypergolic two-component system for rocket engines, including a fuel and an oxidising agent provided in a manner separated from one another and can be reacted in a rocket engine by bringing them into contact with one another. The fuel is an ionic liquid comprising a thiocyanate anion and one or more cations. The cation or cations are selected from one or more imidazolium ions of the general formula I, triazolium ions of the general formula II or III, and/or tetrazolium ions of the general formula IV, where R1 is a C1- to C6-alkyl radical or a C2- to C6-alkenyl radical, where R2 is hydrogen or a C1- to C6-alkyl radical or a C2- to C6-alkenyl radical, and where X1, X2 and X3 are each independently hydrogen, a C1- to C6-alkyl radical or a C2- to C6-alkenyl radical, and the oxidising agent comprises hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: An apparatus with an anti-tamper architecture includes a substrate and a layer of a pyrotechnic composite arranged on a surface of the substrate. The pyrotechnic composite includes a metal and a metal oxide, and the layer has a thickness of about 1 micrometer to about 10 millimeters. A reaction of the pyrotechnic composite is an exothermic reaction and at least partially fractures the substrate after the reaction is initiated.

Abstract: A method for generating hydrogen from a mixture of nitrogen containing borane compound and active metal borohydride reactants uses a catalyst-free water vapor driven hydrothermolysis process. The method involves mechanically mixing a selected ratio of nitrogen containing borane compound such as ammonia borane and an active metal borohydride such as sodium borohydride to produce a mixture, combining the mixture with a water vapor source, and heating the mixture and water vapor source to a temperature within a near ambient temperature range of 30° C. to 104° C., until a product gas comprising hydrogen is released. The heating can be at a constant temperature or at increasing temperatures. Water vapor and impurities are removed from the product gas to produce purified hydrogen gas.

Abstract: The present invention provides a particle and a composition for e.g., hypergolic ignition of rocket propellant. The disclosed particle and the composition comprise an energetic fuel additive and an ignition agent wherein the ignition agent is deposited on a surface of the particle.

Abstract: A cylindrically-shaped hybrid rocket engine solid fuel grain defines an axial combustion port. A fuel grain material comprises a compounded blend of thermoplastic fuel and aluminum. The fuel grain comprises fused stack layers, each layer comprising a plurality of fused abutting concentric beaded structures arrayed to define the combustion port; the port exhibits a rifling pattern or rifling inducing geometry along the port wall. When an oxidizer is introduced into the combustion port combustion occurs along the exposed port wall. Each beaded structure defines a geometry that increases the combustion surface area while inducing a vortex flow of oxidizer and fuel gas. As each layer ablates, an abutting layer exhibiting a similar geometry, is revealed, undergoes a gas phase change, and ablates. This process repeats and persists until oxidizer flow is terminated or the fuel grain material is exhausted. The fuel grain may be manufactured by an additive manufacturing process.

Abstract: Provided is a gas generating composition which can maintain stable combustion performance even under variation of ambient temperature. The gas generating composition includes (a) a fuel and (b) an oxidizing agent and meets the following requirements (I) and (II): (I) a combustion temperature at a time of ignition and combustion at any ambient temperature within a range of ?40° C. to 85° C. is a melting point of a substance included in a combustion residue; and (II) a difference between combustion temperatures at the time of ignition and combustion at ambient temperatures of ?40° C. and 85° C. is less than 125 K.

Abstract: Provided is a gas-generating material which can generate a gas in a large amount per unit time and has high storage stability. The gas-generating material 11a according to the present invention comprises a gas-generating agent that is an azo compound or an azide compound, a tertiary amine, a photosensitizing agent and a binder resin.

Abstract: Methods and systems for mixing propellant formulations are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method of mixing a solid propellant formulation includes placing a first component (e.g., a polymer or fuel) and a second component (e.g., an oxidizer of suitable particle size) in a mix vessel. The method further includes mixing the first and second components together by rotating the mix vessel about a first axis and, during at least a portion of the vessel rotation, revolving the vessel about a second axis spaced apart from the first axis. In one embodiment, the first axis can be a vessel spin axis, and the second axis can be spaced apart from the first axis so that the vessel revolves about the second axis in a planetary manner. In another embodiment, the vessel can rotate about the first axis in a first direction while revolving about the second axis in a second direction, opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A process of producing an infrared radiation-generating decoy for protecting against heat-seeking missiles and other heat-seeking devices comprises the step of decomposing a metal carboxy compound in the substantial absence of gaseous oxygen, to produce a pyrophoric material as a decomposition product of the metal carboxy compound, which pyrophoric material is arranged to combust spontaneously upon contact with air when the decoy is used. The metal carboxy compound may be iron oxalate, and the pyrophoric material may be ferrous oxide. The pyrophoric material may be coated onto a substrate, and a plurality of coated substrate pieces may be used in a decoy.

Abstract: A powdery pyrotechnic mixture is proposed that comprises a binary or ternary inorganic oxidizing agent mixture composed of one or two metal oxides, a nitrate totaling 50.0% by weight to 85.0% by weight, an elementary inorganic fuel or a mixture of elementary inorganic fuels totaling 15.0% by weight to 40.0% by weight, a stabilized nitrocellulose or a nitrocellulose-based propellant powder from 0.0% by weight to 25.0% by weight, graphite from 0.0% by weight to 5.0% by weight as well as. Optionally. a further processing aid from 0.0% by weight to 5.0% by weight. The powdery pyrotechnic mixture excels in that it contains no chlorate-containing compound and/or perchlorate-containing compound as an oxidizing agent and no sulfur or a sulfur-containing compound as fuel. The proposed pyrotechnic mixture is used in pyrotechnic objects and ammunition for the production of a bang-effect and/or flash effect.

Abstract: Inorganic fuel selected from the group of sulphocyanides of noble metals as specially copper, as well as the derivatives of urea and semicarbazide and theirs derivatives and organic fuel selected from the group of thiols with sulphur bound in the —SH group or in the heterocyclic rings and the metal salts of these compounds, mostly cuprous or cupric, which are suitable for the infrared tracer compositions used in bullets. With a suitable oxidant, which is zinc peroxide, the fuel forms binary mixtures that, during combustion, emit radiation in the near-infrared region that is invisible to the naked eye. On the basis of this invention tracer compositions do not require any additional auxiliary pyrotechnic systems. They are intended for use in infrared tracers of conventional calibres of bullet ammunition.

Abstract: A lead-free pyrotechnic and primary explosive compositions including metal iodates as an oxidizer in nanocomposite energetic compositions including metal powder fuel.

Abstract: A propellant for guns includes at least one energy carrier, nitrocellulose and cellulose acetate butyrate. At least part of the nitrocellulose is alcohol-soluble nitrocellulose. The nitrocellulose serves as a binder and for that purpose is present in a concentration of at least 15% by weight in the propellant. A process for producing a propellant is also provided.

Abstract: A gas generator 10 includes an autoignition composition that contains an alkali metal chlorate such as potassium chlorate as an oxidizer, a carboxylic acid such as DL-tartaric acid as a fuel, and a desiccant in operable communication therewith. Gas generating systems 180 such as vehicle occupant protection systems 180, containing the gas generator 10, are also provided.

Abstract: Methods of forming energetic compositions include forming a premix comprising a nitrate ester, a polymer, and a stabilizer, and combining solids with the premix. Additional stabilizer may be added with the solids and may remain in a crystalline state. Some methods include dissolving a stabilizer in at least one of a plurality of nitrate esters. Energetic compositions include a continuous matrix and a stabilizer. The continuous matrix includes a nitrate ester and surrounds a solid energetic material. Some compositions include a first nitrate ester, a second nitrate ester having a decomposition rate lower than the first nitrate ester, and a stabilizer. An article includes a housing and an energetic composition in the housing.

Abstract: Provided is a fuel of catalytic metal-containing ionic liquid (MCIL) and an IL, to spur hypergolic ignition of such liquids upon contact with an oxidizer to define a hypergolic bipropellant.

Abstract: Provided is a gas-generating material which can generate a gas in a large amount per unit time and has high storage stability. The gas-generating material 11a according to the present invention comprises a gas-generating agent that is an azo compound or an azide compound, a tertiary amine, a photosensitizing agent and a binder resin.

Abstract: A munition is described including a reactive fragment having an energetic material dispersed in a metallic binder material. A method is also described including forming a energetic material; combining the energetic material with a metallic binder material to form a mixture; and shaping the mixture to form a reactive fragment. The munition may be in the form of a warhead, and the reactive fragment may be contained within a casing of the warhead.

Abstract: An inflator 10 is provided whereby the interstitial cavities found within the inflator 10 are packed with one or more decomposition additives 26 that decompose in the presence of heat. As such, the decomposition additives 26 fluidly and/or conductively communicate with the hot gases generated upon activation of the inflator 10. As the decomposition additive 26 decomposes, heat may be mitigated while resultant gaseous decomposition products are liberated.

Abstract: A method of manufacture of foamed celluloid molded products, involving three steps for the manufacture of higher density (0.7 to 1.25 gm/cc) foamed celluloid products or simple geometry lower density (0.2 to 0.7 gm/cc) foamed celluloid products, and four steps for the manufacture of lower density foamed celluloid products of any geometry. The three step process involving: (1) providing small, uniform, pieces of celluloid; (2) presoaking the pieces in a physical blowing agent (PBA) under pressure; and (3) foaming at raised temperature a controlled quantity of the presoaked pieces in a mold—to obtain the desired shape and density. For a lower density foamed celluloid product, of any moldable geometry, the steps are to: (1) small pieces of celluloid, that (2) have been presoaked in a PBA, are (3) pre-expanded to an intermediate density, and then (4) foam the desired lower density foamed product in a mold at raised temperature.

Abstract: Disclosed are thermite charges for use in well perforation and downhole fracing. The thermite charges have a core, and optionally a case, where at least one of the core and the case includes thermite material.

Abstract: A group of tertiary amine azides are useful as hypergolic fuels for hypergolic bipropellant mixtures. The fuels provide higher density impulses than monomethyl hydrazine (MMH) but are less toxic and have lower vapor pressures that MMH. In addition, the fuels have shorter ignition delay times than dimethylaminoethylazide (DMAZ) and other potential reduced toxicity replacements for MMH.

Abstract: A fire-extinguishing aerosol composition for common electric apparatuses is disclosed, which includes oxidant, combustible, adhesive and additive. The composition of the present invention is characterized in that the oxidant is the mixture of the potassium salt and the strontium salt, in which the content of the potassium salt oxidant is more than or equal to 15 mass % to less than 20 mass % of the total mass of the composition, and the content of the strontium salt oxidant is more than 48 mass % to less than or equal to 52 mass % of the total mass of the composition. In the fire-extinguishing aerosol composition of the present invention, the mean particle diameter of all components is less than or equal to 50 ?m. After quenching the fire in a space with the heavy current electric apparatus, the fire-extinguishing aerosol composition of the present invention can ensure that the insulation resistance of the common electric apparatus is ranged from 20M? to 100M?.

Abstract: Propellant compositions include an energetic binder, such as nitrocellulose, and a stabilized, encapsulated red phosphorous as a ballistic modifier. The propellant composition may additionally include an energetic plasticizer, such as nitroglycerine. For example, the propellant composition may be formed by mixing a double or multi base propellant that includes nitrocellulose plasticized with nitroglycerine with the stabilized, encapsulated red phosphorus. The propellant compositions may be substantially lead-free and may exhibit improved ballistic properties. Methods of forming such propellant compositions and an ordnance device including such propellant compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: An energetic ionic liquid catalytic decomposition gas generator uses stoichiometric and nonstoiciometric mixtures of specific energetic ionic liquids and iridium catalyst. The catalyst temperature used and gas production versus ignition may be controlled by combining one or more cationic species with one or more anionic species of the ionic liquid(s).

Abstract: Advanced bipropellant fuels with fast ignition upon mixing with storable oxidizer (N2O4, nitric acid) have been synthesized and demonstrated. The bipropellant fuels are based upon salts containing dicyanamide or tricyanomethanide anions and employ at least two hydrazine functionalities in the cations.

Abstract: Provided is a basic metal nitrate suitable as an oxidizing agent for a gas generating agent, which is a basic metal nitrate having a good thermal stability and meeting at least one requirement of the following (a) to (d): (a) a particle diameter of 0.5 to 40 ?m; (b) a degree of crystallinity having 0.4 deg or less of a half band width of the peak in the X-ray analysis; (c) an initiation temperature of weight loss being 220° C. or higher according to TG-DTA analysis; and (d) an impurity content of 1,000 ppm or less based on Na atom. Further provided is a gas generating composition which has a low toxicity, a high burning rate and a low combustion temperature and which is used in a gas generator for an air bag. The gas generating composition comprises (a) tetrazole derivatives, guanidine derivatives or a mixture thereof, (b) a basic metal nitrate and (c) a binder and/or a slag-forming agent.

Abstract: The present invention is a flare illuminant composition, useful in hand-held signals, which composition is environmentally friendly and economical, containing a commercially available, aromatic, high energy, amine-based organic compound, 5-aminotetrazole, in place of the conventional and toxic KClO4, or, for the known alternative to KClO4, expensive, strontium bis-(1-methyl-5-nitriminotetrazolate)monohydrate.

Abstract: A priming mixture is provided having a primary explosive and an oxidizer system containing bismuth oxide. The priming mixture generally is applicable to any application or device that employs ignition of a propellant or fuel, including, but not limited to, air bag gas generator systems, signaling devices, ejection seats, small or large arms ammunition primers, and the like.

Abstract: A thermite composition includes at least one composite particle having a convoluted lamellar structure having alternating metal oxide layers including a metal oxide and metal layers including a metal capable of reducing the metal oxide. The metal oxide layers and metal layers both have an average thickness of between 10 nm and 1 ?m. Molar proportions of the metal oxide and metal is within 30% of being stoichiometric for a thermite reaction.

Abstract: A large-scale synthetic method that enables the preparation of nanoenergetic composites in kilogram scales which forms superior materials as compared to the ultra-sonicated nanoenergetic composites and at a lower cost for use in explosive, pyrotechnic, agent defeat, ammunition primers, and propellant applications.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a melt-castable energetic material comprises at least one of: 3,5-bis(4-nitro-1,2,5-oxadiazol-3-yl)-1,2,4-oxadiazole (DNFO), and 3-(4-amino-1,2,5-oxadiazol-3-yl)-5-(4-nitro-1,2,5-oxadiazol-3-yl)-1,2,4-oxadiazole (ANFO). In another embodiment, a method for forming a melt-castable energetic material includes reacting 3,5-bis(4-amino-1,2,5-oxadiazol-3-yl)-1,2,4-oxadiazole (DAFO) with oxygen or an oxygen-containing compound to form a mixture of at least: DNFO, and ANFO.

Abstract: Perchlorate-free flare compositions are disclosed which, when burned, produce yellow smoke and flames. Methods of producing the compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: The main subject of the present invention are solid compounds capable of generating hydrogen by a self-sustaining combustion reaction. Their composition comprises borazane and/or polyaminoborane and at least one inorganic oxidant, advantageously chosen from ammonium nitrate, alkali metal nitrates, alkaline-earth metal nitrates, metal nitrates, metal oxides, oxidants of the family of dinitramines and mixtures thereof. It also relates to the generation of hydrogen by self-sustaining combustion of at least one such compound.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a high-density rocket propellant and associated recoilless launching systems and methods with tungsten powder added providing substantial mass to the propellant for additional impulse, absorption of sound, optimization of back blast and carry weight, and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, the high-density rocket propellant includes tungsten mass percentages of between about 70%-about 80%, equivalent to about 17%-about 26% by volume.

Abstract: An electrically initiated security device includes a first energetic sheet, a second energetic sheet, and a corrugated energetic sheet disposed between the first energetic sheet and the second energetic sheet. A first surface of the corrugated energetic sheet defines at least one channel and a second surface of the corrugated energetic sheet defines at least one channel. The electrically initiated security device further includes a first constituent portion disposed in the at least one channel defined by the first surface and a second constituent portion disposed in the at least one channel defined by the second surface. The first constituent portion and the second constituent portion, when mixed, comprise an energetic material.

Abstract: A missile includes a pyrotechnic charge. The missile is constructed in such a way that the pyrotechnic charge is made to burn deflagratively when the missile is used correctly. The pyrotechnic charge includes a mixture containing at least one metal or a metal alloy as a fuel and at least one metal oxide as an oxidizing agent. The fuel and the oxidizing agent are selected in such a manner that they can react with one another by burning. The mixture is compressed to a density of at least 85% of a theoretical density of the mixture, and the fuel, the oxidizing agent and a quantitative ratio between the fuel and the oxidizing agent are selected in such a manner that a density of the mixture is at least 6 g/cm3.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for making homogeneous metal oxide nanoenergetic composites. A method of the invention forms a metal oxide nanostructure via a sol-gel process with surfactant templating. Metal nanoparticles are introduced into the metal oxide nanostructure via wet impregnation.

Abstract: A process for making metal-organic frameworks and metal-organic frameworks having host-guest complexes of either liquid energetics, solid energetics, or solid oxidizers.

Abstract: Gas generating compositions include a primary fuel selected from aminotetrazoles and heterocyclic amines; a carbonyl donor selected from formaldehyde, formamide, or an ammonium formate; and a basic constituent selected from alkali and alkaline earth metal aminotetrazoles, hydantoin and basic derivatives thereof, and mixtures thereof. Gas generators and vehicle occupant protection systems incorporating the present compositions are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a chlorine-containing pyrotechnic composition which is substantially free of per-chlorate which composition comprises a nitrocellulose which is derived from a fibrous nitrocellulose starting material that has at least partially been dissolved during the process of preparing the pyrotechnic composition, and a colorant. The invention further provides a firework article comprising said pyrotechnic composition, and a method for preparing the same.

Abstract: A non-toxic, non-hydroscopic percussion primer composition and methods of preparing the same, including at least one explosive component that has been traditionally considered a moderately insensitive explosive or secondary explosive, and at least fuel particle component having a particle size of about 1.5 microns to about 12 microns, which allows the use of moderately active metal oxidizers. The sensitivity of the primer composition is created by the interaction between the moderately insensitive explosive and the fuel agent such that traditional primary explosives such as lead styphnate or DDNP are not needed. The primer composition also eliminates the risks and dangers associated with traditional nano-sized fuel particles.

Abstract: A method for forming a metastable intermolecular composite (MIC) includes providing a vacuum level of <10?8 torr base pressure in a deposition chamber. A first layer of a first material of a metal that is reactive with water vapor is deposited, followed by depositing a second layer of a second material of a metal oxide on the first layer. The first and second material are capable of an exothermic chemical reaction to form at least one product, and the first and second layer are in sufficiently close physical proximity so that upon initiation of the exothermic reaction the reaction develops into a self initiating chemical reaction. An interfacial region averaging <1 nm thick is formed between the first layer and second layer from a reaction of the first material with water vapor. In one embodiment, the first material is Al and the second material is CuOx.

Abstract: A percussion primer composition that comprises an explosive and a sensitizer, the explosive being a moderately insensitive explosive having an impact sensitivity in the range from about 0.3 kp m to about 0.75 kp m. The moderately insensitive explosive may comprise CL-20, PETN, RDX, HMX, or mixtures thereof. The sensitizer may comprise aluminum, titanium, zirconium, magnesium, melamine, styrene, lithium aluminum hydride, or mixtures thereof. In some instances, the percussion primer composition may comprise the moderately insensitive explosive precipitated onto the sensitizer. The percussion primer composition may contain an oxidizer, which in certain situations comprises a conventional oxidizer or a bismuth compound. The bismuth compound is bismuth trioxide, bismuth subnitrate, bismuth tetroxide, bismuth sulfide, or mixtures thereof. A gun cartridge and other primer-containing ordnance assemblies employing the percussion primer composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: A percussion primer composition including at least one explosive, at least one nano-coated fuel particle having natural surface oxides thereon, at least one oxidizer, optionally at least one sensitizer, optionally at least one buffer, and to methods of preparing the same.

Abstract: A percussion primer composition including at least one explosive, at least fuel particle having a particle size of about 1500 nm or less, at least one oxidizer, optionally at least one sensitizer, optionally at least one buffer, and to methods of preparing the same.

Abstract: An ionic liquid is disclosed. A precursor composition that comprises at least one ionic liquid and at least one energetic material is also disclosed, as is a method of synthesizing an ionic liquid and a method of desensitizing an explosive composition.

Abstract: An explosive composition is provided comprising an explosive agent, a solid fuel and a polymeric adherent wherein the explosive agent, solid fuel and polymeric adherent are dispersed throughout the composition.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide munitions that are optimized for both performance and safety. According to various embodiments of the invention, primers are provided having reduced sensitivity by using less sensitive ingredients. The primer formulations according to embodiments of the invention provide primers that are insensitive to stimulants that tend to cause inappropriate ignition of main propelling charges.

Abstract: A cylindrically-shaped hybrid rocket engine solid fuel grain defines an axial combustion port. A fuel grain material comprises a compounded blend of thermoplastic fuel and aluminum. The fuel grain comprises fused stack layers, each layer comprising a plurality of fused abutting concentric beaded structures arrayed to define the combustion port; the port exhibits a rifling pattern or rifling inducing geometry along the port wall. When an oxidizer is introduced into the combustion port combustion occurs along the exposed port wall. Each beaded structure defines a geometry that increases the combustion surface area while inducing a vortex flow of oxidizer and fuel gas. As each layer ablates, an abutting layer exhibiting a similar geometry, is revealed, undergoes a gas phase change, and ablates. This process repeats and persists until oxidizer flow is terminated or the fuel grain material is exhausted. The fuel grain may be manufactured by an additive manufacturing process.