Abstract: The present invention relates to metal filaments for use as fuel additives for rocket propellants, explosives, and other pyrotechnic devices. Preferred filaments are those such as zirconium, niobium and titanium (and alloys thereof) which have very high heat of combustion.

Abstract: Autoigniting compositions containing a hydrazine salt of 3-nitro-1,2,4-triazole-5-one for the gas generator of a vehicle occupant restraint system result in rapid autoignition at temperatures from approximately 150.degree. C. (302.degree. F.) to 220.degree. C. (428.degree. F.) thereby allowing the gas generator to operate at lower temperatures to facilitate use of an aluminum canister. The autoignition compositions of the present invention are relatively insensitive to shock or impact, are safe to manufacture and handle, and are advantageously classified as Class B materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a low-vulnerability explosive munitions element comprising a casing containing a multicomposition explosive charge, the innermost layer of which is a composite explosive comprising a filled polyurethane or polyester polymer matrix, the filling of which contains more than 20% by weight of organic nitrate explosive, and the peripheral layer of which is a pyrotechnic composition of the family of composite solid propellants comprising a filled polyurethane or polyester polymer matrix the filling of which contains at least one mineral oxidant and less than 17% by weight of organic nitrate explosive. The blast and/or bubble effect produced is close to that produced by the much more-vulnerable charge of monocomposition composite explosive of equivalent mass. The invention also relates to a method for obtaining a blast and/or bubble effect by releasing in the casing of an aforementioned munitions element according to the invention, and then rupture of the casing.

Abstract: Lead fluoride acts as a densifying and stabilizing ingredient for a propent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a low-vulnerability explosive munitions element comprising a casing containing a multicomposition explosive charge, the innermost layer of which is a composite explosive comprising a filled polyurethane or polyester polymer matrix, the filling of which contains more than 40% by weight of organic nitrate explosive, and the peripheral layer of which is a pyrotechnic composition of the family of composite solid propellants comprising a filled polyurethane or polyester polymer matrix the filling of which contains at least one mineral oxidant and less than 10% by weight of organic nitrate explosive. The blast and/or bubble effect produced is close to that produced by the much more-vulnerable charge of monocomposition composite explosive of equivalent mass. The invention also relates to a method for obtaining a blast and/or bubble effect by releasing in the casing of an aforementioned munitions element according to the invention, and then rupture of the casing.

Abstract: An autoigniting composition for the gas generator of a vehicle occupant restraint system that is thermally stable at temperatures up to 110.degree. C., will not autoignite at 150.degree. C., but when heated to approximately 177.degree. C. will undergo rapid autoignition.

Abstract: A blasting agent is disclosed for use in a borehole having a pressure resistant closure. The blasting agent is used in combination with a primary initiating system comprised of a detonator and an initiator for the detonator. The blasting agent is preferably a semi-fluid explosive material having a predetermined sensitivity. The sensitivity is related to the borehole diameter and the initiating system's strength, wherein the blasting agent upon initiation is transformed into explosive products by means of reaction front which consumes substantially all the blasting agent as the reaction front passes through the blasting agent. The reaction front has an average velocity of propagation of between 200 meters/second and 1,000 meters/second for at least 30% of the total length of blasting agent located in the borehole. Another aspect of the invention is a method of blasting wherein the average velocity of propagation of the explosive front in the blasting agent is in a range of between 200 m/sec and 1,000 m/sec.

Abstract: Mechanical enhancement of the burning rate of solid propellants is achieved y the incorporation of limited percentages of heat-expandable beads into the solid propellant matrix. When the flame front reaches an individual bead, the bead which contains an expanding or blowing agent (e.g., pentane, 4,4'-oxybis(benzenesulfonyl hydrazide) (Celogen OT), etc., 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. This penetration results in a major increase in burning rate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a water-in-oil emulsion and the emulsion explosives therefrom containing nitrostarch by nitrating starch with an excess of a nitrating agent, treating the reaction mixture thereof with anhydrous ammonia to form a solution of water, dissolved ammonium nitrate, and nitrostarch, and thereafter combining the aqueous solution with a carbonaceous fuel phase and emulsifier to form a water-in-oil emulsion. The explosive is provided, preferably, by the distribution of voids throughout the water-in-oil emulsion to render it detonable. The invention is also applicable to the production of melt-in-fuel explosive compositions and water-gel explosives.

Abstract: A melt/cast explosive composition comprising about 20 to 100 wt. % of a binary complex of ammonium nitrate (AN) and methyl nitroguanidine (MeNQ) in a molar ratio of about 0.55:1 to 1.35:1. This binary complex may be used alone or it may be formulated with up to about 80 wt. % compatible fuels and/or oxidizers to tailor the formulation for specific military or commercial applications.

Abstract: An explosive with maximum energy yield for warheads and solid rocket propellants comprises a high-energy secondary explosive with inorganic perchlorate and metal component with a high affinity for oxygen as well as desensitizing and binding agents. The oxygen balance sheet of the secondary explosive is balanced by the perchlorate component approximately to provide a complete reaction to give carbon dioxide and water.Those explosive gases are reduced by the metal component, supplying energy, in accordance with the requirements made on the explosive.

Abstract: Composite solid propellants are provided containing, in an amount effective to reduce the burning rate of the propellant, at least one bitetrazole compound.

Abstract: Sensitized inorganic nitrate mixtures with high brisance are provided in which oxygen balance is attained by the incorporation of aluminum dust and hydrocarbons. Cap sensitivity is achieved by adding an organic nitrate. The resultant mixtures have a low tendency to sweat and cause headaches.

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

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a flat form from blended metallic powder including a major constituent by weight having a high melting point and a minor constituent by weiht having a substantially lower melting point includes selection of the powder to provide continuous and reproducible compacted flat forms. Powder is selected on the basis of compressibility and flowability. The selected powder is compacted to a flat green form and then liquid phase sintered. The flat form may be stacked to provide a flat article of a desired thickness which will result in a monolithic or composite cross section when subsequently sintered. Liquid phase sintering is carried out in a manner designed to avoid undesirable embrittlement and to provide a uniform microstructure in the fully consolidated article. The process is especially useful in the production of tungsten heavy alloy plate.

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) at least one amine; 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: A primer composition using manganese dioxide as the predominant oxidizer is disclosed. The manganese dioxide oxidizer is combined with a fuel source and non-metallic initiating explosive material. Various diazo, triazole, or tetrazole compounds may be used as non-metallic initiating explosives, although diazodinitrophenol is preferred. The combustion by-products of the invention do not include toxic oxides of lead, barium, or mercury. The invention therefore provides distinct safety and environmental advantages.

Abstract: Explosives that are sensitized blends of inorganic nitrate, e.g., AN, particles, such as AN or ANFO prills, and an aqueous slurry comprising a thickened aqueous solution of an inorganic oxidizing salt, preferably AN, are rendered storage-stable by keeping the slurry's water content low enough, and its viscosity high enough, that the slurry is water-retentive. Water immobilization in the slurry, a requirement for storage stability, is achieved despite the slurry's flowable consistency at the time of blending. A blend containing about 25% slurry or less, is essentially in the form of a granular mass of free-flowing, high-density, slurry-bearing prills, and the slurry is sensitizable by the prills alone. As the slurry content exceeds about 25%, the blend takes on the characteristics of a thick slurry, requiring a supplemental sensitizer in the slurry per se.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cast explosive composition having a relatively high density and energy and a critical diameter no larger than about 150 mm at a temperature of 5.degree. C. The composition comprises inorganic oxidizer salt consisting primarily of ammonium nitrate, a water-immiscible organic liquid fuel, less than about 5% water, a sensitizer and an emulsifier which allows formation of a water-in-oil emulsion at an elevated formulation temperature but which also allows the emulsion to weaken and the inorganic oxidizer salt to crystallize at lower or ambient temperatures to produce a cast composition.

Abstract: A priming composition with an elevated thermal stability, which is sensit to percussion, is disclosed. The priming composition comprises a tetrazolic ring containing primary explosive and a sensitivity additive. The sensitivity additive comprises an oxidizing agent and a reducing agent. 40 to 95 weight percent of the priming composition is the primary explosive, 2.5 to 40 weight percent of the priming composition is the oxidizing agent and 2.5 to 40 weight percent of the priming composition is the reducing agent. The priming composition is applied to heads of percussion fuses.

Abstract: A method of minimizing deep hole pressure effects on ammonium nitrate-containing blasting agents while optimizing booster sensitivity, detonation rate and detonation energy of such agents, by replacing density control component(s) with a sensitizer formulation comprising particulate aluminum and particulate smokeless powder; and a corresponding detonatable high density emulsion blasting agent utilizing such sensitizing formulation.

Abstract: A water-in-oil emulsion explosive composition containing hollow microspheres obtained by firing volcanic ash and having a bulk density of 0.05-0.1 and an average particle size of 10-100 .mu.m has improved explosion performance and safety over water-in-oil emulsion explosive composition containing conventional hollow microspheres.

Abstract: A soft composite explosive composition is made by forming an oil-continuous, melt-in-fuel emulsion in which the discontinuous phase is comprised of ammonium nitrate and other ingredients which together form a eutectic mixture. The continuous phase includes a combination of fuels and emulsifiers constituting less than 2.5% by weight of the formulation. Soluble compounds such as self-explosive compounds or compounds which can be converted to explosive compounds in situ may be added directly to the discontinuous phase along with one or more oxidizer salts.

Abstract: An explosive composition containing micro-voids consisting of thermoplastic resin hollow microspheres coated with a thermosetting resin has a remarkably excellent low temperature detonability in a small diameter cartridge after lapse of a long period of time.

Abstract: A gas-retaining agent having a particle size of 177-3,000 .mu.m is effective for improving the safety of water-in-oil emulsion explosive compositions against methane and coal dust and for improving the sympathetic detonability of the explosive compositions without deteriorating their strength.

Abstract: A gas-retaining agent consisting of bubble assemblies, each bubble assembly being one particle consisting of a large number of bubbles agglomerated into the particle, is effective for improving the safety of water-in-oil emulsion explosive compositions against methane and coal dust, for improving the sympathetic detonability of the explosive compositions and for lowering their detonation velocity without deteriorating their strength.

Abstract: An embedment system with controlled shrinkage for use with a composite-modified double-base propellant composition which is comprised of an embedment granule portion in percent by weight of nitrocellulose of about 23.0, nitroglycerine of about 8.8-13.8, triacetin of about 1.2, bisspiro orthocarbonate from about 2.5-5.0, resorcinol of about 1.5, 2-nitrodiphenylamine of about 1.0, ammonium perchlorate (10 micrometers) of about 48.5 and aluminum powder (20 micrometers) of about 10.0 and an embedment resin portion in percent by weight of bisphenol A-epichlorohydrin of about 50.0, epoxidized dimer acid of about 50.0, and a curative which is comprised of equal parts mixture of methylenedianiline, m-phenylenediamine, and i-propyl-m-phenylenediamine with an added accelerator of 2,4-dinitrophenol. This embedment system employs a specific bisspiro orthocarbonate, 3,9-bis(5'-norbornene-2'-yl)-1,5,7,11-tetraoxaspiro[5.

Abstract: A dry explosive seismic composition which can be initiated by low grain detonating cord so as to minimize the fire hazards typically associated with seismic testing. Preferred compositions within the scope of the present invention include a sensitizer of Hexamine or a derivative thereof, such as Hexamethylenetetramine Mononitrate. The compositions of the present invention not only reduce the fire hazards associated with using such compositions, but they also resist vaporization of the sensitizer, thereby minimizing the problems associated with handling the compositions.

Abstract: This invention concerns a dynamite type explosive composition which comprises at least one liquid explosive nitric ester and an emulsion composition comprising an oxygen-releasing salt phase, an organic phase and an emulsifier. The invention provides dynamite type compositions in which the amount of liquid explosive nitric ester can be significantly reduced without adversely affecting the performance and physical properties of the composition.

Abstract: Certain urethane compounds containing m-phenylene substituents are useful as stabilizers for composite modified double base (CMDB) propellants. Examples of these novel urethanes are 1,3-bis(N-methoxyphenylurethane)benzene, 1,3-bis(N-m-tolylurethane)benzene, 1,3-bis(N-m-chlorophenylurethane)benzen e, 1,3-bis(N-m-phenylurethane)benzene, 1,3-bis(N-ethylurethane)benzene and bis(m-methoxyphenyl)urethane.

Abstract: An improved embedment system is disclosed which is comprised of an embedm granule portion in percent by weight of nitrocellulose of about 23.0, nitroglycerine of about 15.0, resorcinol of about 1.5, 2-nitrodiphenylamine of about 1.0, ammonium perchlorate (10 micrometers) of about 45.5, and aluminum powder (20 micrometers) of about 14.0 and an embedment resin portion in percent by weight of bisphenol A-epichlorohydrin of about 44, epoxidized dimer acid of about 20, and a curative which is the condensation product of 2 moles of 1,2-bis(maleimido)ethane and one mole of triaminotriazine of about 36.0. This embedment system has superior characteristics of a high peel strength and greater resistance to penetration by or absorption of carboranylmethyl propionate or casting solvent absorption.

Abstract: An improved bonding agent for a solid rocket propellant, having the general formula[X.sub.2 N(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 NX).sub.n CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 NX.sub.2 ] (HO.sub.3 SC.sub.6 H.sub.4 CH.sub.3).sub.zwherein n is an integer having a value of 1 to 11, X is --H or --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 CN; wherein the amount of --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 CN, expressed as y, is in the approximate range of 0.15 (n+4) to 0.45 (n+4), the amount of HO.sub.3 SC.sub.6 H.sub.4 CH.sub.3, expressed as z, is in the approximate range of 0.01 (n+4) to 0.25 (n+4), and the ratio y:z is in the range of 1.5:1 to 3:1.

Abstract: Water-bearing explosives comprising oxidizer, fuel, and sensitizer components in a thickened or gelled continuous aqueous phase are stabilized against the degradation of their thickened or gelled structure by the incorporation therein of iodide and/or iodate ions. Preferably, iodide ion is introduced by dissolving ammonium iodide or an alkali metal iodide in an aqueous liquor or sol containing the oxidizer component. The stabilization method is particularly useful in explosives containing a guar gum thickener and flake aluminum in the sensitizer component.

Abstract: Sensitive, low water containing water-in-oil emulsion explosive compositions generally comprise a discontinuous aqueous oxidizer salt phase, a continuous carbonaceous fuel phase, and closed cell void containing materials are disclosed. Increased gap sensitivity, even in the presence of inert salts is achieved by employing an emulsion matrix of reduced water content (less than about 10%) in combination with an amine sensitizing agent and a relatively minor portion of a detonation catalyst, such as copper chloride.

Abstract: An explosive composition is provided including as a sensitizer, a mixture of metriol trinitrate and diethylene glycol dinitrate, and including dimethylformamide as a polar compatibility additive.

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: Plastic bonded self-explosive compositions having improved thermal stability consisting essentially of a self-explosive, e.g., hexanitro-stilbene, which exhibit an exotherm as measured by differential thermal analysis at a temperature no lower than 275.degree. C. and a binder which is a polymer of an alkyl methacrylate wherein the alkyl group has 10 to 20 carbon atoms e.g. lauryl methacrylate.

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

Abstract: An explosive composition comprising ammonium nitrate, a nitroalkane, a sensitizer, and an oxidizable fuel.

Abstract: Process for removal of residual "processing" solvent from propellant casting powder particles, following their manufacture, which comprises "liquid drying" the particles by contacting them with an organic liquid miscible with the processing solvent but exhibiting substantially no solvent action for the powder particle ingredients with substantially no penetration of the particles. Normally liquid hydrocarbons are exemplary liquid drying solvents of which n-heptane and n-hexane are now preferred.In preferred practice the liquid drying solvent is maintained in substantially complete wetting relationship with the particle surfaces until emplacement of the particles for casting. This eliminates safety hazards involved in conventional heat drying of the green powder and subsequent handling of the resulting dry material.

Abstract: A slurry explosive composition comprising inorganic oxidizing salt and a liquid solvent, dispenser or carrier for the salt, which liquid is emulsified with a sensitizing liquid aliphatic mononitrate containing from 3 to 8 carbon atoms per molecule.

Abstract: Tris(difluoramino)methoxypentaerythrityl nitrates and perfluoroguanidine adducts of pentaerythrityl nitrates, useful as propellant ingredients, are disclosed.

Abstract: An improved process for producing explosive gel compositions is provided wherein a polymeric thickening agent is dispersed in an aqueous medium and a nitroparaffin is added thereafter to form dispersed globules of nitroparaffin gel within the aqueous medium. Gelling agents for the aqueous medium, fuels and non-explosive sensitizing material can then be added to form an explosive gel with excellent storage and detonation capabilities.

Abstract: A water gel explosive composition and process for preparing the same is provided which comprises an oxidizer, water, a gelling agent, and a crosslinker, and wherein the improvement comprises including therein from about 1 to about 10 weight percent of at least one amine nitrate sensitizer selected from the group comprising lower alkyl and alkanol amine nitrates and from about 1 to about 10 weight percent of an aluminum sensitizer having a surface area per unit weight of from about 3 to about 9 square meters per gram, said weight percentages based upon the total weight of the explosive composition.

Abstract: An illuminating pyrotechnic composition comprising a stable inorganic combustion-supporting agent, a nitrated carbohydrate as a high energy binder, at least one non-volatile organic combustible compound whose combustion is exothermic overall and, optionally, a metallic constituent. Such a composition is readily ignitable and combustible and is particularly useful in block form in a signal flare or firework.

Abstract: Slurry explosive compositions containing, as a sensitizing component, an effective amount of a water-soluble nitramine, for example methylnitramine. The nitramine may be in the form of a salt.

Abstract: A nitrate or nitroparaffin-base liquid exlosive composition having a small critical diameter yet which is essentially free of particulate metals such as may render such compositions unduly brisant or susceptible to decomposition, and which is consistent with the safety requirements of geological fracturing, including an inert solid ballistic modifier having a sonic velocity substantially different from that of the explosive material in the composition and an average particle size of less than 10 microns, forming from about 5% to 20% by weight of the composition.

Abstract: A method for producing water gel explosives by stabilizing a dispersion of nitroparaffin, preferably nitromethane, in an aqueous oxidizer salt solution through the simultaneous in situ gelation of the nitromethane dispersed phase and the continuous external aqueous phase, and the product so produced.

Abstract: 1. Compositions suitable for the manufacture of propellants consisting essentially ofA. 15 to 40 parts of a monomer selected from the group consisting of compounds of the formula ##STR1## in which R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, methyl and ethyl, and R.sup.1 is selected from the group consisting of ##STR2## in which n is an integer from 1 to 5, and R.sup.4 is selected from the group consisting of H and CH.sub.3, ##STR3## in which R.sup.2 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and lower alkyl containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and R.sup.3 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and lower alkyl containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms,B. greater than 0 and less than 20 parts of a plasticizer for the polymers prepared by polymerizing the monomers of A), said plasticizers consisting essentially of a major proportion of compounds containing groups selected from the group consisting of NF.sub.2 and ONO.sub.2,C.

Abstract: A foamed or aerated explosive composition containing a water-soluble organic nitrate sensitizer is provided which retains sensitivity for long periods in small diameter cartridges. The dissipation or migration of entrained air or gas in the composition is substantially prevented by incorporating a blend of a foaming surfactant and a stabilizing surfactant in chosen proportions.