Abstract: An explosive composition, an insensitive munition with a metal eutectic binder, and a method include using a metal eutectic binder with metal coated explosive particles. The metal eutectic binder concept represents novel melt-cast solid mixtures having explosives such as RDX (cyclonite) or HMX (octogen) distributed in an alloy including, for example, eutectic bismuth (Bi)/tin (Sn). Eutectic alloys are particularly considered to provide a melting point of the mixture below the exothermic point of the explosive so that vented munitions disarm by melting without exploding in the event of fire or other elevated heating. Particularly novel is the pre-coating of crystals of explosive (RDX/HMX) with a metal to promote wetting and bonding during melt fabrication of the final mixture. Copper, aluminum, and other metals are considered for use as coating.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of stable amorphous secondary explosives and combinations thereof—wherein the stability is enhanced with the addition of a polymeric additives and can be further enhanced with mechanical compression of the amorphous material.

Abstract: A precise, slow burning, pyrotechnic delay composition composed of a ternary system of from about 8 to about 55 weight percent B4C fuel, 35 to about 82 weight percent NalO4 oxidizer, and PTFE which acts as a pyrotechnic oxidizer and lubricant—such that the resulting composition has surprisingly good mechanical properties, i.e. it can be pressed to a desirably high consolidated density with ordinary loading force, and with minimal wear on the tooling used for pressing.

Abstract: An insensitive crystalline high explosive molding powder, usable as a booster HE. The subject insensitive crystalline high explosive molding powder being manufactured by adding the crystalline high explosive, and a polymer or wax based binder to a solvent to form a solution, spray drying the solution to drive off the solvent, thereby co-precipitating the HE and binder to form granules in which the crystals of HE are uniformly distributed in the binder.

Abstract: An energetic material comprises an energetic crystalline material substantially coated in an energetic plasticiser material. Advantageously the energetic material comprises from 90 to 99% by weight of an energetic crystalline material and from 1 to 10% by weight of an energetic plasticiser material comprising a plasticiser selected from the group comprising Butane Triol trinitrate (BTTN), Trimethylanol ethane trinitrate (TMETN), Diazidonitrazapentane (DANPE), Glycidyl Azide Polymer (Azide Derivative) (GAP Azide), Bis(2,2-dinitropropyl)acetal/bis(2,2-dinitropropyl)formal (BDNPA/F) or mixtures of two or more of these plasticisers. The inventors have found that the combination of just a small quantity of energetic plasticiser material to the energetic crystalline material prior to incorporation into the bulk plasticiser, binder and filler mixture of an explosive or propellant composition has unexpected and advantageous effects.

Abstract: A method of forming composite materials includes mixing a first metal precursor with a chelating agent to form a first metal-chelate complex. The first metal-chelate complex is added to a polymer binder having terminating hydroxyl groups to form a polymer binder-first metal-chelate. The polymer binder first metal-chelate complex is mixed with an aluminum precursor. The aluminum precursor decomposes forming aluminum nanoparticles dispersed in a continuous phase material having metallic aluminum cores. At least one of the first metal-chelate complex and the first metal is dissolved in the continuous phase. The aluminum nanoparticles can have a passivating coating layer thereon provided by the polymer binder, or can have a passivating coating layer formed by including an epoxide, alcohol, carboxylic acid, or amine in the adding that forms passivating compound(s) which add further protection that can provide complete protection from oxidation of the metallic aluminum cores by air.

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: A system and method correct crystal pulling motor speed deviations in a crystal pulling mechanism. In a first embodiment, a processor implements a tracking filter by estimating new filter state based on previous state and the since-then-travelled nominal distance, and then updating the filter state based on estimation error and filter gains which are also functions of the travelled nominal distance. In a second embodiment, a harmonic tracking filter suppresses residual harmonic modulation and allows a short time constant. Rapid variations of pulling speed may thus be corrected.

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: A process for manufacture of explosive formulations containing a halogenated wax binder, involving dilution of the halogenated wax in a non-aqueous lacquer, slurring the explosive in an aqueous solution and applying heat and vacuum to yield a granular explosive which provides complete coating to avoid hot spots and is quickly pressable at lower temperature and pressure.

Abstract: An electrostatic charge dissipation composition having at least one energetic particle component and at least one oxidized electrically active polymer deposited on the energetic component. In another embodiment, the electrostatic charge dissipation composition includes at least one energetic particle component, at least one non-conducting polymer binder, and at least one oxidized electrically active polymer deposited on the energetic/binder composition.

Abstract: An electrostatic charge dissipation composition having at least one energetic particle component and at least one oxidized electrically active polymer deposited on the energetic component. In another embodiment, the electrostatic charge dissipation composition includes at least one energetic particle component, at least one non-conducting polymer binder, and at least one oxidized electrically active polymer deposited on the energetic/binder 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: Subjects of the present invention are: a method of desensitizing crystals of an energetic explosive substance by coating them, said method comprising the deposition, carried out within a fluid, outside the normal temperature and pressure conditions, preferably under supercritical conditions, of a metal and/or polymer film, advantageously of a metal film or of a polymer film, on the surface of said crystals, the metal(s) and/or polymer(s) in question having been firstly dissolved in a solvent; the coated crystals of an energetic explosive substance obtainable by said method; and the energetic materials containing said crystals coated by said method and/or said crystals desensitized by said method.

Abstract: An electrostatic charge reduction system including a composition having at least one energetic particle component with or without a non-conducting binder, and conducting polymer or electrically neutral polymer deposited on the energetic component in its oxidized form. The oxidation of the polymer occurs during or after the polymer deposition process.

Abstract: An insensitive pressable explosive with a high level of energy comprises octogen grains or hexogen which are coated with a polysiloxane solution.

Abstract: A nitrate ester plasticized energetic composition in which the binder is made of, prior to curing, lower alkylene glycol prepolymer blocks end-capped with ethylene glycol monomers and/or oligomers. The end-capped prepolymer blocks are preferably difunctional or trifunctional. The lower alkylene glycol are preferably propylene glycol, butylene glycol, and/or copolymers thereof. The difunctional end-capped alkylene glycol prepolymer blocks are cured with a diisocyanate or polyisocyanate. In the case of a trifunctional (or higher functional) end-capped alkylene glycol prepolymer block, preferably a diisocyanate is used to effect crosslinking.

Abstract: An explosive suitable for low energy initiation is made by coating epsilon structure one to five micron crystals of CL-20 with a polymeric binder where the polymeric binder is one to three percent by weight of the coated crystals and a method of applying such polymeric binders by either a slurry method or an alternate method of using a nonaqueous liquid to suspend CL-20 crystals then adding a lacquer of polymeric binder.

Abstract: A pyrotechnical object is made by compressing a pyrotechnical mass, and introducing into the mass an ignition and combustion accelerator in the form of a propellant powder. The propellant powder could be mixed with the mass prior to compression. Alternatively, the propellant powder could be pressed into an ignition surface of the mass after the pressing. The propellant powder may comprise basic cellulose and/or nitro-cellulose.

Abstract: The invention is a composition containing high loadings of TNAZ that are made by crash precipitation with water as the precipitation agent. The compositions are in the form of powders, which can be formed and shaped by presseing, extrusion, etc. The TNAZ can be from about 94 to about 99% by weight of the composition.

Abstract: Composition comprising 2,4,6,8,10,12-hexanitrohexaazoisonurtitane (CL-20) coated with a shock sensitivity reducing agent whereby the shock sensitivity of the composition is reduced a statistically significant amount.

Abstract: Composition comprising 2,4,6,8,10,12-hexanitrohexaazoisonurtitane (CL-20) coated with a shock sensitivity reducing agent whereby the shock sensitivity of the composition is reduced a statistically significant amount.

Abstract: Composition comprising 2,4,6,8,10,12-hexanitrohexaazoisonurtitane (CL-20) coated with a shock sensitivity reducing agent whereby the shock sensitivity of the composition is reduced a statistically significant amount.

Abstract: Composition comprising cyclotrimethylene-trinitramine (RDX) coated with a shock sensitivity reducing agent whereby the shock sensitivity of the composition is reduced a statistically significant amount.

Abstract: Composition comprising cyclotetramethylene-tetranitramine (HMX) coated with a shock sensitivity reducing agent whereby the shock sensitivity of the composition is reduced a statistically significant amount.

Abstract: The current invention treats .alpha.-octogene which, with the aid of a new procedure, has been coated with synthetic materials in such a manner that it does not convert into .beta.-octogene at room temperature The coating is done at temperatures between 30.degree. and 60.degree. C. from an aqueous slurry; this causes granulates to form which can be heated to temperatures of 100.degree. C. without a rearrangement to .beta.-octogene to occur; even a grain growth does not take place. The granulates according to the invention are pourable and can be easily dosaged. .beta.-octogene can be coated in the same manner, particularly if it is coated as very fine grain of less than 50 .mu.m according to the invention. Thus, the current invention includes also the particularly fine .beta.-octogene, coated according to the current procedure, which shows the same properties as the required .alpha.-octogene.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved polyurea coating compositions for particluate solids, and especially for fillers which are useful in solid rocket propellants. The composition is a copolymer of a primary or secondary amine and 3-nitrazapentane diisocyanate.

Abstract: The invention is an insensitive energetic composition that is an explosive and the related articles and systems. The composition has HMX or RDX as an energetic filler, a nonenergetic binder and an energetic plasticizer. The plasticizer is a nitrato-nitramine or a liquid nitrate ester. This provides a matrix with a glass transition temperature below minus 45 degrees Centigrade. In another variation, the composition can also include aluminum powder. Generally, the materials have particularly strong blast effects.

Abstract: A compactable composite explosive consisting of 90 weight % to 95 weight % of a raw explosive material being RDX, 5 weight % to 10 weight % of ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer resin containing vinyl acetate in a content of 10 % to 20 % and 0 weight % to 0.5 weight % of dioctyl adipate (D.O.A.) or graphite. This composite explosive is usable as a main charge or a booster of a highly precise arms system. The invention also provides a method for producing a compactable composite explosive, which comprises the steps of dissolving a binder of ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer resin in a solvent of toluene to prepare a solution, injecting the solution into RDX dispersed in a water, forming a granular product from the obtained mixture, distilling primarily the product, *adding toluene into the product, and distilling secondarily the product. The amount of added toluene is 1.0 time to 3.0 times the amount of the binder measured after the primary distillation.

Abstract: In a process for the production of desensitized, high energy explosive, particularly hexogen (RDX), as a component of plastic-bound explosives or propellant powders, the particulate explosive with a grain size up to 20 .mu.m is suspended with a desensitizing polymer in aqueous dispersion, the slurries are applied to a rotary, heated roller, the applied material is dried at a temperature of >100.degree. C. and is scraped from the roller after drying.

Abstract: A method of making cast 60/40 RDX/TNT explosives in which RDX is admixed in TNT to form a safer and more effective explosive mixture. The method includes the steps of admixing a latex emulsion with RDX in an amount sufficient to at least partially coat the RDX with the latex, and removing excess moisture from the admixture. The coated explosive is added to the TNT to form a casting mixture and thereafter solidified to form the 60/40 explosive. In a preferred embodiment, the latex is selected from polyethlyene latexes, polyurethane latexes and acrylic latexes.

Abstract: An explosive composition comprises one or several self-detonating explosives, such as PETN, HMX, TNT or RDX, desensitized by wax or water and one or several inert materials. The invention is characterized in that the inert material or a part thereof consists of a rubber of the type silicone rubber or latex rubber, which inert material constitutes matrix or binding agent. The components after being mixed together constitute a composition, which can be cast, extruded or rolled-out.

Abstract: A compact folding camera having a plurality of housing members which are mounted for movement between folded and erect positions includes a six-bar, revolute joint, erecting system for coordinating movement of these movable housing members between their folded and erect positions.

Abstract: Method for producing novel deterred granular nitrocellulose propellant powder compositions having a stable burn rate gradient. The invention comprises coating nitrocellulose propellant granules with a minor amount by weight of a polycaprolactone polymer which is soluble in nitrocellulose under conditions which cause the polymer to be gradually dissolved into the granules to produce maximum burn deterrence at the surface of the granules which gradually decreases inwardly therefrom to produce a desired burn rate gradient in the granules.

Abstract: A method for coating high energy explosive crystals is carried out in a fluidized bed apparatus, in which moist explosive crystals are predried and coated with a dispersion of flegmatizing and binding agents injected into said apparatus through nozzles, whereby said explosive crystals form agglomerates and said agglomerates form granules. Water from the dispersion is evaporated and the granules ready for use are discharged.The method is particularly suitable for coating HMX, RDX and pentrite and may be used on explosive crystals having a grain size of about 1 mm, as well as about 150 microns and even below 20 microns.The dispersion comprises, as a main ingredient, for instance plastic or wax.

Abstract: Well stimulation involving use of a liquid explosive composition in the explosive fracturing of subterranean formations such as oil and gas bearing formations. An explosive formulation comprising a nitrate ester explosive component and a phlegmatizer component is introduced into a well penetrating the formation to be fractured. The phlegmatizer component is an alkyl or alkoxy diester which is mixable with the nitrate ester and can be varied in concentration to control the detonation velocity and maximum explosive pressure. Examples of phlegmatizing agents include alkyl or alkoxy alkyl esters of adipate or azelaic acids such as dibutoxyethyl adipate or diisobutyl azelate or polyethylene glycoxy-based diesters such as triethylene glycol dipelargonate. After the formulation is detonated to fracture the formation, the well is placed on production to recover hydrocarbons at an increased rate.

Abstract: Unsupported, compressed propellant charge elements of nitrocellulose grains, as well as propellant charges produced from these propellant charge elements are produced by coating the grains with an acrylate resin and shaping the grains into cylindrical elements. The novel propellant charge elements are manufactured practically without concomitant use of binders or adhesives; they have a cylindrical configuration and contain a coaxial, continuous bore. These elements are suitable as building blocks for propellant charges in ammunition, e.g., for machinegun-type cannons. These building blocks can be used in a very simple form economically directly for the manufacturing of such ammunition. These novel charges contain at least three of the novel propellant charge elements; in this connection, the combustion of these charges can be adjusted at will by varying the propellant charge elements in order to obtain optimum combustion properties.

Abstract: A method of generating reactive crosslinking sites on the surface of the onium perchlorate particles contained in a Catocene-catalyzed, high-burning rate solid propellant composition by a processing agent which also results in a major improvement in the processibility thereof. The fluid state of the propellant is retained during mixing as a result of interaction between the processing agent prepared prior to incorporating it or when the processing agent is prepared in situ during the propellant mix cycle. There are two alternates available toward improving the processibility of Catocene-catalyzed, high-burning rate propellants. These are: a. The synthesis of a condensation product (processing agent) by the interaction at room temperature of 1,3,5,7,9-pentaazanonane, acrylonitrile, oxiranylmethanol and octadecyl isocyanate in predetermined ratios; or b.

Abstract: The disclosure primarily relates to a method of phlegmatizing crystalline or otherwise particulate explosive substances or compositions in which these are included, by first coating the discrete particles with a thin layer of oxazolin wax in order thereafter to carry out a conventional wet-granulation with a true phlegmatization agent or a binder agent, such as one of the wax types included under different explosive standards or a plastic composition. The invention also concerns products manufactured according to said method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a general method of producing progressively burning deterrent-coated powder, more particularly propellant powder for weapons having barrels. According to the method a film-forming, preferably polymerizable deterrent substance is fed to the powder loosely or dispersed in a liquid phase which is thereafter driven off. The invention also relates to a method of giving a deterrent coating to granular powder or powder cut up in to short pieces (so-called tubular powder) in a fluidized bed. Finally, the invention relates to a special deterrent substance in the form of a water-dispersable polyurethane built up on an aliphatic isocyanate and a caprolacton polyester.

Abstract: An adhesive medium for the bonding of surfaces in ammunition which contains explosive charges. The adhesive medium essentially consists of: 14 to 46% by weight of a binding resin non-hardening in oxygen, having a softening point below the melting point of the explosive; 6 to 26% by weight of a pigment composition; and 24 to 66% by weight of a polymeric solvent composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a combustion inhibitor composition intended to cover partly the surface of blocks of double-base propellant. The inhibitor composition of the invention includes an aliphatic polyurethane obtained by the reaction of at least one polyisocyanate with a mixture of at least one polyetherpolyol containing at least three hydroxy groups per molecule and at least one polymer containing two hydroxy groups per molecule. This difunctional polymer is chosen from lactone polymers, such as poly-.epsilon.-caprolactone and polytetrahydrofuran. The inhibitor composition may also contain gasifiable fillers and an aliphatic plasticizer. The composition has good discreteness properties, while retaining excellent mechanical properties. The present invention has particular application in the field of solid weapon propulsion.

Abstract: A process for producing double base propellant powders deterred with Vinsol by diluting the Vinsol with isopropyl alcohol or similar solvent and then adding the solvent Vinsol solution to the propellant powder in a sweetie barrel in an intermittent manner proceeded by addition of graphite.

Abstract: A water-in-oil emulsion explosive composition containing specifically limited hollow microspheres consisting of neutral or weakly acidic hollow microspheres coated with a coating material has a high consistency without deteriorating its storage stability in initiation sensitivity in a small diameter cartridge, and can be safely and easily handled.

Abstract: The present invention falls in the field of propellant charges for ballistic ammunitions which have combustible or a non-combustible casing. According to the invention, the ammunition is constituted by a casing 2 placed around a shell 1 and closed by a portion 3 which carries the primer 4. The casing contains a mixed charge constituted on one hand by fragmentable balls 5 and on the other hand, by grains 6 of propellant powder. The balls 5 are constituted by agglomerated propellant powder. The charges according to the invention may be prepared on an industrial scale very easily and in a very reproducible manner and they permit an appreciable increase of the coefficient of filling of the casing.

Abstract: A firedamp-safe propellant charge comprising a pyrotechnical gas-yielding propellant, said propellant coated with a polymer and/or amides of C.sub.2 -C.sub.4 dicarboxylic acids and/or ammonium oxalate, which composition, upon ignition of the propellant, disintegrates into radicals, said coating being present on said popellant in an amount of 15 to 30 weight percent based upon the weight of said propellant charge.

Abstract: A protective surface coating for ammunition having no cartridge casing and ammunition having a combustible cartridge casing. A body of highly porous nitrocellulose is permeated from the outside with a polymer carried by a solvent to form a binder for the body. A layer of metal platelets containing airpockets is bound to the body with a binding polymer. The metal platelets are covered with an outer coating of a rapidly curing resin. The protective coating is used to prevent the penetration of moisture into the porous cartridge casing or into the powder mass itself and to provide improved stability to heat and flames.

Abstract: A process for desensitizing sensitive explosives materials such as RDX or HMX involves stirring a paste of the explosives material in a liquid medium, usually water, with a wax which will soften below the safe decomposition temperature of the explosives material, heating the mixture to drive off the liquid and soften the wax which is then coated onto the explosives material as the liquid evaporates. On cooling, explosive material particles substantially entirely encapsulated in wax are obtained. When warm or after cooling, aluminum powder can be mixed with the desensitized material. As little as 1% of added wax can improve the F of I of RDX from 73 to around 100 and the wax coating is quite stable even when the explosive is pressed, e.g. when making charges.

Abstract: Sensitive explosive materials such as RDX or HMX may be desensitized by stirring them up with micronised wax in a liquid medium, usually water. The wax is in the form of particles having a mean size of less than 20 microns, preferably less than 6 microns, and particularly preferred is a wax having a mean particle size of from 2 to 4 microns and a specific surface area of from 15000 to 30000 cm.sup.2 /cm.sup.3. Wax in this form adheres to the explosive material and even as little as 1% of wax produces significant desensitization. The invention provides a method by which, in particular, waxes of high melting and softening points which cannot be melted onto the explosives material by conventional methods, can be applied to sensitive explosives materials and thereby provide effective desensitization even at relatively high temperatures.

Abstract: Water-soluble protein is coated onto particles of nitramines by making a rry of nitramine powder in a water solution of the protein and removing the water by evaporation or by filtration after previously precipitating the protein by addition of ethanol. The protein coating acts as a bonding agent to enhance the bond strength between propellant binders and the nitramine particles, resulting in substantial enhancement of desirable propellant properties.