Abstract: Adding nanoparticles as a catalyst to solid propellant fuel to increase and enhance burn rates of the fuel by up to 10 times or more and/or modifying the pressure index. A preferred embodiment uses TiO2 nanoparticles mixed with a solid propellant fuel, where the nanoparticles are approximately 2% or less of total propellant mixture. The high surface to volume ratio of the nanoparticles improve the performance of the solid propellant fuel.

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. Sensitizers may include tetracene. Oxidizers may include alkali or alkaline earth nitrates, oxides, or peroxides (such as barium nitrate). Fuel materials may include metals, metal sulfides, or other non-metallic materials. Common binders may include nitrocellulose based shellacs, gum arabic/poly vinyl alcohol mixtures, and guar gum/poly vinyl alcohol mixtures. 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.

Abstract: A fuel cell device comprising: (a) a catalytic oxidizer; (b) means for delivering gaseous fuel and oxidizer to the catalytic oxidizer; and (c) a fuel cell assembly located in the vicinity of the catalytic oxidizer such that the fuel cell assembly is able to be heated by heat generated from the reaction of fuel and oxidizer at the catalytic oxidizer; wherein the fuel cell assembly causes the generation of hot gases and an electrical output when it is heated and supplied with fuel and oxidizer, and wherein the device is provided with (d) a heat outlet which allows hot gases generated by the device to be directed out of the device and to applications requiring heat. Also provided is the use of such a device to generate heat and/or electrical power, and an appliance comprising such a device.

Abstract: A nanocomposite thermite ink for use in inkjet, screen, and gravure printing. Embodiments of this invention do not require separation of the fuel and oxidizer constituents prior to application of the ink to the printed substrate.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to combustion catalysts, including processes for achieving increased thermal output from combustion processes, processes for improved combustion in boilers and furnaces, processes for reducing the emission of undesirable pollutants, and processes for increasing the combustion of carbon.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heat-generating mixture, to a method and a device for generating heat, especially for heating food such as water, coffee, etc.

Abstract: Provided is a hypergolic bipropellant formed by combining a IL fuel having a dicyanamide anion and a nitrogen-containing, heterocyclic-based cation with an oxidizer for such fuel.

Abstract: The invention relates to thermal pre-ignition agents and to their use as thermal fuses, in particular for use in gas generators of motor-vehicle safety systems.

Abstract: A novel compound, tris (5-amino tetrazolo) triazine is used for example, as a gas generating fuel. A method of making the compound is also provided. A gas generating composition, 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 200 such as an airbag inflator 10 or seat belt assembly 150, or more broadly within a vehicle occupant protection system 180.

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: 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: The present invention is directed to a tracer composition for tracer bullets and other projectiles. One preferred formula of the tracer composition generally includes about 58 parts by weight of magnesium, about 38 parts by weight of polytetraflouroethylene, about 4 parts by weight of acrylic rubber, and a burn rate stabilizer such as about 1.5 parts by weight of carbon black or graphite. Tracer bullets including the tracer composition of the invention tend to exhibit a projectile path that is almost unnoticeable to the naked eye but quite visible through the use of equipment detecting energy in the near infrared range.

Abstract: A flash powder formulation for use in flash grenades that produces reduced smoke containing from about 10 percent by weight to about 60 percent by weight of zirconium hydride, from about 40 percent by weight to about 90 percent by weight CAN, and from zero percent by weight to about 5 percent by weight of a binder material.

Abstract: The inclusion of between about 15 to about 60 formulation weight percent of a reaction product of basic copper nitrate and at least one transition metal complex of 5-aminotetrazole, wherein the at least one transition metal complex of 5-aminotetrazole and the basic copper nitrate are included in a weight ratio of no more than 1 part of the at least one transition metal complex of 5-aminotetrazole per 1 part of basic copper nitrate in azide fuel-free gas generant formulations exhibiting increased burn rates, as compared to the same formulation without the inclusion of that reaction product.

Abstract: A thermite torch formulation that includes a metal fuel in the form of a magnalium alloy and an oxidizer in the form of MoO3. When the thermite formulation is reacted, a torch may direct at least one reaction product onto a certain region of an object to deliver a large amount of energy to that region of the object.

Abstract: A thermite torch formulation that consists essentially of a metal fuel, a first oxidizer CuO, a second oxidizer MoO3, and a binder material. When the thermite formulation is reacted, a torch may direct at least one reaction product onto a certain region of an object to deliver a large amount of energy to that region of the object.

Abstract: This invention relates to granules comprising a homogenous mixture of metal flakes and/or metal powder and metal oxide powder, and a binder. The invention also relates to a process for producing such granules. The process includes the step of forming a mixture of metal flakes and/or metal powder and metal oxide powder, forming the mixture into a homogenous blend, adding the blend, together with a binder, to a granulator to form granules, and drying the granules. Granules so formed containing aluminum, aluminum oxide and iron oxide find particular use as sensitizers and energizers in explosives compositions.

Abstract: Novel non-toxic, heavy-metal free, zinc peroxide-containing, IR tracer compositions are provided herein, which, when incorporated into a medium caliber IR tracer projectile and fired, produce a dim visibility IR trace. Such IR tracer compositions comprise from about 65 to about 75% by weight, of zinc peroxide; from about 15 to about 25% by weight of a fuel which consists of sodium salicylate; and an effective amount of a binder which is selected from the group consisting of calcium resinate and cellulose acetate butyrate. The total percentage of the ingredients adds up to 100%. Medium caliber, i.e., 0.50 caliber, IR tracer projectiles containing such IR tracer compositions are also provided.

Abstract: A thermobaric munition including a composite explosive material, the composite explosive material having a high-explosive composition, and a detonable energetic material dispersed within the high-explosive composition, the detonable energetic material in the form of a thin film, the thin film having at least one layer composed at least in part by a reducing metal and at least one layer composed at least in part by a metal oxide. A related method includes tailoring the blast characteristics of high explosive composition to match a predetermined time-pressure impulse, the method including disbursing a detonable energetic material having a preselected reaction rate within the high-explosive composition, the detonable energetic material in the form of a thin film, the thin film having at least one layer composed at least in part by a reducing metal and at least one layer composed at least in part by a metal oxide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to solid compounds which generate hydrogen by combustion, and to a method for generating hydrogen based on the combustion of said compounds. Said compounds have a composition which includes at least one inorganic borohydride, selected from alkali borohydrides, alkaline-earth borohydrides and mixtures thereof, and at least one inorganic oxidant. Characteristically, said composition comprises sulfur. Said method is advantageously implemented for supplying hydrogen to a fuel cell.

Abstract: A munition is described including a reactive fragment having an energetic material having a least one layer of a reducing metal or metal hydride and at least one layer of a metal oxide dispersed in a binder material. A method is also described including forming a energetic material; including combining the energetic material having a least one layer of a reducing metal or metal hydride and at least one layer of a metal oxide with a polymeric 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: A shaped, flexible fuel and energetic system is presented. The shaped, flexible fuel comprises at least one polymeric binding material and porous silicon particles dispersed throughout the polymeric binding material. The porous silicon particles are prepared from a metallurgical grade silicon powder. The shaped, flexible fuel preferably includes shapes such as: an article, a film, a wire and a tape. The energetic system comprises the shaped, flexible fuel portion used alone or in combination with at least one oxidizer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gas generating polymer compound that when irradiated with light or other radiation sources makes a solid to gas phase transition due to chemically catylized degradation, irradiative degradation or both. This provides a low cost, stable and easily manufactured means of gas production. Also disclosed are possible uses for the gas generator such as a low cost micro thruster.

Abstract: A novel compound, used for example, as a gas generating fuel, is methoxy carbonyl-5 amino tetrazole. A method of making the compound is also provided. A gas generating composition, 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 200 such as an airbag inflator 10 or seat belt assembly 150, or more broadly within a vehicle occupant protection system 180.

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: A novel pyrotechnic delay composition for use in metal delay fuse cartridges, including as its primary constituent Si—Al—Fe3O4 prepared from powdered form. The delay composition yields a progressive burning zone and burns substantially gas-free, is safe to handle, is resistant to moisture and degradation over time, can be incorporated within the confines of existing detonator shells, and poses no environmental hazards.

Abstract: A gas generating composition containing a tetrazole amide as a fuel, 5-formamido-1H-tetrazole for example, and an oxidizer is provided. The gas generant is contained within a gas generator. The gas generator may be contained within a gas generating system such as an airbag inflator or seat belt assembly, or more broadly within a vehicle occupant protection system.

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 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 benzene ring with nitro substitution, R2 is a tetrazolyl group with a C—C bond to the benzene ring, and R3 is a tetrazolyl group with a C—C bond to the benzene ring. Other fuels used in the gas generant compositions of the present invention include methylene bi(tetrazole); and 2,3-bis(tetrazolo) pyrazine. A method of making the compound is also provided. Gas generant compositions 12 containing these fuels are provided within a gas generator 10. The gas generator 10 may be contained within a gas generating system 200 such as an airbag inflator 10 or seat belt assembly 150, or more broadly within a vehicle occupant protection system 180.

Abstract: A novel compound, used for example, as a gas generating fuel, is methoxy carbonyl-5 amino tetrazole. A method of making the compound is also provided. A gas generating composition, 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 200 such as an airbag inflator 10 or seat belt assembly 150, or more broadly within a vehicle occupant protection system 180.

Abstract: A highly heat-resistant gas generating agent is provided. The gas generating agent is for a gas generator for an airbag system that is installed at least outside a vehicle cabin and that protects an individual subjected to impact by the vehicle, and has a mass loss rate of not more than 1% after holding for 400 hours at 130° C. in a sealed system. The gas generating agent preferably comprises fuel and oxidizing agent and the melting point of the fuel is preferably at least 250° C.

Abstract: A thermobaric explosive composition is provided that includes coated fuel particle, a nitramine, and binder. The coated fuel particles preferably have a magnesium core and an aluminum coating. Upon detonation, the nitramine disperses the coated fuel particles over a blast area during a first overpressure stage. The aluminum coating of the fuel particles has a thickness selected to provide an amount of aluminum that is stoichiometrically less than an amount of ambient-air oxygen available in the blast area for aerobic combustion with the aluminum during the first overpressure stage. Once exposed, the magnesium cores may combust to increase the impulse generated in the first overpressure stage. Also provided are articles of manufacture and related methods.

Abstract: A method to substantially desensitize a metastable intermolecular composite material to electrostatic discharge and friction comprising mixing the composite material with an organic diluent and removing enough organic diluent from the mixture to form a mixture with a substantially putty-like consistency, as well as a concomitant method of recovering the metastable intermolecular composite material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a group of tertiary amine azides 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 method is disclosed for preparing metastable nanoenergetic composites (MNC) and for wet loading those MNCs into percussion primer cups. The method involves dispersing nanosize reactants in an inert liquid or, alternatively, making a nanosize reactant surface modification for improvement of reactant's chemical inertness towards water, followed by application of additives supporting a solid reactant particle dispersion in water or water solution prior to mixing. After mixing of the reactants, one maintains the presence of liquid water together within an energetic material in order to enhance safety during pre-loading of the primer mixture into the primer cups and during the final drying.

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 of 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: An emulsion explosive including a discontinuous phase dispersed in a liquid fuel continuous phase and is provided. The discontinuous phase contains a liquid oxidizer other than an inorganic oxidizer salt. Also provided are articles of manufacture containing the emulsion explosive.

Abstract: Airbag inflators employ gas generating compositions formed from a mixture of fuels and a mixture of oxidizers and preferably mica at levels of 1 to 5% by weight. The gas generant composition contains a primary and secondary fuel. The primary fuel is a guanidine compound, preferably guanidine nitrate. The secondary fuel is selected from tetrazoles, triazoles and mixtures thereof at levels of 5% by weight or less of the total gas generant composition. The oxidizer system is a mixture of at least two components selected from the group consisting of transition metal oxides, alkali metal nitrates and alkaline earth metal nitrates. The novel gas generants yield inflating gases having a reduced content of undesirable gases such as nitrous oxides and carbon monoxide.

Abstract: Novel non-toxic, heavy-metal free, zinc peroxide-containing, IR tracer compositions are provided herein, which, when incorporated into a medium caliber IR tracer projectile and fired, produce a dim visibility IR trace. Such IR tracer compositions comprise from about 65 to about 75% by weight, of zinc peroxide; from about 15 to about 25% by weight of a non-metallic fuel which consists of sodium salicylate; and an effective amount of a binder which is selected from the group consisting of calcium resinate and cellulose acetate butyrate. The total percentage of the ingredients adds up to 100%. Medium caliber, i.e., 0.50 caliber, IR tracer projectiles containing such IR tracer compositions are also provided.

Abstract: Glycerin-containing explosive compositions comprising at least an oxidizer and glycerin are provided. The explosive compositions may comprise a glycerin, such as impure or crude glycerin, modified crude glycerin, substantially pure glycerin or pure glycerin. The explosive compositions may comprise other combustible fuels such as fuel oil or carbonaceous material(s). The explosive compositions may be prepared on site, loaded in bulk on mobile platforms, and/or prepared and packaged in suitable containers.

Abstract: A firing agent which is used in a gas generating device of a vehicle occupant protection device together with a non-azide gas generating agent, for firing the non-azide gas generating agent, wherein the firing agent contains a fuel and an oxidizing agent and is configured to burn at a combustion speed higher than that of the non-azide gas generating agent; a method for using the firing agent; and a gas generating device of a vehicle occupant protection device using the firing agent.

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.

Abstract: A novel compound, tris (5-amino tetrazolo) triazine is used for example, as a gas generating fuel. A method of making the compound is also provided. A gas generating composition, 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 200 such as an airbag inflator 10 or seat belt assembly 150, or more broadly within a vehicle occupant protection system 180.

Abstract: A novel composition, used for example, as an autoignition and/or booster composition 12, contains cellulose acetate butyrate, nitroguanidine, a metal perchlorate such as potassium perchlorate, a first additive that liberates molybdenum trioxide during combustion, and a second additive selected from well known fuels used in gas generating systems. The novel composition is contained for example 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 200.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas generating composition including a basic magnesium carbonate in addition to a fuel and an oxidizing agent, the content of the basic magnesium carbonate being less than 20 mass %.

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 method of decomposing an organic azide is provided and comprises allowing an organic azide to contact a catalytic metal halide, main group halide, mixed metal-main group halide, or mixture thereof. Organic azide fuel sources comprising an organic azide/catalyst combination are also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to a gas generator having two or more compartments, each with a separate initiator, with one compartment discharging before another, i.e., the compartments discharge sequentially. Each compartment has the same propellants, but the propellants have different geometries in each compartment, which results in different rates of gas evolution from each compartment. The gas generator has a rapid initial inflation, followed by a more gradual inflation rate in the subsequent stages, improving safety to occupants. One propellant used for the gas generator comprises (1) ammonium nitrate as the oxidizer, (2) a fuel such as CL-20. and (3) a binder such as polycaprolactone. A second propellant comprises by weight approximately 70-95% energetic nitrate fuel, 5-25% energetic polymer binder and 0.1-5% flash suppressant. No hot metal particles (e.g., CuO) are generated in the new systems.

Abstract: The reduced toxicity hypergolic bipropellant fuels of the present invention contain a hypergolic fuel and rocket grade hydrogen peroxide oxidizer, preferably HTP. The hypergolic fuel may be a reactive fuel or a catalytic fuel. The rocket grade hydrogen peroxide oxidizer consists of about 90 weight % to about 99 weight % H2O2, more preferably about 94 weight % to 99 weight % H2O2. However, hypergolic ignition may be attained with a H2O2 content as low as 70 weight % for some reactive fuels. The reactive fuel comprises about 6 weight % to 10 weight % reducing agent in a solvent. The catalytic fuel comprises about 6 weight % to 10 weight % catalytic agent in a solvent. The reactive fuels contain ingredients that are intrinsically reactive with rocket grade hydrogen peroxide. Upon contact with rocket grade hydrogen peroxide oxidizer, reactive fuels react vigorously with the hydrogen peroxide resulting in ignition. The catalytic fuels are produced by dissolving a catalytic agent in a solvent.

Abstract: Preferred embodiments of the present invention relate to rocket fuels comprising metal hydrides and poly-dicyclopentadiene (“poly-DCPD”). Although poly-DCPD also has physical and chemical properties that are compatible with being used as a rocket fuel in its own right, its primary function is as a binder for the metal hydride. Illustrative examples of metal hydrides include but are not limited to as aluminum hydrides, lithium hydrides, and lithium aluminum hydrides.