Abstract: Mechanical enhancement of the burning rate of solid propellants is achieved y the incorporation of limited percentages of gas-generated-expandable beads into the solid propellant composition during propellant mixing and which are chemically crosslinked during propellant curing to a solid propellant grain. When the flame front reaches an individual bead during propellant grain burning, the bead which contains a blowing agent selected from 4-toluenesulfonyl hydrazide and 4,4'-oxybis(benzenesulfonyl hydrazide) and coated with a bead forming material consisting of about 95 parts by weight hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene prepolymer, of about 5 parts by weight of trimethylolpropane, and of about 6 parts by weight of isophorone diisocyanate expands to several times its volume and ruptures. Bead expansion or rupture causes a disruption of the propellant's surface, and the flame can penetrate into the propellant. The penetration results in a major increase in burning rate.

Abstract: A water-in-oil emulsion explosive composition having a void-providing agent consisting of expanded perlite is provided. The water-in-oil emulsion explosive composition comprising a continuous phase of carbonaceous fuel, an emulsifier, a dispersed phase of an aqueous solution of inorgnaic oxidizer, and expanded perlite having a density of less than 0.60 g/cc and preferably of from about 0.23 g/cc to about 0.45 g/cc.

Abstract: An emulsion explosive composition comprising a discontinuous oxidizer phase and a continuous fuel phase is provided wherein the fuel phase comprises an aromatic hydrocarbon compound. The composition essentially contains as the emulsifying agent a polyisobutylene succinic anyhdride-based compound in admixture with an ester of 1-4 sorbitan and oleic acid. The composition demonstrates high explosive strength and excellent stability.

Abstract: A process for preparing a gas bubble sensitized explosive composition. The present process comprises preparing an explosive composition comprising a water-in-oil emulsion and mechanically entraining gas bubbles into the explosive composition. Low viscosity emulsion explosives are able to be sensitized by this process. There is a preference for wax free emulsions to be used. The process is applicable to emulsion explosives comprising ammonium nitrate particles. By providing a process for the mechanical entrainment of stable gas bubbles we allow explosive compositions to be sensitized on-site by readily available mixing means.

Abstract: An emulsion explosive composition comprising a discontinuous oxidizer phase and a continuous fuel phase is provided wherein the fuel phase comprises a nitroalkane compound. The composition essentially contains as the emulsifying agent a polyisobutylene succinic anhydride-based compound in admixture with an ester of 1-4 sorbitan and oleic acid. The composition demonstrates high explosive strength and excellent stability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to water-in-oil emulsion explosive compositions comprising a discontinuous aqueous phase, a continuous water-immiscible organic phase, and an emulsifier content being at least 45% by weight of the emulsified fuel phase which decreases precompression or dead pressing.

Abstract: Water-in-oil emulsion explosive compositions have improved detonation properties, stability and lower viscosity. Bis (alkanolamine or polyol) amide and/or ester derivatives of bis-carboxylated or anhydride derivatized addition polymers are used as the emulsifier. For example, alkanolamine reacted (2:1 ratio) with polyisobutenyl succinic anhydride is found superior to the corresponding 1:1 derivative.

Abstract: A fast-acting cure catalyst for use in hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene-ed solid propellant formulation is tris(ethoxyphenyl)bismuthine. The incorporation of this catalyst as an additive in an amount of about 0.025 weight percent into a composite propellant formulation enables the formulation to be ambient mixed and ambient cured at 80.degree. F. or accelerated oven cured at 140.degree. F. Both oven and ambient cures are considerably more cost effective than the conventional oven cure if the prior art cure catalyst, triphenylbismuthine (TPB), is used. Other composite propellant ingredients comprise ammonium perchlorate of about 65 weight percent, aluminum powder of about 14 weight percent, the organic oxidizer, cyclotetramethylenetetranitramine, of about 10 weight percent, isophorone diisocyanate additive to provide an isocyanate/hydroxyl ratio of about 0.92, and hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene polymer of about 11.5 weight percent.

Abstract: Emulsifiers are disclosed which comprise the reaction product of component (I) with component (II). Component (I) comprises the reaction product of certain carboxylic acids or anhydrides, or ester or amide derivatives thereof, with ammonia, at least one amine, at least one alkali and/or at least one alkaline-earth metal. Component (II) comprises certain phosphorous-containing acids; or metal salts of said phosphorous-containing acids, the metals being selected from the group consisting of magnesium, calcium, strontium, chromium, manganese, iron, molybdenum, cobalt, nickel, copper, silver zinc, cadmium, aluminum, tin, lead, and mixtures of two or more thereof. These emulsifiers are useful in water-in-oil explosive emulsions.

Abstract: A novel PIBSA-based surfactant is provided which has particular utility in the manufacture of water-in-oil explosive emulsions. The surfactant comprises the esterification product of polyalk(en)yl succinic anhydride and an adduct of the formula: ##STR1## whereR.sub.1 is H or --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --OHandR.sub.2 is selected from the group consisting of an acyl group containing 8-20 carbon atoms and a hydroxy ethyl ester of a mono- or di-carboxylic acid containing from 8-25 carbon atoms. The compound can be distinguished from the prior art PIBSA-based surfactants by virtue of the absence of any polyamine in its synthesis, the presence of an ester linkage and the absence of a salt linkage.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing a multi-phase emulsion explosive from a liquid organic fuel medium and an immiscible liquid oxidizer comprises a mixing chamber, flow constrictor means for introducing the liquid oxidizer as an emergent turbulent jet to said chamber and causing formation of droplets of said oxidizer in situ within the chamber, means for introducing the fuel medium to said chamber so that the fuel introduced thereby contacts and stabilizes the droplets of oxidizer solution as they are formed to maintain same as discrete droplets of oxidizer liquid and thereby provide an emulsion suitable for use as the basis for an explosive system.

Abstract: Composition and process for inflating an automobile or aircraft safety crash bag comprising igniting a pyrotechnic composition to generate a gas which is admixed with air by means of an aspirating venturi which results in substantially non-toxic products which are thereafter utilized to inflate said crash bag.

Abstract: The invention provides a thermodynamically stable fluid system for use in combination with a solid oxidizer to provide an explosive composition. The fluid system comprises 1-70% by weight of water, 5-20% by weight of a surfactant, 0-35% by weight of a cosurfactant, and 5-85% by weight of an organic oil. Any droplet formation within the system has diameter or a thickness of less than or equal to about 0.1 microns. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid system is a microemulsion. When the fluid system is combined with a solid oxidizer, an explosive composition is formed, and the resulting explosive composition has a density greater than ANFO under similar conditions. The fluid system acts to increase the density of the oxidizer.

Abstract: Thermostability, age stability, and ignition property at low temperatures of a W/O type emulsion explosive are remarkably improved by incorporating a chelating agent in the W/O type emulsion explosive.

Abstract: An excellent water in oil type emulsion explosive having both of a superior handling property and a good aging initiating sensitivity at low temperatures and at small calibers, is provided by using a specific low molecular weight polyethylene as the carbonaceous fuel in the emulsion explosive.

Abstract: This invention relates to a dry mix explosive composition which includes a bulking agent which comprises from 1-20% (by weight) of a vegetable protein additive, the bulking agent having a bulk density of 0.1-0.6 grams per cubic centimeter. It is preferred that the resulting explosive composition have a bulk density of from 0.5-1.1 grams per cubic centimeter.

Abstract: This invention provides an improved method of foaming a water-in-oil emulsion explosive wherein a gassing agent which is a water-in-oil emulsion containing an aqueous solution of sodium nitrite in its discontinuous phase is mixed with the emulsion explosive. The sodium nitrite reacts with ammonium nitrate in the discontinuous phase of the emulsion explosive to generate small particles of gas which are distributed throughout the explosive. The method improves the gas bubble distribution and enhances the sensitivity of the explosive to blasting cap initiation.

Abstract: Disclosed is an explosive composition formed by a mixture of solid oxidizer salt and emulsion. In one aspect the emulsion contains no dissolved inorganic oxidizer salts in the aqueous phase. In another embodiment the emulsion contains an aqueous solution of less than a 75% saturated solution of oxidizer salt dissolved in the aqueous phase.

Abstract: The present invention provides a means by which chemically or thermally gassed emulsion explosives can be packaged in symmetrical cartridges, such as cylindrical paper packages having crimped ends. After formation, the gassed emulsion explosive is formed into a continuous strip of generally constant width and height. The strip then is passed through a cooling bath to cool the emulsion explosive to a predetermined temperature. A desired length of emulsion then is cut from the cooled strip, and the cut length is wrapped with a paper packaging material to form a cartridge of emulsion explosive.

Abstract: Water-containing explosives, such as emulsions, slurries and water gels, are sensitized in their salt phase with sensitizing energy release agents based on nitroalkanes and nitroalkane blends and optionally including arene coupling agents.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an explosive composition comprising a discontinuous oxidizer phase comprising at least one oxygen-supplying component, a continuous organic phase comprising at least carbonaceous fuel, and an emulsifying amount of (A) at least one salt composition derived from (A) (I) at least one high-molecular weight hydrocarbyl-substituted carboxylic acid or anhydride, or ester or amide derivative of said acid or anhydride, the hydrocarbyl substituent of (A) (I) having an average of from about 20 to about 500 carbon atoms, and (A) (II) ammonia, at least one amine, at least one alkali or alkaline earth metal, and/or at least one alkali or alkaline earth metal compound; and (B) at least one salt composition derived from (B) (I) at least one low-molecular weight hydrocarbyl-substituted carboxylic acid or anhydride, or ester or amide derivative of said acid or anhydride, the hydrocarbyl substituent of (B) (I) having an average of from about 8 to about 18 carbon atoms, and (B) (II) ammonia, at

Abstract: A highly active, finely divided ferric oxide burning rate catalyst and method for making the same. The catalyst is made by vaporizing an iron-containing compound that is capable of vaporization at a temperature below about 500.degree. C., and is capable of forming ferric oxide when reacted with an oxygen-containing atmosphere at temperatures below about 500.degree. C. The iron-containing compound is then oxidized in an oxygen-containing atmosphere. The ferric oxide burning rate catalyst made by this process is particularly adapted for use in a composite solid rocket propellant. This process provides an ultra pure, highly active, finely divided burning rate catalyst.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of producing a composition comprising solid particulate ammonium nitrate having improved explosive properties.Explosive compositions comprising particulate ammonium nitrate such as ANFO, which is a mixture of particulate ammonium nitrate and about 6% w/w of a fuel oil which is typically distillate oil, have been known for many years as relatively inexpensive and reliable explosives.Despite the wide acceptance of particulate ammonium nitrate based exposlives in the industry, their use has been limited by their relatively poor performance in wet conditions; in such conditions, explosive power can be seriously reduced, and they can be difficult to detonate.

Abstract: A water-in-oil emulsion is disclosed which comprises:(A) a continuous oil phase;(B) a discontinuous aqueous phase;(C) a minor emulsifying amount of at least one salt derived from (C) (I) at least one hydrocarbyl-substituted carboxylic acid or anhydride, or ester or amide derivative of said acid or anhydride, the hydrocarbyl substituent of (C) (I) having an average of from about 20 to about 500 carbon atoms, and (C) (II) ammonia, at least one amine, at least one alkali or alkaline earth metal, and/or at least one alkali or alkaline earth metal compound; and(D) a functional amount of at least one water-soluble, oil-insoluble functional additive dissolved in said aqueous phase; with the proviso that when component (D) is ammonium nitrate, component (C) is other than an ester/salt formed by the reaction of polyisobutenyl (Mn=950) succinic anhydride with diethylethanolamine in a ratio of one equivalent of anhydride to one equivalent of amine.

Abstract: An explosive composition is disclosed which comprises a discontinuous oxidizer phase comprising at least one oxygen-supplying component, a continuous organic phase comprising at least one water-immiscible organic liquid, and an emulsifying amount of at least one nitrogen-containing emulsifier derived from (A) at least one carboxylic acylating agent, (B) at least one polyamine, and (C) at least one acid or acid-producing compound capable of forming at least one salt with said polyamine. These explosive compositions can be water-in-oil emulsions or melt-in-oil emulsions. They can also be explosive compositions derived from such emulsions wherein at temperatures below that at which the emulsion is formed the discontinuous phase is solid or in the form of droplets of supercooled liquid.

Abstract: A method for the pre-emulsification of fuel oil or other carbonaceous compound and water in the presence of one or more emulsifying compositions or emulsifier constituents, prior to the addition to and emulsification of an aqueous solution of the ammonium nitrate or other oxidizer salt. In contrast to compositions prepared by emulsifying all constituents simultaneously, the pre-emulsion of the fuel oil and water with fatty acid and salts and/or amines consistently enables preparation of emulsion-type explosive compositions having uniform, fine particle size. The emulsions thus produced detonate readily and are stable to cold (to -20.degree. C.), to heat (to 90.degree. C.) and to water (24 hour immersion).

Abstract: The invention provides a thermodynamically stable fluid system for use in combination with a solid oxidizer to provide an explosive composition. The fluid system comprises 1-70% by weight of water, 5-20% by weight of a surfactant, 0-35% by weight of a cosurfactant, and 5-85% by weight of an organic oil. Any droplet formation within the system has diameter or a thickness of less than or equal to about 0.1 microns. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid system is a microemulsion. When the fluid system is combined with a solid oxidizer, an explosive composition is formed, and the resulting explosive composition has a density greater than ANFO under similar conditions. The fluid system acts to increase the density of the oxidizer.

Abstract: Salt compositions are disclosed which comprise: (A) at least one salt moiety derived from (A)(I) at least one high-molecular weight polycarboxylic acylating agent, said acylating agent (A)(I) having at least one hydrocarbyl substituent having an average of from about 20 to about 500 carbon atoms, and (A)(II) ammonia, at least one amine, at least one alkali or alkaline earth metal, and/or at least one alkali or alkaline earth metal compound; (B) at least one salt moiety derived from (B)(I) at least one low-molecular weight polycarboxylic acylating agent, said acylating agent (B)(I) optionally having at least one hydrocarbyl substituent having an average of up to about 18 carbon atoms, and (B)(II) ammonia, at least one amine, at least one alkali or alkaline earth metal, and/or at least one alkali or alkaline earth metal compound; said components (A) and (B) being coupled together by (C) at least one compound having (i) two or more primary amino groups, (ii) two or more secondary amino groups, (iii) at least one

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of combustible ammunition and relates chiefly to the manufacture of bottoms or covers for combustible cases.According to the invention, a combustible article is manufactured by pressing in a die 10 at least one sheet 21 of combustible paper containing nitrocellulose and having the shape of a disc, by virtue of a rigid movable punch 20 exerting a compressive force on a deformable flexible punch 22 arranged inside the said die 10 between the sheets 21 and the said movable punch 20. The flexible punch 22 is in the shape of a substantially cylindrical thick disc, consists of neoprene or a silicone resin and has a hardness of between 55 and 65 Shore at 20.degree. C. The pressing operation is accompanied by a thermoforming operation carried out at approximately 115.degree. C.The process is particularly suitable for the production of bottoms of combustible cases bearing studs or grooves on their side faces.

Abstract: A combustible coating for providing a delay barrier to intrusion into an object. The coating contains a source of fuel as a metal and/or a polymer and a source of oxygen such as an oxidizer. The coating is ignitable at a temperature in excess of about 300.degree. C., during combustion is resistant to the effects of common fire extinguishing materials, and is capable of sustaining combustion for at least five minutes with a burn rate of no more than about six inches per minute.

Abstract: An emulsion explosive composition comprising a discontinuous phase containing an oxygen-supplying component and an organic medium forming a continuous phase wherein the oxygen-supplying component and organic medium are capable of forming an emulsion which, in the absence of a supplementary adjuvant, exhibits an electrical conductivity measured at 60.degree. C., not exceeding 60,000 picomhos/meter. Such conductivity may be achieved by inclusion of a modifier. The compositions exhibit improved storage characteristics.

Abstract: Low alloy steel tubes are decarburized, heavily diffusion chromized and heavily diffusion aluminized to protect them against sulfidation. For the diffusion they can be supported upright with one end on layer of diffusion-coating pack on floor of a retort. Surface portions that are to be welded are covered with masking layer that prevents diffusion coating, or with inert layer that reduces the amount of coating. Diffusion aluminizing can also be applied to foils and powder to make pyrophoric product after leaching out much of the introduced aluminum. Powder can also be diffusion boronized. Pyrophoric boron-containing iron or nickel powder mixed with Ba(NO.sub.3).sub.2 will ignite to cause generation of large quantity of NO.sub.2 gas, and generation is improved when powdered boron and/or oxidizer like NaClO.sub.3 is added.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved explosive composition. More particularly, the invention relates to a water-in-oil emulsion explosive having improved stability and a lower viscosity. The term "water-in-oil" means a dispersion of droplets of an aqueous solution or water-miscible melt (the discontinuous phase) in an oil or water-immiscible organic substance (the continuous phase). The term "explosive" means both cap-sensitive explosives and noncap-sensitive explosives commonly referred to as blasting agents. The water-in-oil emulsion explosives of this invention contain a water-immiscible organic fuel as the continuous phase and an emulsified inorganic oxidizer salt solution or melt as the discontinuous phase. (The terms "solution" or "melt" hereafter shall be used interchangeably.) These oxidizer and fuel phases react with one another upon initiation by a blasting cap and/or a booster to produce an effective detonation.

Abstract: An explosive composition comprising (a) a water-in-oil emulsion comprising (i) a discontinuous aqueous phase comprising at least one oxygen-releasing salt, (ii) a continuous water-immiscible organic phase and (iii) an emulsifier, and (b) 20 to 75% w/w of the total composition of brisant explosive and wherein the emulsifier is chosen from poly[alk(en)yl] succinic acid and derivatives thereof.

Abstract: Pyrophoric preparations made of crushable open-celled metal skeleton such as honeycomb, metal foam or expanded twisted foil, filled with pyrophoric powder, so that when crushed to make a compact disc the metal skeleton is deformed and helps lock the powder particles in place.

Abstract: The mechanical burning rate accelerators, e.g., graphite linters or alumi whiskers, which are employed to enhance the burning rate of solid propellants are modified by depositing specks of metal selected from the group of metals consisting of iron, vanadium, or palladium on the graphite linters or aluminum whiskers. An increase in burning rate of the propellant composition is achieved when the modified mechanical burning rate accelerators in an approximately equal percentage by weight is substituted for the unmodified graphite linters or aluminum whiskers in the propellant composition. During the propellant burning the specks of metal generate localized hot spots of heat which is graphite linters or aluminum whiskers conduct into the propellant and thereby produces the increase in burning rate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved emulsion explosive compositions and their manufacture. More particularly, the invention relates to the provision of improved emulsion explosive compositions having reduced tackiness which permits them to be handled without difficulty and increased rigidity which enables them to maintain desired column height. The improved compositions also evince enhanced detonation sensitivity, improved shelf life over long periods of storage and greater resistance to shock or shear desensitisation though the precise reasons for these improvements are not always clear.

Abstract: Structure for generating nitrogen gas for inflating an air bag vehicle occupant resistant comprises a grain made of an azide based material which generates gas upon combustion. The grain has an ignition enhancing coating thereon consisting essentially of 30 to 50% by weight of an alkali metal azide, 40 to 60% by weight of sodium nitrate or potassium perchlorate, 5 to 15% by weight of boron, and 1 to 15% by weight of sodium silicate. The coating may also include 1 to 6% by weight of graphite fibers as a roughening agent.

Abstract: Heating or heat generation in general can be from activated aluminides of molybdenum, zirconium or other similar ignitible metals. Activation is by leaching out some of the aluminum and leaves a product which is highly pyrotechnic but not pyrophoric. Activation of such alloy renders activated surface porous so it car receive impregnants such as lubricants to thus act as a bearing. Pyrotechnic webs for use as decoys against heat-seeking missiles can be folded so that portions interfere with the free radiation of other portions, to thus extend the time the webs remain at high temperature. The folding also improves the trajectory through which the webs fall when discharged into the air. The web can be coated with a thin layer of powdered silica, alumina or zirconia to increase the proportion of its radiation in the 8 to 14 micron range.

Abstract: In order to achieve a stable burn characteristic, improved mechanical proties and reduced smoke development during burn, a composite solid propellant includes nitrides, borides, and carbonitrides of the metals zirconium, titanium, tungsten, hafnium, tantalum, or niobium as a burn moderator.

Abstract: A circular slit plate having slits therein that are symmetrically positioned and originate near the center of the plate and extend radially toward the outer diameter thereof is used to deaerate solid rocket motor propellant and to provide a uniform propellant flow distribution during rocket motor casting.

Abstract: In a process for the production of a `water-in-fuel` or `melt-in-fuel` emulsion explosive a density-reducing agent is introduced and dispersed in the emulsion at an elevated temperature whereat the emulsion is essentially liquid, the explosive is cartridged and then subsequently cooled by means of a refrigerated fluid so that the continuous phase solidifies and stabilizes the dispersion of the density-reducing agent in the explosive. Preferably, when the density-reducing agent comprises gas bubbles the explosive is subjected to an elevated pressure before it is cartridged in order to ensure that the sensitivity of the explosive will not be impaired by disturbance of gas bubbles by any pressure drop which might occur during cartridging.

Abstract: The invention relates to a water-in-oil emulsion explosive comprising a water-immiscible organic fuel as a continuous phase; an emulsified aqueous inorganic oxidizer salt solution as a discontinuous phase; and a phenolic derivative of polypropene or polybutene as an emulsifier.

Abstract: A dry non-explosive additive for ammonium nitrate-fuel oil (ANFO) blasting agents which provides water resistance and wet sensitivity to allow use of the explosive in wet drill holes. The additive contains gelling agents that rapidly hydrate and swell upon water impingement, and thereafter cross-link to rapidly form a peripheral water-blocking barrier to prevent further water intrusion into a loaded blasting agent mass. The additive additionally contains hydrophobic sensitizers and optional fuels to provide points of adiabatic compression and physically hinder water incursion. When the additive is mixed with ANFO, the resulting blasting agent retains its dry and free pouring characteristics and has enhanced explosive properties over untreated ANFO. While ANFO may not detonate in wet conditions unless protected from water, when admixed with our additive it retains its explosive characteristics and detonation potential after placement in wet environs, to function well either wet or dry.

Abstract: The present invention provides a water-in-oil macroemulsion for use in combination with a solid oxidizer in preparing a high density explosive composition. The macroemulsion comprises 1-70% by weight of water, 5-85% by weight of a fuel oil, and 0.1-10% by weight of an emulsifier with an HLB number within the range 0-8. The invention also provides an explosive composition comprising 2-20% by weight of a water-in-oil macroemulsion as just described and 80-98% by weight of a solid oxidizer. The preferred solid oxidizer is selected from the group of ammonium nitrate, sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, calcium nitrate, ANFO, and mixtures thereof. In addition, water soluble fuels, oil soluble fuels, or solid fuels may be added to the erxplosive composition. The invention further provides a method of preparing a solid oxidizer based explosive having a higher density than that obtainable in a mixture of fuel oil and the solid oxidizers.

Abstract: A composition for making an in situ disposable propellant canister for utilization in controlled pulse fracturing. Said canister is composed of a porous light fabric material in combination with a gel solution. The gel creates a formable mass after solidification. Said mass can be made of a gel thickness sufficient to support and contain a propellant. Upon ignition of said propellant, the gelled canister is destroyed thereby alleviating a clean up operation.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing plastic-bound propellant powders and explosives in crystalline form, with the apparatus including an extruder comprising a casing with a feed opening, optionally a solvent supply opening and one or two extruder shafts with kneading and conveying segments. For processing the plastic binders, which polymerize photochemically or under X-rays, a casing section transparent for the rays is provided, with polymerization within the extruder being initiated by UV/VIS or X-radiation sources arranged around it and the radiation intensity and/or the wavelength of the radiation are controlled as a function of the pressure difference over a given path in a compression zone of the extruder, in such a manner that the propellant or explosive strand or strands leave the extruder in a dimensionally stable and cuttable manner.

Abstract: A container for the temporary storage of an emulsion of explosive and water consisting of two chambers that communicate through a gap at the floor and into which water is introduced into up to a prescribed level. One chamber of the container accommodates an agitator, and explosive or an emulsion of explosive and water is introduced into that chamber with constant circulation. The other chamber of the container has an opening at the bottom for removing emulsion that has been concentrated to a predetermined strength and has a water-supply line at the top.

Abstract: A water-in-oil emulsion explosive composition comprising: a discontinuous aqueous oxidizer-phase comprising dissolved therein an oxygen releasing salt component comprising ammonium nitrate; a continuous organic-phase comprising an organic fuel; and an emulsifying agent and characterized in that the oxygen-releasing salt component comprises at least one modifier selected from compounds of elements selected from the group consisting of aluminium, iron and silicon and wherein the oxidizer-phase comprises dissolved therein at least one polycarboxylate compound selected from polycarboxylic acids and salts thereof.

Abstract: In general, this invention relates to smoke-producing pellets for use in a mortar shell.More particularly, this invention relates to an improved process of making smoke-producing pellets for the 81 mm cartridge of the XM819 mortar shell.