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: 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 relates to a gas generating composition including a fuel, an oxidizing agent, a binder and an additive, the additive being one or two or more selected from complex basic carbonates represented by Formula (I) or (II) below; M1+M23+CO3(OH)2??(I) M32+M42+CO3(OH)2??(II) (In Formula (I), M1+ stands for H+, Li+, Na+, K+, or NH4+; M23+ stands for Al3+, Fe3+, Cr3+, Co3+, In3+, Bi3+, Sb3+, B3+, Sc3+, or Ga3+; in Formula (II), M32+ and M42+ are mutually different, each standing for Cu2+, Zn2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Mg2+, Mn2+, Fe2+, or Be2+).

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: Surface-modified metal fuels, which improve the stability in storage of pyrotechnics and methods for manufacturing such fuels, are provided. Improved storage stability is conferred either by alloying the precursor metal prior to the powder production process, or by forming an enhanced stability coating on the surface of the metal powders during the powder production process.

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 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 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: 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: The present invention relates to a solid formulation, more particularly to a pellet-type formulation that produces CO2 gas in a constant rate when contacting liquid acid. The pellet-type formulation of the invention is characterized in that the pellet is produced by the following: preparing a pellet by extrusion molding a composition that comprises a major amount of Sodium Carbonate (Na2CO3) and a minor amount of gelatin, and additionally a minor amount of synthetic resin that hardly reacts with acid; coating said pellet with a resin that hardly reacts with acid; and forming a recess or a hole at the center of the pellet. The present invention also relates to a process of preparing a pellet-type formulation that produces CO2 gas in a constant rate when contacting liquid acid.

Abstract: High explosives suitable for filling very small volume loading holes in micro-electric initiators for micro-electro-mechanical mechanisms, used as safe and arm devices, are prepared from slurries of crystalline energetic materials including organic liquid and applied using various methods. These methods include swipe loading, pressure loading and syringe loading. The organic liquid serves as a volatile mobile phase in the slurry so as to partially dissolve the energetic material so that, upon evaporation of the mobile phase, the energetic material precipitates and adheres to the loading hole.

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: Secondary crystalline high explosives are disclosed which are suitable for filling very small volume loading holes in micro-electric initiators for micro-electro-mechanical mechanisms (MEMS), used as safe and arm (S&A) devices. The explosives are prepared by adding the such a high explosive to an aqueous first volatile mobile phase, adding such a high explosive to a non-aqueous second volatile mobile phase, mixing the first and second volatile mobile phases and then loading the combined phases into the MEMS device and allowing the aqueous and non-aqueous solvents to evaporate depositing the high explosive. Enhanced adhesion between the deposited high explosive and enhanced rheological properties can be obtained by adding a polymeric binder to both mobile phases.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for gassing an explosive to sensitise the explosive and/or modify the density of the explosive. The method comprises reacting at least one oxidiser with at least one nitrogen containing compound in the explosive to generate nitrogen gas. The explosive is formulated to effect diffusion of the oxidiser and/or the compound into contact with each other, the nitrogen gas being generated by oxidation of the compound by the oxidiser. The invention extends to the explosive compositions themselves.

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 readily gasified additive has been added to AN (ammonium nitrate) based bulk explosives (ANFO, emulsions, and combinations thereof) with positive results, due to the time, temperature, and pressure conditions generated in a blasthole. The preferred final explosive mixture is primarily comprised of AN, fuel oil, and a carbonaceous additive material that is characterized as being readily gasified as indicated by its rapid release of volatile materials and char formation, the high internal porosity and surface area of the base material and its char, and the uniform distribution of catalytic mineral matter throughout the material. It is understood that other readily gasified additives may be similarly effective.

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: The present invention provides a hybrid inflator including: a pressurized gas and a solid gas generating agent that generates a combustion gas as a gas source, the solid gas generating agent including at least an oxidizing agent and a binder, the pressurized gas including 15 mol % or more of oxygen.

Abstract: An explosive composition is provided that is comprised of a Heavy ANFO and grain hulls. In one embodiment, the grain hulls are comprised of rice hulls. The grain hulls serve both as an inert bulking additive that reduces the density of the composition and as a sensitizer that reduces the energy needed to reliably detonate the composition. Also provided is a method for manufacturing an explosive composition comprised of Heavy ANFO and grain hulls, such as rice hulls. Additionally, a method of using an explosive comprised of ANFO and grain hulls in a mining operation is disclosed.

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: 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: A simulant material for simulating hazardous materials is provided. The simulant material includes a quantity of at least one explosive material and at least one inert material. The simulant material is a non-explosive material and is in the form of a homogenous, flexible and non-particulated material. Also provided is a method for manufacturing such a simulant material.

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: The invention is a method and a composition where, on command, a distributed number of micron size voids are created in an energetic material. The voids are hot spots, which change the shock compression sensitivity of the explosive composition by a factor of 2 to 10. The composition contains SMART materials, which are magnetostrictive materials having a large magnetostrictive coefficient, and in a matter of microseconds following the application of an external electromagnetic field, each of the magnetostrictive nano-structures expands and contracts forming a void, where the sum of the voids increases the shock compression sensitivity of the composition.

Abstract: A structured, self-assembled nanoenergetic material is disclosed that includes a nanostructure comprising at least one of the group consisting of a fuel and an oxidizer and a plurality of substantially spherical nanoparticles comprising at least the other of the group consisting of a fuel and an oxidizer. The spherical particles are arranged around the exterior surface area of said nanorod. This structured particle assures that the oxidizer and the fuel have a high interfacial surface area between them. Preferably, the nanostructure is at least one of a nanorod, nanowire and a nanowell, and the second shaped nanoparticle is a nanosphere.

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: Sulfur-free and carbon-free, white propellant compositions for use as a blackpowder substitute in firearms, munitions, and pyrotechnics to form combustion byproducts that are water soluble and are free of corrosive sulfur compounds and black carbon residues. Formulations include a fuel agent selected from the group consisting of sodium benzoate, lactose, sodium salicylate, sodium m-nitrobenzoate, and mixtures thereof. The fuel agent is combined with dextrin, potassium nitrate, potassium perchlorate, and tricalcium phosphate. Dicyanodiamide may be incorporated in the formulation as a burn rate modifier.

Abstract: An azide-free gas-generating composition for use in gas generators for safety arrangements, in particular in gas generators for vehicle occupant restraint systems, includes a fuel and an oxidizer. The fuel is a compound having a melting point of at least 120 degrees C., and is selected from the group of nitrogenous organic compounds and of aliphatic dicarboxylic acids, and mixtures, derivatives and salts thereof. The oxidizer comprises tetrakis(2,2,2-trinitroethyl)orthocarbonate (TNEOC), with the TNEOC being present in a proportion of at least 10% by weight of the composition.

Abstract: A gas generating system devoid of a booster chamber. The inflator includes a composition having a metal chlorate as a first oxidizer, a primary fuel selected from carboxylic acids, dicarboxylic acids, and mixtures thereof, and a second oxidizer not having perchlorate character. The metal chlorate is provided at about 10-20 wt %, the primary fuel is provided at about 15-45 wt %, and the second oxidizer is provided at about 30-50 wt % stated by weight of the total composition.

Abstract: A charge system for destroying chips on a circuit board is provided. The charge system has a first substrate having a number of recesses formed therein with each of the recesses having a housing disposed therein. A high density charge is disposed within the housing. A number of recesses are formed within the high density charge. A number of low density charges are disposed within each of the recesses formed within the high density charge. A second substrate is located proximate to the first substrate. The low density charge and the high density charge are structured to destroy the second substrate after ignition. A method of destroying chips is also provided.

Abstract: Methods of making cross sectional, functionally-graded munitions propellants exhibiting various distributions of particle concentrations and burn rate, including having a fast burning core and slower burning outer layer(s). Unlike prior art methods of preparing such munitions, propellants prepared according to our inventive method(s) may be performed substantially as a single extrusion step or as a few processing steps, without requiring the time, expense and/or difficulties that characterized familiar, laminating methods and methods which use multiple extruders. Our inventive method advantageously employs a demixing phenomenon that, prior to our inventive application and teaching, has been considered quite undesirable in the preparation of propellants where uniformity and well-mixedness have been propellant attributes widely sought after.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas generating composition comprising a fuel and an oxidizing agent and further a copper powder.

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: The present invention relates generally to carbon nanotubes, and more particularly to the interaction of single wall carbon nanotubes with hydrazoic acid to introduce energetic azide groups into the nanotubes to form activated carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: A primer composition that includes stabilized, encapsulated red phosphorus, at least one oxidizer, at least one secondary explosive composition, at least one light metal, and at least one acid resistant binder. The stabilized, encapsulated red phosphorus may include particles of red phosphorus, a metal oxide coating, and a polymer layer. The metal oxide coating may be a coating of aluminum hydroxide, bismuth hydroxide, cadmium hydroxide, cerium hydroxide, chromium hydroxide, germanium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, manganese hydroxide, niobium hydroxide, silicon hydroxide, tin hydroxide, titanium hydroxide, zinc hydroxide, zirconium hydroxide, or mixtures thereof. The polymer layer may be a layer of epoxy resin, melamine resin, phenol formaldehyde resin, polyurethane resin, or mixtures thereof. A percussion cap primer that includes the primer composition, a tertiary explosive composition, and a cup is also disclosed, as are ordnance devices including the primer composition.

Abstract: A solvent-free process is used to make mouldable plastic explosives or mouldable plastic explosive simulant products.

Abstract: Stone Wales defect pairs in a carbon nanostructure are used to store energy. Energy is released by a chain reaction of phonons disrupting the defect pairs to generate more phonons until the lattice returns to its original hexagonal form and the energy is released in the form of lattice vibrations. Devices may be configured as a battery to release electrical energy in a controlled manner or as an explosive to release energy in an uncontrolled manner.

Abstract: A highly-filled paste, and a method and device of de-aerating and injecting the paste, the paste including: (a) a solid filler; (b) an organic binder, and (c) a residual gas, wherein the paste contains at least 80 volume-% of the solid filler and has a viscosity exceeding 100 kilopascal·seconds, wherein the filler, binder, and residual gas are intimately mixed so as to form a substantially homogeneous paste, and wherein a composition of the solid filler, binder, and residual gas is selected such that the homogeneous paste has: an average density greater than 98.5% of a Theoretical Maximum Density (TMD).

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods of making carbon nanotubes, and more particularly to the interaction of single wall carbon nanotubes with hydrazoic acid to introduce energetic azide groups into the nanotubes to form activated carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: According to the invention there is provided an impact initiated pyrotechnic target including an impact initiated pyrotechnic composition which can be initiated by the impact of an inert projectile, said pyrotechnic composition including: an oxidising agent; optionally, a fuel or reducing agent; a sensitiser in the form of a sulfur containing compound; and optionally, a binder.

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: 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: A flexible dilute explosive device is provided that includes an explosive material, such as pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), combined with a non-reactive matrix material, such as light-weight polymer beads, and the combination is held in flexible packaging. The flexible packaging includes fabric, antistatic, evacuated and plastic housings. The flexible dilute explosive device can be applied to any contoured shape in the field. It has a total density that is typically between 5 to 10% greater than its explosive density and can be reliably detonated at lower explosive densities. By using different packaging methods, the flexible dilute explosive device can be made to have a fixed explosive density, or a field tailored explosive density using a variable volume housing. It can have a reduced explosive density by adding inert foam blocks to the combination, having an overall volumetric explosive density reduced to 2.5 lb/ft3 (0.04 g/cm3).

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.