Abstract: An energetic material composition includes a reducing material and an oxide of phosphorus. The reducing material includes a reducing metal and, in an optional hydride form, auto disperses products of the reaction by the formation of a gaseous product. The composition can be included in a cavity of a warhead. A method of neutralizing a targeted species and a method of reducing structural integrity of civil engineering structures by reacting the composition are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lead- and barium-free ignition charge which does not contain any oxidant, and its use.

Abstract: Combustible structural composites and methods of forming same are disclosed. In an embodiment, a combustible structural composite includes combustible material comprising a fuel metal and a metal oxide. The fuel metal is present in the combustible material at a weight ratio from 1:9 to 1:1 of the fuel metal to the metal oxide. The fuel metal and the metal oxide are capable of exothermically reacting upon application of energy at or above a threshold value to support self-sustaining combustion of the combustible material within the combustible structural composite. Structural-reinforcing fibers are present in the composite at a weight ratio from 1:20 to 10:1 of the structural-reinforcing fibers to the combustible material. Other embodiments and aspects are disclosed.

Abstract: Alkali metal perchlorate-containing gas generant compositions which, upon combustion, produce or result in an improved effluent and related methods for generating an inflation gas for use in an inflatable restraint system are provided. Such alkali metal perchlorate-containing gas generant compositions include at least one alkali metal perchlorate present with a mean particle size in excess of 100 microns. Such alkali metal perchlorate-containing gas generant compositions also include or contain a suitable non-azide, organic, nitrogen-containing fuel and at least one copper-containing compound selected from the group consisting of basic copper nitrate, cupric oxide, copper diammine dinitrate-ammonium nitrate mixture wherein ammonium nitrate is present in the mixture in a range of about 3 to about 90 weight percent, copper diammine bitetrazole, a copper-nitrate complex resulting from reaction of 5-aminotetrazole with basic copper nitrate and combinations thereof.

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 novel auto-ignition/gas generating composition contains a primary fuel selected from salts of azoles, alkyl tetrazoles, and mixtures thereof; a secondary fuel selected from salts of organic acids; and a primary oxidizer selected from metal nitrates. A tertiary fuel may also be provided and is selected from organic acids. Gas generators and gas generating systems incorporating the novel compositions are also contemplated.

Abstract: The propulsion system for the acceleration of projectiles is based on nitrocellulose and contains a crystalline energy carrier on a nitramine base and an inert plasticizing additive. The nitramine compound contains a structural element of the general chemical structure formula R—N—NO2, where R is a residual. The nitramine compound is present in a concentration in the range from 1 to 35% by weight, in particular in the range from 5 to 25% by weight. The nitramine compound is preferably RDX. The inert plasticizing additive is a water-insoluble polyoxo compound, if necessary in combination with a substance containing carboxyl groups. In layers near the surface an increased concentration can be present. The inert plasticizing additive is present in a concentration of 1 to 5% by weight.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of composite thermite particles, and thermite particles and consolidated objects formed from a plurality of pressed composite particles. The process includes providing one or more metal oxides and one or more complementary metals capable of reducing the metal oxide, and milling the metal oxide and the metal at a temperature below ?50° C., such as cryomilling, to form a convoluted lamellar structure. The average layer thickness is generally between 10 nm and 1 ?m. The molar proportions of the metal oxide and metal are generally within 30% of being stoichiometric for a thermite reaction.

Abstract: The present invention is an electrically controlled propellant comprising a binder, an oxidizer, and a cross-linking agent. The boric acid (the cross-linking agent) has been found to function as a cross-linking agent for the high molecular binder used to make the propellant, thereby improving the composition's ability to withstand combustion without melting. The present invention also may include 5-aminotetrazole (5-ATZ) as a stability-enhancing additive. The binder of the present invention may include polyvinylalcohol (PVA) and/or the co-polymer of polyvinylalcohol/polyvinylamine nitrate (PVA/PVAN).

Abstract: The micro gas generator employs a liquid propellant, e.g. 50% to 60% by weight hydroxyl ammonium nitrate as an oxidizer, 16% to 22% triethyl ammonium nitrate as fuel, 21% to 28% water as a diluent to provide stability and 1% to 3% additives. The liquid propellant is housed in a can mounted in sealed relation on a retainer in which an initiator is also mounted.

Abstract: Method and device for mixing and initiating a pyrotechnic charge, comprising at least one coherent porous fuel structure (16) and at least one oxidizer (8). According to the invention, the coherent porous fuel structure (16) and the oxidizer (8) are placed apart in a mixing device (1, 20) to prevent unintentional ignition, and in which the oxidizer (8), in response to the action of a force upon the mixing device (1, 20), for example upon firing of an artillery shell, is transported into the coherent porous fuel structure (16), after which the obtained pyrotechnic charge is initiated after a set time delay.

Abstract: A metastable intermolecular composite (MIC) and methods for forming the same includes a first material and a second material having an interfacial region therebetween. The first and second material are capable of an exothermic chemical reaction with one another to form at least one product and are in sufficiently close physical proximity to one another so that upon initiation the exothermic reaction develops into a self initiating reaction. At least one of said first and second materials include a metal that is reactive with water vapor at room temperature. The interfacial region averages <2 nm thick, such as <1 nm thick. In one embodiment, the first material is Al and the second material is CuOx.

Abstract: The invention provides homogeneous mesoporous metal oxide nanoenergetic composites. A composite of the invention has a regular and uniform nanostructure of metal oxide, which is structured by a surfactant. Metal fuel nanoparticles are homogenously distributed through the regular and uniform nanostructure. The invention further 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 into the metal oxide nanostructure via wet impregnation.

Abstract: Boron-containing, green light emitting pyrotechnic compositions that advantageously do not include barium, perchlorate or chlorinated organic compounds.

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

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to auto-ignition/booster compositions for inflators of occupant restraint systems, for example. An auto-ignition/booster and/or gas generant composition in accordance with the present invention includes an aromatic acid selected from tetrazoles, carboxylic acid/benzene-based fuels, nitrotriazoles, aminonitrotriazoles, aminotriazoles, bistetrazolylamines, bitetrazoles, and mixtures thereof; an alkali metal nitrate selected from potassium nitrate and sodium nitrate, and mixtures thereof; a basic constituent; and a catalytic non-oxidizing molybdenum-containing additive. A gas generator and a gas generating system including compositions of the present invention are also contemplated.

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: An apparatus and process for making thermite compositions. The process includes providing a fuel-based slurry and at least one oxidizer-based slurry, formulating combination of fuel-based slurry and oxidizer-based slurry in a solvent to a desired energetic dose depending on nanocomposites' use, circulating the fuel-based slurry/oxidizer-based slurry combination in a mixing device operating semi-continuously during mixing and dispensing cycles forming a homogeneous mixed slurry, agitating ultrasonically or by high shear rate mixers the mixed slurry, and drying of the mixed slurry forming compact structures.

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: Propellant compositions are provided herein for use in small arms cartridges. Such propellant compositions include a cellulose-based organic fuel, a non-azide, nitrogen-containing primary organic oxidizer and a secondary nitrate, perchlorate, chlorate of peroxide oxidizer. Preferably, such compositions are in the form of extruded shaped hollow cylindrical grains having dimensions that makes it loadable in a muzzleloader firearm or small calibre firearm cartridge case. Ignition grains are also provided for use alone or in a mixture with the propellant compositions. When used in a small calibre firearm or muzzleloader, the temperature of combustion is at a level that ensures substantially complete combustion of the fuel during firing so that the products of combustion are mostly gaseous.

Abstract: An ordered energetic composite structure according to one embodiment includes an ordered array of metal fuel portions; and an oxidizer in gaps located between the metal fuel portions. An ordered energetic composite structure according to another embodiment includes at least one metal fuel portion having an ordered array of nanopores; and an oxidizer in the nanopores. A method for forming an ordered energetic composite structure according to one embodiment includes forming an ordered array of metal fuel portions; and depositing an oxidizer in gaps located between the metal fuel portions. A method for forming an ordered energetic composite structure according to another embodiment includes forming an ordered array of nanopores in at least one metal fuel portion; and depositing an oxidizer in the nanopores.

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: Gas generating compositions include a primary fuel selected from fumaric acid, succinic acid, cyanuric acid, barbituric acid, and mixtures thereof; an oxidizer selected from phase stabilized ammonium nitrate, potassium perchlorate, and mixtures thereof; a secondary fuel selected from tetrazoles, bitetrazoles, salts of bitetrazoles, derivatives of bitetrazoles, and mixtures thereof; and an oxide selected from molybdenum trioxide, ferric (III) oxide, and mixtures thereof. Gas generators and vehicle occupant protection systems incorporating the present compositions are also described.

Abstract: A fire-extinguishing aerosol for precision electric appliance is disclosed, which includes oxidant, flammable agent, 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 5 mass % to less than 15 mass % of the total mass of the composition, and the content of the strontium salt oxidant is more than 52 mass % to less than or equal to 60 mass % of the total mass of the composition. In the fire-extinguishing aerosol composition of the present invention, the particle average diameter of all components is less than 50 ?m. After quenching the fire in the space in which the precision electric appliance is installed, the fire-extinguishing aerosol composition of the present invention can ensure that the dielectric resistance of the precision electric appliance is more than or equal to 100 M?.

Abstract: An inflator assembly having an inflator body that forms a chamber wherein a quantity of a gas generating solid reacts to form gas. A quantity of gas treatment material is included to treat the formed gas to form a treated gas. At least one assembly exit opening permits the treated gas to exit the inflator assembly. The required gas generating solid has a flame temperature of no more than 1670 K with the inflator assembly having significant weight and volume reductions as compared to an otherwise identical performing inflator assembly that utilizes gas generating composition having higher flame temperatures.

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: Embodiments of the present subject matter provide an improved percussion primer composition and improved hot-wire igniter acceptor, wherein lead styphnate is replaced with a lead-free material, 4,6-dinitro-7-hydroxybenzofuroxan, potassium salt (KDNP). Embodiments of the percussion primer composition include KDNP, a sensitizer, an oxidizer, calcium silicide, a fuel, and a binder. Embodiments of the hot-wire igniter device include a bridgewire, an acceptor, and an output, where KDNP is the acceptor. Power supply may be in the form of constant current/voltage or current flow from a capacitor discharge. Certain embodiments utilize a variety of output formulations, such as BKNO3, black powder, and Red Dot double base propellant.

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 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: The present invention relates to a process for determining the sensitive or insensitive nature of a crystalline hexogen. Said process comprises: the formulation of said crystalline hexogen in a matrix; the analysis of a sample of said matrix charged with said crystalline hexogen by differential scanning calorimetry; said matrix consisting essentially of at least one liquid polymer that is suitable for the formulation of binders for energetic materials charged with nitro organic explosives; and of at least one adsorbent for the volatile organic compounds, which is stable at the operating temperature of the analysis and which has low affinity for water. The present invention also relates to the crystalline hexogen in such a matrix.

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 explosive emulsion to be used in conjunction with a gas-producing agent, such as sodium nitrite, to form an explosive emulsion with a density between 0.50 g/cm3 and 0.90 g/cm3. The present invention also includes the method for producing the explosive emulsion. The explosive emulsion is stable for at least 96 hours with nitrogen bubbles, having a predetermined dimension range, homogenously distributed. To maintain this low-density explosive emulsion stable, between 84% and 95% by weight of an oxidizing solution is combined with 5% to 16% by weight of a fuel solution. The fuel solution includes solid cacao fat as a stabilizing agent and stearic acid to prevent the combination of the nitrogen bubbles. The method for producing the oxidizing solution includes combining ammonium nitrate, sodium nitrate, thiourea, urea, and water at a temperature between 80 and 90 degrees centigrade. In another step of the method, a fuel solution is produced by combining an emulsifier, oil, diesel No.

Abstract: The invention provides for a perchlorate-free pyrotechnic composition. In one embodiment of the present invention, the pyrotechnic composition includes from approximately sixty-seven percent (67%) to approximately seventy-eight percent (78%) of strontium nitrate [Sr(NO3)2], from approximately two percent (2%) to approximately eleven percent (11%) of potassium nitrate [KNO3], from approximately six percent (6%) to approximately fifteen percent (15%) of sulfur [S], from approximately one percent (1%) to approximately ten percent (10%) of polyvinyl chloride, from approximately one percent (1.0%) to approximately four percent (4%) of paraffin oil, and from approximately zero percent (0%) to approximately two percent (2%) of sawdust mixture.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to pyrotechnic aerosol fire suppression compositions that burn rapidly, but coolly. The rapid burning of the compositions of the present invention produces a voluminous flame-suppressive aerosol that is useful in suppressing and/or extinguishing both small and large fires. The compositions of the invention contain at least one oxidizer and a fuel component comprising at least one organic acid salt, which combination produces a rapid burning composition that burns at low temperatures with little or no flame and have a low heat of combustion.

Abstract: Non-lethal payloads may be customized for particular uses and desired visual and audible incapacitation based upon the selection of igniter/activators and illuminants used with the non-lethal payloads. Non-lethal payloads employing high flame temperature igniter/activators and illuminants of powder metals, powdered metals combined with oxidizers, and powdered metals combined with heat-activated chromophores may produce improved “flashes” and “bangs” for non-lethal payloads used with diversionary or other devices. Such devices and methods of producing illuminance and noise are also disclosed.

Abstract: PBX compositions and methods for fabricating PBX compositions are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a PBX composition comprises a binder matrix comprising a thermoset resin and an oxidizer comprising octanitrocubane (ONC), the oxidizer homogeneously dispersed within the binder matrix. In another embodiment, a method for fabricating a PBX composition comprises providing an oxidizer comprising octanitrocubane (ONC) and blending the oxidizer with a prepolymer that, upon cure, forms a thermoset resin.

Abstract: A method for creating a pyrophoric material according to one embodiment includes thermally activating a carbon foam for creating micropores therein; contacting the activated carbon foam with a liquid solution comprising a metal salt for depositing metal ions in the carbon foam; and reducing the metal ions in the foam to metal particles. A pyrophoric material in yet another embodiment includes a pyrophoric metal-carbon foam composite comprising a carbon foam having micropores and mesopores and a surface area of greater than or equal to about 2000 m2/g, and metal particles in the pores of the carbon foam. Additional methods and materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing (cryogenic) solid monopropellants which are cooled to below room temperature and are used for rocket drives, especially using heterogeneous liquid-solid propellants wherein at least one of the reactants in the form of an oxidizer or a fuel contains a phase which is liquid or gaseous at normal temperature, for example emulsions of liquid constituents which do not dissolve in each other, suspensions of solid in liquid constituents or liquid-impregnated feed materials. The invention also relates to a cryogenic solid propellant for rocket drives, especially heterogeneous quasi-monopropellant fuel-oxidizer combinations.

Abstract: An explosive formulation used in blasting operations such as, but not limited to, mining operations and the like. The formulation is composed of a modified form of Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil (ANFO) explosives which have been modified by the incorporation of a solid fuel material. The formulation comprising a dry granular solid component, a liquid high-boiling point component of about 4% by weight, and a solid fuel material. The solid fuel material comprising vitrinite macerals, liptinite macerals, and inert macerals fusinite and semifusinite, and is characterized as (1) having a concentrate of liptinite that is higher than normal coals, and (2) having a concentrate of pseudovitrinite that is significantly lower than normal coals.

Abstract: Propellant compositions are provided herein for use in small arms cartridges. Such propellant compositions include from about 70 to about 90% by weight of a cellulose-based organic fuel, from about 5 to about 30% by weight of a non-azide, nitrogen-containing primary organic oxidizer and from about 0.5 to about 10.0% by weight of a secondary nitrate, perchlorate, chlorate or peroxide oxidizer. Preferably, such compositions are in the form of extruded shaped hollow cylindrical grains having a length in the range of 0.030 to 0.200 inch, a diameter in the range 0.040 to 0.070 inch, and having a coaxial opening there through having a wall grain thickness in the range 0.008 to 0.016 inch. Ignition grains are also provided for use alone or in a mixture with the propellant compositions. When used in a small caliber firearm or muzzleloader, the temperature of combustion is at a level that ensures substantially complete combustion of the fuel during firing so that the products of combustion are mostly gaseous.

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: The invention generally relates to an energetic composition including adjacent layers of an explosive and a combustible fuel, and making of the energetic composition. Specifically, making the energetic composition includes vapor deposition of an explosive layer on a combustible fuel surface; alternatively, a combustible fuel layer may be chemically or physically deposited on an explosive surface to make the energetic composition.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a pyrotechnic time delay composition includes admixing together a solid oxidizer, a solid fuel and water to form an aqueous slurry. The slurry is transformed into droplets. The droplets are gas-dried to form particles comprising the oxidizer and the fuel, with the particles thus constituting a pyrotechnic delay composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid gas generating composition comprising the following (a) to (c) components, wherein the content ratio of (b) component is 0.5 mass % or more and less than 5.0 mass %: (a) hydroxyammonium nitrate; (b) a thickening stabilizer; and (c) water.

Abstract: Alkali metal perchlorate-containing gas generant compositions which, upon combustion, produce or result in an improved effluent and related methods for generating an inflation gas for use in an inflatable restraint system are provided. Such alkali metal perchlorate-containing gas generant compositions include at least one alkali metal perchlorate present with a mean particle size in excess of 100 microns. Such alkali metal perchlorate-containing gas generant compositions also include or contain a suitable non-azide, organic, nitrogen-containing fuel and at least one copper-containing compound selected from the group consisting of basic copper nitrate, cupric oxide, copper diammine dinitrate-ammonium nitrate mixture wherein ammonium nitrate is present in the mixture in a range of about 3 to about 90 weight percent, copper diammine bitetrazole, a copper-nitrate complex resulting from reaction of 5-aminotetrazole with basic copper nitrate and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Methods of making and resultant compositions thereof, which include copper-oxalyldihydrazide-based complexes, such as pyrotechnic compositions, gas generants, and ignition materials, which are useful, for example, in inflatable restraint systems. Synthesis of one or more copper-oxalyldihydrazide complexes with nitrate and/or hydroxide counter ions provides a composition that may auto-ignite at a low enough temperature to be based with thermally sensitive gas generants. The present copper-oxalyldihydrazide complexes may also be used in conjunction with various oxidizers to produce compositions with sufficient energy to auto-ignite practically any known pyrotechnic composition.

Abstract: An igniter composition is provided including metal fuel particles having a predetermined average diameter and metallic oxide oxidizer particles having a predetermined average diameter. The metal fuel particles are mixed substantially homogeneously with the metallic oxide oxidizer particles and, upon initiation of the igniter composition, actively participate in an exothermic reaction with the metallic oxide oxidizer particles. Also provided are methods and devices containing the igniter composition.

Abstract: A novel compound, used for example, as a gas generating fuel, is defined as a compound having the structural formula of R3—R1—R2, wherein R1 is a urea group, R2 is a tetrazolyl group with a C—N bond to the urea group, and R3 may be defined as a non-tetrazolyl, triazolyl, heterocyclic, heterocyclic amine, aliphatic, aliphatic amine, aryl, alkyl, hydrogen, or nitrogen group linked to the free nitrogen on the urea group. A method of making the compound is also provided. A gas generating composition 12 containing the novel compound as a fuel, and an oxidizer is also provided. The novel compound may be contained within a gas generant composition 12, within a gas generator 10. The gas generator 10 may be contained within a gas generating system such as an airbag inflator 10 or seat belt assembly 150, or more broadly within a vehicle occupant protection system 180.

Abstract: A precursor composition of a reactive material that comprises a metal material and an energetic material, such as at least one oxidizer or at least one class 1.1 explosive. The metal material defines a continuous phase at a processing temperature of the precursor composition and the energetic material is dispersed therein. The metal material may be a fusible metal alloy having a melting point ranging from approximately 46° C. to approximately 250° C. The fusible metal alloy may include at least one metal selected from the group consisting of bismuth, lead, tin, cadmium, indium, mercury, antimony, copper, gold, silver, and zinc. The reactive composition may have a density of greater than approximately 2 g/cm3. The reactive composition may also include a polymer/plasticizer system.

Abstract: A method of generating power uses a nanoenergetic material. The nanoenergetic material comprising thermite is obtained and deposited on a substrate. An igniter is placed on the nanoenergetic material. When power is desired, the nanoenergetic material is ignited. A transducer receives thermal, sonic, magnetic, optic and/or mechanical energy from combustion of the nanoenergetic material and converts it into electrical energy. Preferably, the transducer is a thermoelectric, piezoelectric or magneto device. Preferably, multiple transducers are integrated in one power generators to maximize the power from nanoenergetic thermites.