Abstract: A method for decoying an infrared seeker comprising the steps of providing a plurality of small pyrotechnic pellets, igniting the pellets and dispersing the pellets.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing propellant compacts for use in gas generators for safety devices in motor vehicles by extrusion, comprising the following steps: mixing the constituents of the propellant and stirring the mixture into a paste with a solvent so as to form a plasticizable mass, extruding the plasticizable mass in order to form propellant compacts, and drying the propellant compacts in order to remove the solvent, a thickening agent which increases the viscosity being added to the solvent prior to pasting in a proportion of from 0.1 to 10% by weight, relative to the solvent, and the dried propellant compacts having a density of at least 70% of the theoretical density. The invention further relates to propellant compacts obtainable in accordance with this method.

Abstract: The invention provides an explosive composition consisting of

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing a gas generating agent capable of constantly producing a gas generating agent with a high quality.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of reducing the energy of an emulsion blasting agent as it is being loaded into a borehole and to an improved method of perimeter blasting wherein an energy reducing agent is added to and mixed uniformly throughout an emulsion blasting agent as it is being pumped or conveyed into a perimeter borehole to reduce the energy of the blasting agent to a desired level. In addition, by adding varying amount of gassing agents, the density and sensitivity of the emulsion blasting agent also can be controlled.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions comprising mixtures of metallic particles and solid oxidizer, and a method for preparing such compositions. The compositions comprise a homogeneous mixture of metallic particles and solid oxidizer wherein individual metallic particles are generally uniformly distributed throughout a matrix of solid oxidizer which is suitable for use in a solid rocket motor.

Abstract: An explosive composition is provided which comprises a mixture of a particulate low density agent and a particulate oxidising agent. The particulate low density agent is a synthetic polymeric low density agent, e.g. foamed polystyrene, which is coated with a 5 to 30 wt % of a first wetting agent. The first wetting agent comprises a first flowable carbonaceous fuel, e.g. mineral oil, and a first tackifying agent for the first flowable carbonaceous fuel. The particulate oxidizing agent is coated with a second wetting agent. The second wetting agent comprises a second flowable carbonaceous fuel, e.g. mineral oil, and a second tackifying agent for the second flowable carbonaceous fuel. The first and second wetting agents may be the same. The explosive compositions may have densities of less than about 0.2 g/cm3.

Abstract: Provided is a method for preparing a flowable solid propellant wherein a) liquid oxidizer is added to a tank, b) pellets of cross-linked hydrogel polymer are added to the liquid oxidizer in the tank so that liquid oxidizer is absorbed into the pellets to form flowable combustible pellets and c) the combustible pellets are then flowed into a combustion chamber of a vehicle to combust and the combustion products flow out the propulsion nozzle of the vehicle. Also provided are the liquid oxidizer absorbed flowable combustible pellets so made.

Abstract: An air bag igniter including a foamed material, and an air bag assembly containing the same are disclosed. The foamed material is formed from a composition including, as ingredients, a polyfunctional isocyanate, a polymeric binder having a plurality of hydroxyl groups which are reactive with the polyfunctional isocyanate, a fuel source, an oxidizer, and a foaming agent which may or may not be retained in the foamed material.

Abstract: A gas generating apparatus for outputting a gas is provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus is an inflator having a propellant for supplying inflation gas(es) to an inflatable located in a vehicle. A confining member is located adjacent to the propellant. A number of spaced holes are provided in the confining member, either before or after activation of the propellant. Inflation gas is received through the spaced holes for subsequent passage to the inflatable. In that regard, the inflation gas first passes through a chamber defined in a timing member that has metering orifices. Such orifices regulate the flow of the inflation gas to the inflatable. The confining member is able to withstand significant pressures without rupturing. Each of the confining member and the timing member is preferably made of a non-metallic material. The propellant includes a fuel-rich material and an oxidizer material, preferably ammonium nitrate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a propellant composition made from a lacquer, the lacquer comprising: (a) from about 15 to about 70 wt % of an organic solvent; (b) from about 0.1 to about 2.5 wt % of a stabilizer; (c) optionally, from about 0% to about 40 wt % of an energetic plasticizer; (d) optionally, from about 0 to about 10 wt % of a nonenergetic plasticizer; (e) optionally, from about 0 to about 10 wt % water; (f) optionally, from about 0 to about 15 wt % of additional additives; and balance being nitrocellulose; all weight percents based on the total weight of the composition, and wherein the lacquer has a viscosity of less than 10 million centipoise when processed. The present invention is also directed to an efficient and safe method of making perforated propellant grains using the above lacquer composition, as well as propellant grains having ellipsoidal cross sections or outwardly extending ridges.

Abstract: An ignition element consists of a combination of first and second ignition components. The first ignition component contains at least one primer, at least one heat-conducting additive selected from the group consisting of zirconium, aluminum, titanium, ferrotitanium, zirconium boride, zirconium hydride and mixtures thereof, at least one oxidant and a binder. The second ignition component contains at least one ingredient that produces hot reaction particles, an oxidant, and a binder.

Abstract: An electrically actuatable igniter (24) includes a body (60), a pair of electrodes (40) and (42) associated with the body (60), a heating element (44) electrically connected between the electrodes (40) and (42), and an ignition droplet (46) covering and adhering to said heating element (44). The ignition droplet (46) comprises a particulate pyrotechnic material and a particulate polymeric resin binder. The particles (112) of the polymeric resin binder are fused together and form a structure having interconnected open cells (118). The particles (114) of pyrotechnic material are disposed within the interconnected open cells (118) and form a combustible network of pyrotechnic material.

Abstract: A dry water resistant ANFO-explosive, containing one or more organic fuels, one or more inorganic salts, one or more water thickening agents, and a gas generating substance which develops a gas when it gets in contact with water in a blast hole, and thereby transforms itself into a watergel slurry.

Abstract: Water in oil emulsion explosive compositions comprises a discontinuous aqueous phase comprising at least one oxygen-supplying component, a continuous organic phase, an emulsifying amount of an emulsifier composition comprising: the reaction product of an amine (C) characterized by the presence within its structure of at least one H—N group and an intermediate formed in the reaction of (A) at least one olefinic compound containing at least one group of the formula  and (B) at least one carboxylic reactant selected from the group consisting of compounds of the formula R3C(O)(R4)nC(O)OR5  (III)  wherein each of R3 and R5 is independently H or a hydrocarbyl group, R4 is a divalent hydrocarbylene group, and n is 0 or 1, and reactive sources thereof and optionally, from about 0.5 to about 2 moles, per mole of (B), of (D) at least one aldehyde or ketone; and optionally a sensitizer.

Abstract: A dispersal agent for preventing agglomerating of at least one component of a material is provided. In one embodiment, the dispersal agent is part of a porosity producing material and the dispersal agent eliminates or substantially prevents agglomeration of the porosity producing material. In one embodiment, the porosity producing material is fibrous cellulous. Such fibrous cellulose may be part of a porosity producing material, which is part of a propellant composition. The propellant composition can be used in an inflator housed in a vehicle.

Abstract: A buffered emulsion blasting agent is disclosed, particularly suited for use in connection with sulfide and pyrite ores. The buffered emulsion blasting agent comprises an emulsifier, an organic fuel in continuous phase, an oxidizer salt solution in discontinuous phase, and a buffering agent comprising a low molecular weight amine. The low molecular weight amine is preferably an alkylamine or alkanolamine having carbon chain lengths of from 2 to 5 and is more preferably diethanolamine. The buffering agent is present in the buffered emulsion blasting agent in a weight percent that is preferably within a range of from approximately 0.1% to 5%, more preferably within a range of from approximately 0.5% to 1%, and most preferably approximately 0.75%.

Abstract: Water in oil emulsion explosives are prepared by a process in which diazonium salts are incorporated into the explosives matrix and decomposed in-situ.

Abstract: A combustion inhibiting composition for use in conjunction with a solid, gas-generating charge, the composition comprising an organic polymeric material containing an oxygen-containing organic filler compatible with said polymeric material, the oxygen to carbon atom ratio of the composition being at least 1:3.

Abstract: The invention comprises an emulsion explosive composition having an organic fuel as a continuous phase; an inorganic oxidizer salt solution or melt as a discontinuous phase; an emulsifier; and gas bubbles formed from a chemical gassing agent that comprises a nitrite salt and an ion selected from the group consisting of calcium ion, strontium ion and mixtures thereof as a gassing enhancer. The invention further comprises a method for chemically gassing an emulsion explosive composition. The method involves adding to a pre-formed emulsion phase a chemical gassing agent that comprises a nitrite salt and calcium or strontium ion and mixing the gassing agent uniformly throughout the emulsion phase to produce finely dispersed, sensitizing gas bubbles.

Abstract: An improved, liquid, explosive composition comprising nitromethane, a nitethane sensitizer and an energetic compound. The energetic compound is selected from the group consisting of 4,5-dihyro-3-nitroisoxazole, 1,3-dinitropropane, trans1,2-dinitrocyclopropane and 1,1-dinitroethane.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of sensitizing a base emulsion of the water-in-oil type, and the invention provides also a sensitized emulsion explosive comprising an emulsion of the water-in-oil type when produced by the method. The method comprises dispersing, in the base emulsion, a sensitizing solution having a solvent which comprises at most 50% by mass water, the balance of the solvent being organic, and a solute which is a chemical sensitizing agent.

Abstract: Thickened emulsion compositions comprising a discontinuous oxidizer phase, continuous fuel phase, an emulsifier and a thickener composition comprising a carboxyl-containing polymer and a promoter selected from the group consisting of sodium thiocyanate and thiourea are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention is directed to water-in-oil emulsions which are useful as explosives. These emulsions comprise: a discontinuous aqueous phase comprising at least one oxygen-supplying component; a continuous organic phase comprising at least one carbonaceous fuel; and a minor emulsifying amount of at least one emulsifier. The emulsifier is the product made by the reaction of component (A) with component (B), component (A) being at least one substituted succinic acylating agent, said substituted succinic acylating agent consisting of substituent groups and succinic groups wherein the substituent groups are derived from a polyalkene, said acylating agents being characterized by the presence within their structure of an average of at least 1.3 succinic groups for each equivalent weight of substituent groups, and component (B) being ammonia and/or at least one mono-amine.

Abstract: The invention comprises a cap-sensitive, cast, solid explosive composition usable as a booster or primer and as a seismic explosive composition. The cast, solid explosive composition contains dispersed microballoons which impart important and surprising advantages.

Abstract: Provided is an inflator for providing propellant gases to inflate a bag of an automotive safety system for restraining an occupant of a vehicle in which the inflator is a pure pyrotechnic inflator that generates propellant gases that are substantially free of metal-containing particulate and condensable materials without requiring storage of a pressurized gas. The propellant gases are generated from a solid gas-generating propellant composition including two components. A first component is fuel-rich and has a fast burn rate. The second component is a oxidizer that, although having a slow burn rate, operates in combination with the first component at an acceptably fast burn rate to oxidize carbon monoxide and/or hydrogen produced during combustion of the first component to carbon dioxide and/or water, respectively.

Abstract: A two-part igniter for inflators used to inflate inflation devices such as air bags, lift rafts, slide chutes, and the like which includes a heterogeneous mixture of an ignition material and a consolidated mass of either i) a pyrotechnic component or ii) a composite propellant. The ignition material can be in a granular form or pelletized. The pyrotechnic component or composite propellant is provided as a pellet which is in immediate contact with the ignition material. The pyrotechnic component or composite propellant lowers the auto-ignition temperature of the two-part igniter. The two-part igniter can be used in inflators which generate all inflation gases from gas-generating compositions and in inflators which include a supply of stored pressurized inflation gases.

Abstract: Provided is a gas generant composition which is improved in the self-retainabiity of a solid residue and has an excellent combustion speed. The gas generant composition contains a fuel comprising a metal azide or an organic compound, an oxidizing agent, and at least one additive selected from a ceramic whisker or fiber of aluminum borate, potassium titanate, alumina, aluminum oxide, zirconium oxide, and zinc oxide.

Abstract: A propellant grain composition for use in solid fuel rocket engines comprises a first reactant component consisting of an oxidizer. A polymeric barrier coating encapsulates the first reactant component and a second reactant component comprising a reducer fuel reactable with the oxidizer is coated thereon, A final polymeric coating is placed over the entire propellant grain to yield a unitary metal fuel-oxidizer propellant grain structure for use as a solid rocket fuel.

Abstract: Provided is a two phase emulsion which is useful in preparing explosive compositions. The two phase emulsion is comprised of a blend of two water in oil emulsions. The two phase emulsion is comprised of a continuous oil matrix in which ammonium nitrate micelles and water micelles both exist separately in stable fashion.

Abstract: An igniting system for a projectile propellant includes a combustible support tube having an outer surface and an inner surface; a plurality of throughgoing apertures provided in the support tube; a free igniting channel coaxially surrounded by the support tube; and an ignition transfer charge formed of a pyrotechnical hard foam layer having a thickness between 1 and 3 mm and being carried on the outer surface of the support tube. The hard foam layer is composed of a large-pore inner layer and two opposite surface layers which are of densely closed structure and between which the inner layer is sandwiched.

Abstract: Method is provided for reducing the sensitivity of energetic materials (explosives, propellants and the like) to detonation induced by mechanical shock or by application of pronounced heat, e.g. by a laser beam. Examples of such energetic materials are fluorine azide and chlorine azide which are model HEDM propellants which are prone to accidental detonation in the solid state. The polycrystalline forms of such solids are sensitive to and readily detonated by, mechanical shock and pulsed laser photolysis. The method of the invention serves to desensitize such energetic materials by forming them as amorphous (disordered) solids by vapor deposition thereof onto a relatively cold substrate, which amorphous form desensitizes them relative to more conventional polycrystalline forms of these energetic materials though both contain about the same amount of chemical energy.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of reducing the formation of toxic nitrogen oxides in after-blast fumes by using an emulsion blasting agent that has an appreciable amount of urea in its discontinuous oxidizer salt phase.

Abstract: An explosive in granulated or particulate form, wherein at least a part of the granules comprises an emulsion, having a continuous fuel phase and a discontinuous oxidizer phase containing oxidizing salts, and wherein the fuel phase is soft or deformable and at least a part of the oxidizing salts in the discontinuous phase is in solid crystalline or amorphous form. A method for the manufacture of an explosive in granular or particluate form comprises the steps of, forming an emulsion having a continuous fuel phase and a discontinuous oxidizing phase containing oxidizing salts, solidifying at least a part of the oxidizing salts in the discontinuous phase and granulating the emulsion. The granulated explosive may be charged, e.g. by blow-loading, into a hole in a material and initiated.

Abstract: In gas generant compositions utilizing as fuel, at least in part, tartaric acid, aqueous processing is improved through the use of d,1-tartaric acid over naturally-occurring 1-tartaric acid.

Abstract: An explosive composition is derived from a non-aqueous emulsion of a solution of a self-explosive dispersed as the discontinuous phase (D-phase) throughout a continuous phase (C-phase) which is substantially immiscible with the D-phase. The emulsion is prepared by dropping the solution of self-explosive into a dispersion of surfactant or emulsifier in fuel, at a temperature high enough to prevent precipitation of the self-explosive from solution. Upon cooling and aging, the emulsion becomes a pourable or pumpable mass which gradually is destabilized. Upon destabilization and recrystallization in a cavity, a mass of crystals of self-explosive becomes shaped to the cavity.

Abstract: A two-part igniter for inflators used to inflate inflation devices such as air bags, lift rafts, slide chutes, and the like which includes a heterogeneous mixture of an ignition material and a consolidated mass of either i) a pyrotechnic component or ii) a composite propellant. The ignition material can be in a granular form or pelletized. The pyrotechnic component or composite propellant is provided as a pellet which is in immediate contact with the ignition material. The pyrotechnic component or composite propellant lowers the auto-ignition temperature of the two-part igniter. The two-part igniter can be used in inflators which generate all inflation gases from gas-generating compositions and in inflators which include a supply of stored pressurized inflation gases.

Abstract: A porous prilled product, particularly ammonium nitrate, and its method of preparation, which includes encapsulated microspheres, particularly polymer microballoons, which serve to reduce the density of the product.The invention also extends to an explosives composition particularly ANFO and heavy ANFO, including such ammonium nitrate of reduced density.

Abstract: A gas generant composition adapted for use with airbag restraint systems containing aluminum components includes a fuel which is a tetrazole or a triazole, an oxidizer which is an ammonium, alkali metal and/or alkaline earth metal salt of a chlorate, perchlorate or nitrate, alumina and a binder.

Abstract: An emulsion explosive composition having improved resistance to precompression desensitization comprising an emulsion explosive matrix and a high level of a low strength microspheres. Preferably, the microspheres having a crush strength of between 100 and 400 psi, and are present in at least 4% by weight of the formulation. Accordingly, the present invention allows the use of a more standard (and usually less expensive) microspheres in the production of a precompression desensitization-resistant emulsion explosive. Further, the emulsion explosives of the present invention would permit emulsion explosives, in general, to be utilized in a wider range of applications.

Abstract: A wick composition for incendiary devices is disclosed which enables an improved and controlled burn rate. The wick composition comprises:(a) about 25 to about 75 weight percent of a nitrate compound selected from the group consisting of cellulose nitrate, cellulose trinitrate, polyvinyl nitrate, and ammonium nitrate;(b) a nitrate stabilizer; and(c) a wick or string material.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a watergel explosive composition, and method of manufacturing the same, that has a density of less than 0.8 g/cc. The composition has good water resistance and is especially useful in blasting applications calling for lower energy explosives.

Abstract: The specification discloses a high density prill particularly useful for in an emulsion explosive composition and a method for making the prill, The prill comprises a porous ammonium nitrate matrix having a density of at least about 54 pounds per cubic foot (0.86 kg/L) and having a concentration of greater than about 99.5 wt.% ammonium nitrate. The high density prill of the invention exhibits an oil absorption of at least about 4 wt.% based on the total weight of the prill and oil.

Abstract: An explosive composition in which the explosive reactive component is adsorbed and held on the surfaces of and between the organic hollow microspheres, and a method of producing the same.

Abstract: Conductive carbon fibrils are incorporated into energetic compositions to enhance the burn rate. The carbon fibrils are grown catalytically from carbon precursors and are substantially free of pyrolytically deposited thermal carbon. The fibrils generally have a length in the range from about 1.mu. to about 10.mu. and a diameter in the range from about 3.5 nanometers to about 75 nanometers. Length to diameter aspect ratios are greater than 5, and typically in the range from about 100:1 to about 1000:1. A 100% improvement in burn rate was observed in compositions containing as little as 0.1 weight percent carbon fibrils. Greater amounts of carbon fibrils (2 weight percent) have increased the burn rate 500%. In most cases, fibril concentration will be in the range from about 0.1 to about 2 weight percent, although greater amounts are possible. The burn rate may be effectively tailored by varying the amount of fibrils added to the composition.

Abstract: Provided herewith is a method for preparing an explosive composition with an adjusted rate of detonation which matches the rock stratum in which blasting is to occur. The composition is comprised of a mixture of glass microballoons and plastic spheres, which mixture has been found to provide one with adjustable rates of detonation with essentially no significant difference in the carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and water contents or ratios and at the same time with the same overall energy.

Abstract: A PIBSA based emulsion explosive including an ester of orthophosphoric acid, preferably made from long chain alcohols having from 6 to 18 carbon atoms. The explosive may be gassed chemically or mechanically and can be used in the manufacture of heavy ANFO.

Abstract: A cap-sensitive emulsion explosive capable of being used in packaged explosive products. The explosive contains ammonium nitrate prills of a bulk density of 0.70 to 1.00 g/cc, with a particle density of 1.25 to 1.40 g/cc. A polysuccinic anhydride based emulsifying agent is used as an emulsifying agent. Packaged explosives prepared according to the present invention have improved package stability, and allow for control of the ratio of shock energy to heave energy.

Abstract: Precipitation of fine azide core particles with in-situ coating with suspended tiny oxide particles, followed by concentration of the dilute suspension of these bodies to form a slurry with residual dissolved azide in the liquor, and finally converting the slurry in to solid aggregates of the pyrotechnic bodies by e.g. prilling whereby liquid phase evaporation releases dissolved azide causing the pyrotechnic bodies to be adhered together in to larger aggregates.

Abstract: The density of ammonium nitrate-based mining explosives, such as ANFO, heavy ANFO and emulsion explosives, is lowered by adding an expanded grain, such as expanded popcorn, expanded rice, or expanded wheat, to the explosive. As much as 10% of the explosive composition may be an expanded grain. The present invention may be used with porous ammonium nitrate, dense agricultural grade ammonium nitrate, crystalline ammonium nitrate, and ground ammonium nitrate.