Abstract: A solid composition for generating a nitrogen containing gas is provided. The composition includes an oxidizer and a non-azide fuel selected from a bitetrazoleamine or a derivative or a salt or complex thereof and mixtures thereof. The preferred bitetrazole-amine is bis-(1(2)H-tetrazol-5-yl)-amine, a metal salt, a salt with a nonmetallic cation of a high nitrogen content base or a complex thereof. The salts and complexes are generally metal salts and complexes. The metal can be a transition metal. Metals that have been found to be particularly useful include copper, boron, cobalt, zinc, potassium, sodium, and strontium. The oxidizer is generally a metal oxide or a metal hydroxide. The composition can include certain other components such as secondary oxidizers, burn rate modifiers, slag formers, and binders.

Abstract: An improved blasting composition comprising from about 13 to 15 weight percent unrefined petroleum wax, from about 15 to 20 weight percent aluminum powder, from about 10 to 52 weight percent sodium perchlorate and from about 10 to 52 weight percent ammonium nitrate. The blasting composition may be used in combination with ANFO and in place of conventional solid AP propellants and represents an economical alternative thereto.

Abstract: There is provided a gas generating propellant mix consisting essentially of guanidine nitrate, an oxidizer selected from the group consisting of potassium perchlorate and ammonium perchlorate, a flow enhancer and a binder. When ignited, the propellant mix generates nitrogen, carbon dioxide and steam at an elevated temperature, typically in excess of 800.degree. C. The propellant mix is particularly useful in augmented gas generators to augment the evolution of oxygen from a secondary source such as potassium chlorate. The propellant mix is free of highly toxic compounds and has particular application in automotive airbags.

Abstract: A flame extinguishing pyrotechnic which flamelessly deflagrates to produce rimarily nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and a fluoroolefin. The flame extinguishing characteristic is achieved by reducing the content of oxygen proximate the deflagration as well as through the flame suppressing properties of particular fluoroolefins. The pyrotechnic composition contains an azido binder such as glycidyl azide polymer (GAP), an azido plasticizer, a solid tetrazole, and a perfluorocarboxylic acid salt. This composition is cured to a rubbery composite by the addition of an isocyanate.

Abstract: A composition is provided which has at least one salt of 5-nitraminotetrazole and an at least one oxidizer selected from among inorganic nitrates, inorganic nitrites, metal oxides, metal peroxides, organic peroxides, inorganic perchlorates, inorganic chlorates, metal hydroxides, and mixtures thereof. The compositions are useful in the gas generant field.

Abstract: The invention relates to melt cast explosives, propellants or pyrotechnics which contain a nitrated energetic material such as trinitrotoluene, a desensitizer such as wax or petroleum oil and an alkylated polyvinylpyrrolidone emulsifying agent.

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: Match head formulations suitable for the production of safety matches and matches that may be struck anywhere are described in which chromium compounds, sesqui-based phosphorus compounds, sulphur compounds and oxides of zinc are absent. In their place is described the use of either amorphous phosphorus or, in the case of match head formulations suitable for the production of safety matches, an iron phosphide known as ferrophosphorus. These formulations are environmentally friendly both in manufacture and use. Environmentally friendly match head formulations which may be brightly colored are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed in this invention is a gas generating composition for air bags for automobiles, comprising sodium azide, aluminum sulfate, one of silicon dioxide, alumina and aluminum silicate, and preferably a lubricant and/or a binder. This composition has the advantages such as adequate speed of gas generation and small amount of heat and harmful substances produced when the gas is generated from the composition.

Abstract: A metal fuel for producing power for propulsion is disclosed. The fuel is made up of a metal core, a metal barrier and an oxidizer layer. The combination of materials disclosed provides a means for melting the metal core so that it can be oxidized in an exothermic reaction to produce power. The metal fuel may also be stabilized with respect to auto-ignition by adding a binder layer. A method for producing the metal fuel is also described herein.

Abstract: A stabilized high energy explosive, e.g. hexogen (RDX), octogen (HMX) or the like, as a component of NC or plastic-bound propellant charge powders (Lova-TLP) or plastic-bound explosives (PBX) has a particle size up to 5 .mu.m and a stabilizer incorporated into the explosive particles. In order to produce such an explosive, it is proposed that the explosive in the dissolved form and with the stabilizer in the liquid phase is mixed with a proportion of up to approximately 6% and the mixture is brought by flash drying into the solid phase with a particle size of up to 5 .mu.m.

Abstract: An explosive and propellant composition is obtained by admixing finely divided particles of ascorbic acid and a nitrate-containing oxidation agent, such as potassium nitrate. Admixing can be carried out in the dry state, at room temperature. The composition upon ignition gives off no sulfurous fumes, and leaves little or no carbon residue; and causes no corrosion with contacted metal surfaces.

Abstract: An explosive composition is described which is castable without voids and is stable between -65.degree. F. and 165.degree. F. The composition consists of 2,4,6 trinitrotoluene dissolved in a cross-linked low molecular weight polymer. The polymer is preferably a hydroxyl telomerized polyol cross-linked with a polyisocyanate. Both the polyol and the polyisocyanate should have the molecular weight of no more than about 1000.

Abstract: Very good masking of pack diffusion aluminizing or chromizing on any metal to keep portions from being diffusion coated is effected by localized coating of masking powder, the metal portion of which can have some composition as substrates. Chromizing can be performed before aluminizing for greater effects. Aluminizing of metals like iron and nickel followed by leaching out much of the diffused-in aluminum gives these substrates a pyrophoric and catalytic surface. Foil, wire or powder can be thus activated; very fine activated powder when discharged into the air forms a warm cloud that settles very slowly and decoys heat-seeking missiles.

Abstract: A melt castable explosive composition not based on TNT is disclosed which consists essentially of about 10 to 20 weight percent of a matrix material having a melting temperature of about 60.degree. to 100.degree. C., up to about 0.5 weight percent of an emulsifying agent and up to about 20 weight percent aluminum powder, balance high explosive. The matrix material is ozokerite wax, ozokerite modified with carnauba wax, or a waxy polyethylene.

Abstract: A new arrangement of matter is developed which can be formulated to be a high explosive, a propellant or a gas generator. The new arrangement of matter in its explosive embodiment is known as a microknit composite explosive (MCX) in which an essentially anhydrous mixture of inorganic salts, surfactants and organic fuels is prepared while the oxidizer is molten, and a microcrystalline property is created which imparts a hard, machinable characteristic to the arrangement of matter.

Abstract: A new arrangement of matter is developed which can be formulated to be a high explosive, a propellant or a gas generator. The new arrangement of matter in its explosive embodiment is known as a microknit composite explosive (MCX) in which an essentially anhydrous mixture of perchlorate based oxidizer salts, surfactants and organic fuels is prepared while the oxidizer is molten, and a microcrystalline property is created which imparts a hard, machinable characteristic to the arrangement of matter.

Abstract: A new arrangement of matter is developed which can be formulated to be a high explosive, a propellant or a gas generator. The new arrangement of matter in its explosive embodiment is known as a eutectic microknit explosive (EMCX) in which an essentially anhydrous eutectic mixture of ammonium nitrate, soluble explosive, and other oxidizing salts is mixed with surfactants and organic fuels while the eutectic mixture is molten, and a microcrystalline property is created which imparts a hard, machinable characteristic to the arrangement of matter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cast explosive composition having a high density, energy and critical diameter and comprising inorganic oxidizer salt consisting primarily of ammonium nitrate, a water-immiscible organic liquid fuel, less than about 5% water, and an emulsifier which allows formation of a water-in-oil emulsion at an elevated formulation temperature but which also allows the emulsion to weaken and the inorganic oxidizer salt to crystallize at lower or ambient temperatures to produce a cast composition.

Abstract: A cast explosive charge composition comprises trinitrotoluene (TNT) as a fusible component, at least one further energy carrier as solid filler, and a finely pulverized inert solid substance which is present in an amount of from 0.01 to 5% by weight, said inert solid substance having a specific surface of 10 to 1200 m.sup.2 per gram.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved explosive TNT based composit consisting of TNT, HDX, RDX, aluminum and a small amount of an elastomeric linear polymer having polar groups dissolved or dispersed throughout, said composition having improved properties. Such improved properties include: reduced cracking and exudation, improved friction sensitivity, sympathetic detonation and enhanced cook-off hazard properties.

Abstract: A solid rocket propellant composition comprising a major amount of ammonium perchlorate, a minor amount of aluminum powder, a minor amount of a binder, and an effective, burn rate modifying amount of Guignet's green pigment or oxidized Guignet's green. Guignet's green pigment increases the burn rate of the propellant without unacceptably increasing the pressure dependence of the burn rate.

Abstract: An effective amount of 5-nitrobarbituric acid or its trihydrate, when mixed ith molten TNT explosive permits the TNT explosive to set with a fine unoriented crystal structure. In one embodiment, the 5-nitrobarbituric acid or its trihydrate is added to well-stirred liquid TNT at about 100.degree.-110.degree. C. and the mixture is allowed to cool until it stiffens and then is reheated slightly below 85.degree. C. and then cast at about 81.degree. C.

Abstract: Self-supporting water-bearing explosive products, e.g., for use as primers and in blasting and seismic charges, contain discrete cells of an aqueous solution of an inorganic oxidizing salt and/or of an amine salt encapsulated by a crosslinked (thermoset) resin matrix. The products are sensitized by a dispersed solid high explosive and/or gas bubbles or voids. Preferred primers are sensitized by PETN and are rigid. The products are made by crosslinking a liquid polymer in the continuous phase of an emulsion which contains the aqueous solution as a discontinuous phase.

Abstract: Castable high explosive compositions of generally improved physical characteristics consist essentially of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and about 0.05 to 10% by weight of the TNT of a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, which is soluble in the trinitrotoluene and is fully reacted, i.e. contains essentially no free isocyanate groups, prior to incorporation thereof in the explosive composition.

Abstract: A new class of ballistic modifiers and the synthesis thereof is disclosed rein and are used in propellants either individually or as admixtures in percentages of approximately 0.5 to 6 weight percent to impart mesa or plateau burning rate characteristics over a wide pressure range and reduce the temperature sensitivity of the propellants in relation to burning rates. The modifiers are chelate type compounds comprised of lead and/or copper, and various predetermined molar ratios of compounds such as salicylic acid and beta-resorcylic acid.

Abstract: 1. A solid propellant fuel composition for rockets comprising ammonium nitrate and a water-soluble compound of alginic acid selected from the group consisting of sodium alginate, potassium alginate, ammonium alginate, triethanolamine alginate and propylene glycol ester of alginic acid as the principal essential ingredients, the alginic acid component being employed in the ratio of about 2.5 to 5.5 parts per 12 parts of ammonium nitrate.

Abstract: A match head composition is prepared by blending the components of the composition with a binder and water, and wherein the combustion agent of the composition is cellulose nitrate powder wetted with more than 20 weight percent of water and having a particle size of less than 840 microns. The cellulose nitrate is mixed in the composition in an amount of not more than 10 weight percent (water-free basis).

Abstract: Small particles for tagging of objects to be identified comprise luminescent material plus other material which provides information indicia for tagging purposes. Included in the tagging particles are very small particles of magnetic material which is reflective both for the radiations which excite the luminescent material and also for the radiations generated by the excited luminescent material. The inclusion of the reflective magnetic particles introduces only a minimal decrease in the effectiveness of the luminescent material to provide a spotting or locating function. The particles may thus be located either by their luminescent response, or by magnetic pickup, or both. Inorganic species of these particles are especially useful for tagging explosives for post-explosion indentification of the explosives.

Abstract: Finely divided pellets or granules are formed from a molten explosive comition by a combination of spray chilling and prilling techniques, which comprises atomizing the molten explosive composition in a high velocity stream of an inert gas such as air and allowing the atomized droplets to fall through a tower countercurrent to a stream of an inert gas to cool the droplets to form solid pellets. The process is advantageously employed for producing meltable explosive materials, e.g., Composition B, in the form of free flowing spherical pellets of high density and uniform composition.

Abstract: Increasing the stability of composite energetic compositions containing ctalline high-energy nitrates or nitrites by the inclusion of saligenin into the composition.

Abstract: A refractory lining repair material for steel making furnaces and the like, which consist essentially of an exothermic patching mix which may be either gunned in place or applied to furnace bottoms in the form of briquettes. Also relates to the process of furnace repair employing such mixes.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic cloud seeding composition comprising from about 60 to about 85 weight percent silver iodate, from about 10 to about 40 weight percent of a fuel from the class consisting of aluminium and magnesium, from about 5 to about 15 weight percent binder, and from about 0.1 to about 10 percent halogenated organic compound having a melting point of at least about 50.degree. C. One illustrative compound is hexachlorobenzene.

Abstract: Finely divided aluminum oxide increases the burning rate, reduces the pressure exponent at high pressures and stabilizes the combustion of solid propellant compositions.

Abstract: Synthetic routes to 2,3,7,8-tetraazaspiro [4.4] nonane, its bispicrate sa 2,3,7,8-tetraazaspiro [4.4]nona-2,7-diene, and 3,8-dicarbomethoxy-2,3,7,8-tetraazaspiro [4.4]nona-1,6-diene. The compounds are useful as high density fuels.

Abstract: The match-head compositions have a content of microscopic hollow particles or "microspheres", generally 10 to 1000 microns in diameter. Compositions may be formulated for any type of match. Microspheres are described having walls of siliceous materials, plastics materials (such as phenolic resins) and carbon. The presence of microspheres offers considerable savings in materials, and enables good burning rate and striking sensitivity to be achieved without the need for special aeration measures.

Abstract: An improvement in the known method of tagging individual units of production of a substance with microparticles for retrospective identification is disclosed. The improvement comprises the use of microparticles which are encoded with an orderly sequence of visually distinguishable colored segments. Decoding of the microparticles can be accomplished with a microscope or other magnifying device.

Abstract: A match head composition is prepared by mixing and kneading the component agents of the composition with glue and water, characterized in that wetted powdery cellulose nitrate containing more than 20 percent of water and having grain size of less than 840 microns is mixed in the composition in an amount not more than 10 weight percent on dry weight standard.

Abstract: 1. A solid composite type propellant composition comprising as a base propellant an oxidizer, a metallic fuel and fuel binder and between 0.1 and 10% by weight of a ferrocene plasticizer that is selected from the group consisting of mono- and di-substituted ferrocenes wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of --R, --COR, --CO.sub.2 R, --CH(OH)R, and --CH(R'CO.sub.2)R wherein R and R' are selected from the group consisting of alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl and cycloalkenyl radicals, the carbon chains of which may be interrupted by oxygen.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel boron-containing salt. Specifically, the guanidinium salt of decahydrodecaboric acid, and a process for preparing same.

Abstract: Castable composite explosive compositions contain a fusible matrix of about 0 to 95% by weight of trinitrobenzene and about 5 to 20% by weight of trinitroxylene and a particulate explosive melting substantially higher than said mixture.

Abstract: Increasing the critical pressure of composite propellants by admixing into he propellant composition an additive selected from the group consisting of (1) oxides of Group II metals, titanium, aluminum, boron, zirconium, and lead; (2) nitrides of Group II metals, aluminum, and boron; (3) carboxylates, formates, and sulfates of Group II metals, aluminum, calcium, and magnesium; (4) hydrates of the carboxylates, formates, and sulfates of Group II metals, aluminum, calcium, and magnesium; (5) the following fibrous materials, asbestos, quartz, carbon, and boron; (6) the following metal: Group II metals and boron; and (7) mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic signal providing smoke and flame and which is launchable from nderwater. Launching of the signal from underwater arms the signal, however, the signal is not initiated until the ambient sea pressure reaches a predetermined pressure valve. When this predetermined pressure valve is reached, sea water enters a cavity and energizes a battery which detonates an electric squib. The squib, in turn, ignites a smoke composition in the signal housing.

Abstract: Phosphor-explosive material combination and method wherein a small amount of inorganic phosphor is mixed with explosive material to provide an indicia or label of information regarding the explosive, either before or after detonation of same. The phosphor can readily be located with an ultraviolet lamp even after the explosive has been detonated, and by correlating the phosphor emission spectra with data known about the explosive when it is manufactured, the explosive can be identified. Line-emitting phosphors are especially useful because of their distinctive emission characteristics, which provide a vast number of possible combinations of emission which are correlated against the data known about the explosive when it is manufactured. Preferably the phosphor is formed as a combination of finely divided "spotter" phosphor and finely divided "coding" material held together by a binder in the form of small conglomerates, in order to facilitate initial location and later identification of same.