Abstract: Cap sensitive emulsion explosive compositions comprising a discontinuous aqueous oxidizer salt phase, a continuous carbonaceous fuel phase, and closed cell void containing materials are disclosed which exhibit increased sensitivity, as measured by the 1/2 cartridge air gap sensitivity test, due to a reduced water content in the range of from about 4% to less than about 10% by weight of the emulsion matrix which is used to prepare the composition.

Abstract: A pyrotechnical composition for delay elements comprising metallic antimony and potassium permanganate are disclosed. The pyrotechnical composition can contain 0.1 to 2.08 percent of a light metal in powder form. It is useful as a delay composition in time fuses having burning time intervals of over 150 milliseconds.

Abstract: A novel pyrotechnic delay composition is provided for use in both non-electric and electric blasting caps which is characterized by uniform burn rate and low toxicity. The composition, comprising an admixture of stannic oxide and silicon, has no carcinogenic properties.

Abstract: An explosive device comprising:(1) a metal liner composed of a metal selected from the group consisting of luminum, magnesium, copper, and brass, the liner enclosing a chamber;(2) a liquid contain in the chamber;(3) a layer of pyrotechnic material surrounding the outside of the liner, the pyrotechnic material composed of a mixture of powders of(a) nickel;(b) metal oxide; and(c) an aluminum containing component which may be (i) aluminum or (ii) a mixture of from 50 to less than 100 weight percent of aluminum and from more than zero to 50 weight percent of a metal which can be magnesium, zirconium, bismuth, beryllium, boron, tantalum, copper, silver, niobium, or mixtures thereof; and(4) means for igniting the pyrotechnic material. This device is useful as an explosive, particularly as an underwater explosive.

Abstract: A process for promoting the oxidation of an explosive-containing mixture or a pyrotechnical mixture involves utilizing zinc peroxide as the sole or predominant oxidant in the mixture. Preferably the zinc peroxide has an available oxygen content of more than 12.3% by weight.

Abstract: This invention relates to a combustible sabot and process for its preparan for a spinning tubular projectile. This combustible sabot is prepared in such a way and of such materials that it combusts spontaneously while exiting the gun barrel. The sabot is fabricated from an anhydride cured epoxy binder, boron, molybdenum trioxide, ammonium perchlorate and a metallic fuel selected from either aluminum or magnesium in the presence of a catalyst.

Abstract: Waste materials from the conversion of iron ore to pig iron or steel combine with a reducing metal, such as aluminum or magnesium, and a small portion of a mineral acid to form a reaction mixture which gives a heat output superior to many conventional fuels. The materials are processed in several steps to produce either a shaped or loose composition, a portion of which is then heated to a reaction temperature. Retardants for the reaction may be added.

Abstract: A explosive device comprising:(1) a metal liner composed of a metal selected from the group consisting of luminum, magnesium, copper, and brass, the liner enclosing a chamber;(2) a liquid contained in the chamber;(3) a layer of pyrotechnic material surrounding the outside of the liner, the pyrotechnic material composed of a mixture of powders of(a) nickel;(b) metal oxide; and(c) an aluminum containing component which may be (i) aluminum or (ii) a mixture of from 50 to less than 100 weight percent of aluminum and from more than zero to 50 weight percent of a metal which can be magnesium, zirconium, bismuth, beryllium, boron, tantalum, copper, silver, niobium, or mixtures thereof;and(4) means for igniting the pyrotechnic material. This device is useful as an explosive, particularly as an underwater explosive.

Abstract: A self-bonding flame spray wire capable of forming a readily grindable coating formed of a sheath of aluminum and a compacted powder core containing a major portion of nickel and stainless steel and a minor portion of aluminum and metal oxide. The core may contain from about 10 to 90 percent, and preferably about 61 percent, by weight nickel, about 10 to 90, and preferably 30, percent by weight stainless steel, from 1 to 10 percent by weight, and preferably 5 percent by weight, aluminum, from 1/4 to 10 percent by weight, and preferably 4 percent by weight, of the metal oxide which may, for example, be cobalt oxide or zirconium oxide, and is most preferably zirconium oxide.

Abstract: An improved pyrotechnic cap capable of being activated by the radiant energy from an adjacent flashlamp. The cap includes a plastic container with a quantity of pyrotechnic composition hermetically sealed therein. Receipt of the described radiant energy causes activation of the composition whereby the cap produces an audible signal of high intensity (e.g. 158 to 164 decibels at 25 centimeters). The improvement comprises adding a desiccant material within the cap's container atop the pyrotechnic composition to absorb any quantities of moisture which might enter the container and adversely affect the cap's operability.

Abstract: A nitrogen gas generating composition is provided which consists of a stoichiometric mixture of an alkali metal azide or an alkali earth metal azide and a doped iron oxide of high chemical reactivity. The doped iron oxide contains up to 1.0% by weight of another metal oxide impregnated into its particle lattice. The resulting composition has improved properties of ignition delay time, total burn time, filter-ability and reduced toxic by-products.

Abstract: The present invention combines sewage by-products such as sludge cake, with a composition which includes iron-containing waste materials to form a heat-producing composition. First, waste materials from the conversion of iron ore to pig iron or steel combine with a reducing metal, such as aluminum or magnesium, and a small portion of a mineral acid to form a reaction mixture which gives a heat output superior to many conventional fuels. Then, this composition is admixed with sludge cake from a city sewage plant to produce a fuel which not only utilizes city sewage to some advantage but also gives a good heat output. The materials are processed in several steps to produce either a shaped or loose composition, a portion of which is then heated to a reaction temperature.

Abstract: Waste materials from the conversion of iron ore to pig iron or steel combine with a reducing metal, such as aluminum or magnesium, and a small portion of a mineral acid to form a reaction mixture which gives a heat output superior to many conventional fuels. The materials are processed in several steps to produce either a shaped or loose composition, a portion of which is then heated to a reaction temperature. Retardants for the reaction may be added.

Abstract: Refractory articles are described which are of use e.g. as hot top lining slabs or riser sleeves in the metallurgical industry. The slabs are both heat insulating and they have exothermic properties when contacted by molten metal. The articles comprise by weight 8 to 20% of a particulate oxidizable metal, 5 to 25% of fibrous refractory material and 5 to 20% of an expanded perlite having a bulk density (untamped) of less than 0.15 g/cc. The overall density of the article is less than 0.75 g/cc.

Abstract: A container is provided which can be designed to heat its outer surface as to sterilize it, or to heat its inner surface and any contents therewithin. In a container that self sterilizes its outer surface, the container includes a combustible layer of thermit-type pyrotechnic material which can be ignited to generate considerable heat, and a thin casing around the combustible layer which is of highly thermally conductive materials such as aluminum which can be heated to a high temperature by the ignited combustible layer. A buffer layer which may be of metal, lies within the combustible layer, and a layer of insulation such as Teflon lies within the buffer layer to insulate the contents of the container from the heat. The thicknesses of the thermit-type charge of the combustible layer and of the casing are chosen so that the amount of heat from the charge heats the casing to a temperature which is only moderately high to avoid melting the casing.

Abstract: A high-voltage type photoflash lamp having an ignition structure including an improved primer material with enhanced breakdown voltage characteristics for the reliable ignition of filamentary combustible material distributed within the oxygen-filled envelope of the lamp. The primer material comprises a particulate fuel such as zirconium powder, a binding agent such as nitrocellulose, and an additive of relatively coarse inert material which is nonconductive and insoluble in the vehicle used in the applied slurry. A preferred additive consists of glass microbeads having a particle size substantially larger than the zirconium powder used.

Abstract: A thermit composition useful for repairing ingot mould base plates is described. It comprises a particulate oxidizable metal, particulate iron oxide and a particulate refractory filler consisting wholly or partly of zircon, the refractory filler material being present in a proportion of 18 to 35 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of easily oxidizable metal and iron oxide.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of an explosive delay composition consisting substantially of barium chromate and one or more fuels wherein the barium chromate is co-precipitated from solution at an elevated temperature in the presence of a suspension of fuel in a finely divided form so that the fuel is substantially incorporated in the barium chromate crystal or aggregate of crystals.

Abstract: An exothermic metallic composition for a body warmer comprising (1) one or more members selected from the group comprising iron, aluminum and magnesium in the form of fine particle and (2) an oxidation agent comprising one or more members selected from the group comprising ferrosoferric oxide, plumboblumbic oxide, trimanganese tetroxide, black copper oxide and manganese dioxide in the form of fine particle, water and particulate oxidation assistants such as sodium chloride and active carbon.

Abstract: A multiple photoflash system is provided which employs a high voltage type flashlamp construction, including a shorting primer material. Said primer material is converted to a conductive residue upon ignition of flashlamp to provide a short circuit path between spaced apart inleads of the lamp. Further series connection of the individual lamps in the flashlamp system which are operatively associated with switching devices to provide an open circuit condition upon flashing of the associated lamps permits sequential flashing. The particular primer material which enables the flashlamp system to be operated in this manner comprises a solid mixture of a combustible metal fuel and an oxidizer for the fuel such as alkaline metal chlorates and perchlorates, and which further contains particular proportions of various combustion supporting oxides.

Abstract: A thermit composition useful for repairing ingot mould base plates is described. It comprises a particulate oxidizable metal, particulate iron oxide and a particulate refractory filler consisting wholly or partly of zircon, the refractory filler material being present in a proportion of 35 to 50 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of easily oxidizable metal and iron oxide.

Abstract: A coating for protecting steel from corrosion is a mixture of an organic solvent and binder, powdered magnesium, and a passivating agent which has a pH greater than about 8 when in contact with water. Steel covered with the coating is cut or welded by the application of heat sufficient to melt the magnesium and underlying steel. In some embodiments, the pyrolysis products of the coating create an odor which warns of the build-up of nitrogen oxides produced by typical welding and coating operations.

Abstract: An explosive composition for high temperature applications comprises the reactant thorium and molybdenum trioxide. This composition when reacted liberates great amounts of thermal energy at extremely high temperatures in excess of 4000.degree. K forming reaction products of thorium dioxide and molybdenum.

Abstract: Disclosed are storable solid propellant compositions based on complex metal oron compounds of the general formula M(BH.sub.4).sub.x or M(BD.sub.4).sub.x, (where M equals a metal and x equals the valence of the metal M; M is an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal; H is hydrogen, and D is deuterium) and ammonium salts of the general formula (NH.sub.4).sub.n Y or deuteroammonium salts of the general formula (ND.sub.4).sub.n Y (where Y represents an anion with a total charge of n; N is nitrogen, H is hydrogen, and D is deuterium) combined stoichiometrically or in varying molar ratios. The stoichiometric blend is employed in a method for producing hydrogen or deuterium that contains nitrogen as an inert diluent and is acceptable for use in HF/DF chemical lasers, the gas dynamic laser (GDL), or as a source to generate hydrogen containing an inert diluent.

Abstract: There is described a floatable incendiary composition consisting essentially of magnesium powder, an oxidizer and an elastomeric polysiloxane which serves as a binder the amount of polysiloxane being sufficient to bind together the other components of the composition. The compositions are rendered floatable on the surface of water by incorporating into them a quantity of hollow microballoons in sufficient amount to lower the specific gravity of the composition concerned to less than 1.

Abstract: Improved thickened aqueous slurry explosives of the type containing an inorganic oxidizing salt, a fuel, and water are disclosed, wherein the improvement includes the use of a colloidal hydrous metal oxide as a thickening agent.

Abstract: A method of rebuilding the eroded area of an ingot mold such as used in casting steel ingots places a metal producing exothermic compound in a cleaned eroded area of the ingot mold to be rebuilt, ignites the compound and confines the molten metal produced by the exothermic reaction to the eroded area where it forms a welded bond with the metal of the ingot mold and fills the eroded area. A protective metal coating of a suitable welding rod metal may be deposited by electric arc or flame welding on the metal patch formed of the exothermic material.

Abstract: Combustible compositions comprise a higher oxide of a metal having at least two valence states, such as tungsten and molybdenum, and a reducing metal in an amount to reduce the higher oxide to a lower electrically conductive oxide. The compositions on burning form an electrically conductive ash.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of removing underwater obstacles by bling with a fluid explosure, a device for monitoring the execution of the method from a remote place, a fluid explosive composition especially suitable for the practice of the method, and a detonating device which is very suitable for detonating the fluid explosive. This underwater blasting method comprises the steps of injecting into a blasting hole drilled on an underwater obstacle an inert fluid which is immiscible with water and has a specific gravity greater than water, then injecting a fluid explosive having a specific gravity greater than the inert fluid to replace therewith a part of the inert fluid and thereafter detonating the injected explosive.The monitoring device is provided with a means for electrically detecting the level of the fluid explosive injected into the blasting hole. The fluid explosive composition contains as the explosive ingredient urea perchlorate.

Abstract: 1. A thermal battery comprising a plurality of cells, said cells comprising a metallic positive electrode and a metallic negative electrode spaced by a normally inactive electrolyte that becomes electrically active when heated, a combustible composition disposed between said cells and in contact therewith for supplying heat to the electrolyte, means for igniting said composition, said composition comprising an intimate mixture of a finely divided metal oxide and a finely divided metal capable of exothermically reacting with said metal oxide to form an electrically conductive metal oxide reaction product, thereby forming an electrically conductive ash when burned and providing an electrical connection between said cells.

Abstract: There is described an incendiary composition consisting essentially of by weight 20-40 percent magnesium powder, 30-60 percent metallic oxide and the remainder of elastomeric polysiloxane which serves as a binder the amount of polysiloxane being at least 10 percent. A second type of composition consists of 20-50 percent magnesium powder, 20-30 percent polytetrafluoroethylene in particulate form, and the remainder of elastomeric polysiloxane. A third type of composition consists of mixtures of the first and second types in proportions according to the desired specific gravity of the incendiary.

Abstract: Metal-penetrating incendiary compositions comprising particulate magnesium and fluoroalkyl phosphate esters of 5 to 11 carbon atoms, optionally containing additives such as ferric oxide, silicon and potassium perchlorate. The compositions can be prepared in paste form, cast and cured at an elevated temperature.

Abstract: A shaped heat insulating article for utilisation as a foundry riser sleeve, a ingot mould hot top lining, or the like comprises a granular and or fibrous refractory material which has a high infrared and ultra-violet radiation opacity, an exothermic mixture of a fuel and an oxidizing agent, and a binder and has a density below 0.7 grams per cubic centimeter.

Abstract: Flammable, relatively fast-burning compositions of fuels and oxidizers, which ignite and burn readily, forming substantially non-gaseous residues. The compositions comprise certain oxygen- or fluorine-rich compounds such as perchlorates, nitrates, oxides and polytetrafluoroethylene, and certain fuels such as metal powders and metal sulfides.

Abstract: Aluminum particles are coated with a composition containing 84 .+-. 3 wei percent desensitizing wax, 2 .+-. 0.5 weight percent lecithin and 14 .+-. 1 weight percent nitrocellulose prior to being mixed with other ingredients of an explosive composition in a bomb manufacturing process in order to eliminate the possibility of dust explosions occurring during the bomb manufacturing process.

Abstract: A gas generating composition containing nickel oxide or iron oxide and an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal azide, preferably fabricated in the form of tablets or granules. Upon ignition the composition generates nitrogen gas. The gas generating reaction takes place at a relatively low temperature and the solid products of the reaction form a sinter that is readily retained by a filter. The composition is useful for inflating the bags of automobile passive restraint systems.

Abstract: An improved primer material is disclosed for a high-voltage type flashlamp construction. Said primer material comprises a solid mixture of a combustible fuel and an oxidizer for the fuel such as alkali metal chlorates and perchlorates, and which further contains a combustion-supporting oxide of the type which is converted to a lower oxide upon combustion of the mixture. A still further alumina gel additive in said primer composition modifies the ignition characteristics in a desirable manner for use in a high-voltage type flashlamp. An all-glass flashlamp construction is disclosed in which the improved primer material can be disposed between a pair of spaced-apart inlead wires to provide the desired ignition of a quantity of filamentary combustible material distributed within the lamp envelope.

Abstract: A gas-generating composition comprising an oxidizer, a non-metal, preferably organic, fuel component, and a metal fuel staple component of a particular size.