Abstract: A process for the preparation of an edible fat slurry containing oil and solid fat particles of hardstock fat, in which said slurry is made by adding a melted hardstock fat to cold liquid oil in a vessel over a period of time. The invention also relates to a process for turning such slurry into an oil-continuous emulsion.

Abstract: Systems for delivering explosives with variable densities are disclosed herein. Methods of delivering explosives with variable densities and methods of varying the energy of explosives in a blasthole are disclosed herein.

Abstract: Methods of delivering inhibited emulsions are provided. The methods can include mixing an emulsion with a separate inhibitor solution to form the inhibited emulsion. Inhibitor solutions including water, an inhibitor, and a crystallization point modified are provided. Systems for delivering inhibited emulsions are also provided.

Abstract: Methods of preparing propellant compositions for power loads and firearms that include providing pre-shaped particle sized starting material, shaped consistent with a desired final propellant product shape, and thereafter nitrating and stabilizing the pre-shaped starting material using boiling stabilization processes. The resulting nitrated propellants of the methods reliably exhibit complete stabilization, high nitrogen substitution, high shelf life and acceptable ballistic performance.

Abstract: Systems and methods for releasing a material into an environment. The material may be encapsulated in a receptacle or otherwise packaged for movement into the environment. The receptacle with the material inside is introduced into the environment. A triggering causes release of the material from the receptacle into the environment.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to tracer particles for product identification and/or authentication. When incorporated into a manufactured item, that item can be subsequently authenticated by either detecting, or failing to detect, the tracer particle. The tracer particles of the invention are magnetically attractable, with micromarkings, and in some embodiments, are manufactured with food grade materials and of a particle size suitable for ingestion by humans. The particles can be analyzed qualitatively or quantitatively. In other aspects, the invention provides methods for the manufacture of the tracer particles, and in other aspects, provides methods for using the particles. Examples of products that can be tagged using the tracer particles of the invention include pharmaceuticals, animal feeds or feed supplements, and baby formula. Other applications include forensics, such as in explosive materials.

Abstract: Explosive compositions are disclosed herein. The compositions include a diesel fuel and a vacuum gas oil. Some compositions disclosed herein include an emulsion that includes an oxidizer in a discontinuous phase and a blend of diesel fuel and vacuum gas oil in a continuous phase. Methods of manufacturing explosive compositions are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A connector including a biodegradable base material and a biodegradable binder material, comprising at least one of a protein and a residue, configured to hold together the base material to form a biodegradable connector element. The biodegradable connector element affects an operational condition of an apparatus the biodegradable connector element is used within. Degradation of at least one of the biodegradable base material, the biodegradable binder, and the biodegradable connector element provides for a limited operational lifespan of the apparatus resulting in the apparatus becoming inoperable. A system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A substantially cylindrical gas-generating pyrotechnical monolithic block has a thickness no lower than 10 mm, an equivalent diameter no lower than 10 mm, and a porosity lower than 5%; and a composition, given as weight percentages, which contains, for at least 94% of the weight thereof: +77.5% to 92.5% of guanidine nitrate, +5% to 10% of basic copper nitrate, and +2.5% to 12.5% of at least one inorganic titanate with a melting temperature higher than 2100 K.

Abstract: A single-step method for preparing nano-sized cocrystals of explosive material by preparing a coformer solution having an explosive precursor dissolved into a liquid medium and a second explosive precursor dispersed in the liquid medium. The viscosity and solubility of the coformer solution may be modified by addition of binders, plasticizers, surfactants and anti-foaming agents to the coformer solution. The coformer solution is then milled to mechanically form the cocrystals. Further milling produces the desired cocrystal sizes.

Abstract: A method of producing DEMN eutectic comprises reacting a reactant mixture comprising ethylenediamine and diethylenetriamine with aqueous nitric acid to form a reaction mixture comprising diethylentriamine trinitrate and ethylenediamine dinitrate. The reaction mixture is combined with methylnitroguanidine and nitroguanidine to form an aqueous slurry. Water is removed from the aqueous slurry. A method of producing an energetic composition, and a system for producing DEMN eutectic are also described.

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: Systems for delivering explosives with variable densities are disclosed herein. Methods of delivering explosives with variable densities and methods of varying the energy of explosives in a blasthole are disclosed herein.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for production of a liquid containing fuel that avoid the need to add any extra surfactant and also the need to apply ultrasonic wave energy and attain high stability of minute bubbles, etc. Production apparatus for a liquid containing fuel comprises pump for pressurizing a stored fuel and nanobubble generating unit adapted to inject a liquid containing the pressurized fuel. The apparatus may be equipped with homogenizing means for storing the liquid containing fuel. The process for production of a liquid containing fuel is characterized by sequentially performing storing of a liquid containing fuel in storage means, pressurizing the liquid so as to obtain a high-pressure liquid with a given pressure, injecting the same through a nozzle into a matrix of liquid containing fuel and effecting collision thereof with a wall so that nanobubbles of foreign substance are dispersed in the matrix of liquid containing fuel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ammonium nitrate fuel oil mixtures, and includes compositions comprising (a) ammonium nitrate, (b) a fuel component, (c) a functionalized polymer component, and (d) an oil-soluble anionic surfactant, wherein the mixture of components (b), (c) and (d) form a gel that will not readily flow. The compositions of the present invention provide improve fuel retention and/or water resistance properties, particularly when the compositions use low quality porous prills of ammonium nitrate.

Abstract: A Safe-and-Arm system for the prevention of unintentional operation of an explosive device by interrupting a detonation train, the system employing an interruptive transfer assembly made of silicon and suitable for implementing in a MEMS device, the assembly including a silicon based transfer charge carrier on a porous explosive passageway made by etching, the passageway extending between at least two ports on the circumference of the transfer assembly, and a drive means that can mechanically bring about at least one armed state of a detonation train.

Abstract: Systems for delivering explosives with variable densities are disclosed herein. Methods of delivering explosives with variable densities and methods of varying the energy of explosives in a blasthole are disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an explosive composition comprised of heavy ANFO and expanded polymeric beads that have a density that is less than the density of the heavy ANFO. The expanded polymeric beads have a size that is determined or based on the size of ammonium nitrate prills used in the heavy ANFO portion of the composition. In one embodiment, the expanded polymeric beads that are utilized in the composition are at least 70% of the lower limit of the mesh size of the predominant ammonium nitrate prill mesh size. In another embodiment, the expanded polymeric beads are at least 70% of a size that is related to the average mesh size of the ammonium nitrate prills.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an explosive composition comprising an aqueous emulsion of: an oxidizer component, a hydrocarbon fuel component containing emulsifier, and a bulking agent being a fuel-type waste material in a solid particulate form substantially lacking rough surfaces and sharp edges. Preferably the composition is of an ammonium nitrate based emulsion and a pelletised bulking agent. It also involves a method of providing an explosive composition to a blast site using a conventional mobile processing unit (MPU), being a truck having separate compartments adapted for holding fuel oil, dry ammonium nitrate prill, and ammonium nitrate based emulsion, where a compartment instead holds particulate waste material. It also concerns a method of blasting soft and wet ground, which comprises injecting into one or more blast holes in the soft and wet ground a sufficient quantity of the composition, and then setting off the composition.

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: Disclosed are explosives, especially a preparation method for explosives of different densities and explosives of different densities. The method adjusts physical density by adding granular form physical density adjusting agent with 0.5-5.0 mm grain diameter and 0.03-0.30 g/cm3 bulk density when preparing explosives. The method can adjust the explosive's density within a large range to produce the explosives with a wide range of detonation velocity to meet different needs for explosive velocity according to different lithology, and simultaneously meet needs for different explosives in the same blasthole.

Abstract: An explosive composition comprising a liquid energetic material and sensitizing voids, wherein the sensitizing voids are present in the liquid energetic material with a non-random distribution, wherein the liquid energetic material comprises (a) regions in which the sensitizing voids are sufficiently concentrated to render those regions detonable and (b) regions in which the sensitizing voids are not so concentrated and wherein the explosive composition does not contain ammonium nitrate prill.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing an explosible powder suitable for combustion in an oxidizing gas. This method involves providing a biomass feedstock material and drying the biomass feedstock material to a moisture level of less than or equal to 10%. The dried biomass feedstock material is milled to form an explosible powder suitable for combustion when dispersed in an oxidizing gas. A system for carrying out this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Gas generants comprising copper are provided that have improved slagging ability. In certain aspects, the gas generants include a fuel, an oxidizer comprising basic copper nitrate, and a large particle size endothermic slag-forming component, such as aluminum hydroxide (Al(OH)3). The gas generants may be cool burning, e.g., having a maximum flame temperature at combustion (Tc)?about 1,900K (1,627° C.). The disclosure also provides methods of enhancing slag formation for a gas generant composition that comprises copper. Such methods enhance slag formation during combustion of the gas generant composition by at least 50%.

Abstract: A precursor formulation of an energetic composition with improved electrostatic charge dissipation, including an amorphous carbon black having a specific surface area of at least about 1,200 m2/g, in an amount from about 0.05% by weight to about 0.25% by weight. Also disclosed is a precursor formulation of a propellant composition with improved electrostatic charge dissipation. The amorphous carbon black having a specific surface area of at least about 1,200 m2/g may enhance the electrostatic charge dissipation of the HTPB-based propellant composition, without affecting the breakdown voltage of the propellant composition.

Abstract: A colored pyrotechnic smoke-producing composition has an oxidizer, a fuel, a flame retardant, a dye, a coolant, and a binder. The oxidizer may be potassium chlorate. The fuel may be starch, dextrose, lactose, and/or sucrose. The coolant may be sodium bicarbonate or magnesium carbonate. The binder may be nitrocellulose or a halogen-free thermoplastic. The flame retardant may be one or more nitrogen-rich compounds. The composition may be in pelletized form or in the form of a solid charge. The composition may consist of on a mass basis oxidizer 20-35%, fuel 15-25%, flame retardant 5-15%, dye 27-40%, coolant 8-18%, and binder 1-2%. The invention may be a device consisting of a body filled with the composition and a first fire starter composition, and an attached squib igniter. The body may be a grenade. A process for producing the composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions and methods relate to gas generants used in inflatable restraint systems. The gas generant grains include a fuel mixture having at least one fuel and at least one oxidizer, which have a burn rate that is susceptible to pressure sensitivity during combustion. The gas generant composition further includes a plurality of pressure sensitivity modifying glass fiber particles distributed therein to lessen the pressure sensitivity and/or to increase combustion stability of the gas generant. Such gas generants can be formed via spray drying techniques.

Abstract: A lead-free pyrotechnic and primary explosive compositions including metal iodates as an oxidizer in nanocomposite energetic compositions including metal powder fuel.

Abstract: Methods of forming energetic compositions include forming a premix comprising a nitrate ester, a polymer, and a stabilizer, and combining solids with the premix. Additional stabilizer may be added with the solids and may remain in a crystalline state. Some methods include dissolving a stabilizer in at least one of a plurality of nitrate esters. Energetic compositions include a continuous matrix and a stabilizer. The continuous matrix includes a nitrate ester and surrounds a solid energetic material. Some compositions include a first nitrate ester, a second nitrate ester having a decomposition rate lower than the first nitrate ester, and a stabilizer. An article includes a housing and an energetic composition in the housing.

Abstract: The invention concerns copper azide containing carbon nanotubes. The invention also concerns methods of producing such nanotubes by placing CuO nanoparticles within carbon nanotubes to produce CuO-containing carbon nanotubes, contacting CuO-containing carbon nanotubes with hydrogen to produce reduced nanotubes; and contacting the reduced nanotubes with hydrazoic acid to produce copper azide containing carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: Bimetallic alloys prepared in a ball milling process, such as iron nickel (FeNi), iron palladium (FePd), and magnesium palladium (MgPd) provide in situ catalyst system for remediating and degrading nitro explosive compounds. Specifically, munitions, such as, 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), cyclo-1,3,5-trimethylene-2,4,6-trinitramine (RDX), nitrocellulose and nitroglycerine that have become contaminants in groundwater, soil, and other structures are treated on site to remediate explosive contamination.

Abstract: The main subject of the present invention is solid pyrotechnic gas generator compounds, the composition of which contains: guanidine nitrate, basic copper nitrate, and at least one inorganic titanate, the melting point of which is above 2100 K. Said compounds are perfectly suitable for use in frontal airbags.

Abstract: A method of manufacture of foamed celluloid molded products, involving three steps for the manufacture of higher density (0.7 to 1.25 gm/cc) foamed celluloid products or simple geometry lower density (0.2 to 0.7 gm/cc) foamed celluloid products, and four steps for the manufacture of lower density foamed celluloid products of any geometry. The three step process involving: (1) providing small, uniform, pieces of celluloid; (2) presoaking the pieces in a physical blowing agent (PBA) under pressure; and (3) foaming at raised temperature a controlled quantity of the presoaked pieces in a mold—to obtain the desired shape and density. For a lower density foamed celluloid product, of any moldable geometry, the steps are to: (1) small pieces of celluloid, that (2) have been presoaked in a PBA, are (3) pre-expanded to an intermediate density, and then (4) foam the desired lower density foamed product in a mold at raised temperature.

Abstract: Disclosed are thermite charges for use in well perforation and downhole fracing. The thermite charges have a core, and optionally a case, where at least one of the core and the case includes thermite material.

Abstract: Gas-generating devices with grain-retention structures and related methods and systems are described. In particular, gas-generating devices having at least one retention structure fixed to a frame and positioned between adjacent gas-generant grains arranged in a longitudinal stack. Fire suppression systems comprising such gas-generating devices are also described. Additionally, methods of manufacturing gas-generating devices, as well as methods of generating a gas and methods of suppressing a fire utilizing such gas-generating devices are described.

Abstract: A gas generator 10 includes an auto-ignition/booster composition 212 that contains a metal chlorate such as potassium chlorate as an oxidizer, a carboxylic acid such as DL-tartaric acid as a primary fuel, a secondary oxidizer such as strontium nitrate, and if desired, a secondary fuel such as 5-aminotetrazole. The auto-ignition/booster composition 212 and a separate provision of ammonium nitrate or phase stabilized ammonium nitrate 228 are provided within a single combustion/decomposition chamber 222 for the production of gas, upon actuation of the gas generator 10. Vehicle occupant protection systems 180, containing the gas generator 10, are also provided.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an explosive testing agent is disclosed. The method includes synthesizing hydrogen bronze nanoparticles and placing the nanoparticles on a test platform.

Abstract: What is presented is a metal magnalium thermite pellet that is used to create heated gas. The metal magnalium thermite pellet is made to be inserted into the cutting apparatus that is used for cutting a conduit for oil, gas, mining, and underwater pressure sealed tool applications. To cut the conduit, the cutting apparatus radially projects a flow of heated gas from the internal surface of the conduit through to its external surface. The metal magnalium thermite pellet is also made to be inserted into the high power igniter that releasably secures to the cutting apparatus. Generally, the metal magnalium thermite pellet comprises a metal magnalium thermite composition that consists of between 1 to 44 percent magnalium alloy, 1 to 44 percent aluminum, 40 to 60 percent iron oxide, and 10 to 20 percent polytetrafluoroethylene.

Abstract: Propellant compositions include an energetic binder, such as nitrocellulose, and a stabilized, encapsulated red phosphorous as a ballistic modifier. The propellant composition may additionally include an energetic plasticizer, such as nitroglycerine. For example, the propellant composition may be formed by mixing a double or multi base propellant that includes nitrocellulose plasticized with nitroglycerine with the stabilized, encapsulated red phosphorus. The propellant compositions may be substantially lead-free and may exhibit improved ballistic properties. Methods of forming such propellant compositions and an ordnance device including such propellant compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a simulant material comprising a primary explosive and a carrier.

Abstract: Embodiments of materials suitable for use as a replacement for Tetrazene and methods of preparing such materials are described. In one embodiment, the material comprises MTX-1, as well as simple salts or complexes derived therefrom. The methods of preparing such materials include combining Tetrazene and an acid to form a suspension, where the acid is nitric acid, sulfuric acid, perchloric acid, or hydrochloric acid. A nitrite salt may be added to the suspension, where the nitrite salt is sodium nitrite, lithium nitrite, potassium nitrite, an aqueous solution of sodium nitrite, an aqueous solution of lithium nitrite, or an aqueous solution of potassium nitrite. In some embodiments, the suspension is stirred until the suspension has a white appearance.

Abstract: An explosive component includes a first storage container holding a fuel, a second storage container holding an oxidizer, a mixer to mix the fuel and the oxidizer together into an energetic mixture, and a third storage container to hold the energetic mixture.

Abstract: An improved method for the production of pyrophoric materials which does not employ hot NaOH and produces pyrophoric materials on various types of ceramic, metal, nanomaterial substrates. The method impregnates the substrate materials with pyrophoric iron or other materials resulting in materials that are “tunable” with respect to its pyrophoric output as determined by its temperature, rise time sustenance etc through selective variation of particle size, morphology, and diluents or reactive materials.

Abstract: An economical, low residue, mortar increment propellant container manufactured of foamed celluloid, which is composed of 50 to 84% nitrocellulose, having a nitrogen content of from about 10.5 to about 13.5%, and about 15 to about 50% camphor. The burn rate of the foamed celluloid can be enhanced by the addition of energetic additives, such as energetic plasticizers.

Abstract: Provided is a basic metal nitrate suitable as an oxidizing agent for a gas generating agent, which is a basic metal nitrate having a good thermal stability and meeting at least one requirement of the following (a) to (d): (a) a particle diameter of 0.5 to 40 ?m; (b) a degree of crystallinity having 0.4 deg or less of a half band width of the peak in the X-ray analysis; (c) an initiation temperature of weight loss being 220° C. or higher according to TG-DTA analysis; and (d) an impurity content of 1,000 ppm or less based on Na atom. Further provided is a gas generating composition which has a low toxicity, a high burning rate and a low combustion temperature and which is used in a gas generator for an air bag. The gas generating composition comprises (a) tetrazole derivatives, guanidine derivatives or a mixture thereof, (b) a basic metal nitrate and (c) a binder and/or a slag-forming agent.

Abstract: A heat generating structure includes a substrate, a coating and a polymeric material. The substrate comprises a first material. The coating comprises a second material, different from the first material that covers at least a portion of the substrate. The coating and substrate, upon being thermally energized to their minimum alloying temperature, react in a first exothermic reaction that is an alloying reaction. The relative quantities of the substrate and coating are such that the first exothermic reaction yields a first amount of exothermic energy that is insufficient to cause self-sustained propagation of the first exothermic reaction. The polymeric material covers substantially all of the substrate and coating, and is different from the first and second materials. The polymeric layer, upon being thermally energized, reacts with at least one of the substrate and coating in a second exothermic reaction.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of using a neutral ionic liquid to at least one of stabilize a peroxidic explosive and to produce a stable solution of the peroxidic explosive which includes providing the neutral ionic liquid and using the neutral ionic liquid to at least one of stabilize the peroxidic explosive and to produce the stable solution of the peroxidic explosive. The present invention further provides a stable composition which includes a solution of at least one neutral ionic liquid and a detectable amount of a peroxidic explosive, a method of production thereof, and a method of use thereof as an odor sample.

Abstract: A thermite composition includes at least one composite particle having a convoluted lamellar structure having alternating metal oxide layers including a metal oxide and metal layers including a metal capable of reducing the metal oxide. The metal oxide layers and metal layers both have an average thickness of between 10 nm and 1 ?m. Molar proportions of the metal oxide and metal is within 30% of being stoichiometric for a thermite reaction.

Abstract: A process for recovering the energetic component from plastic bonded explosives. The process uses high velocity kinetic energy in the form of gases, liquids, or solids, alone or in combination, to cause the structural failure of the adhesive bonding between the polymer matrix and energetic component for the purpose of providing adequate loci for the solvation of the energetic component by appropriate solvents.