Abstract: An explosive mixture of a water-in-oil dispersion (matrix emulsion) and ammonium nitrate granules (prills) of fertilizer grade, mechanically sensitized by microspheres (microballs), of plastic ceramic, glass or mixtures thereof and/or by means of a chemical reaction of bubble generation (gasification), which obtains an explosive composition of greater energy, greater volume of gases, water resistant and sensitive to No. 8 detonator, with a relative density as a cartridge between 0.95 g/cm3 and 1.25 g/cm3, with a detonation rate in an unconfined medium as cartridge in the range from 3500 m/s to 5900 m/s and it is stable for a minimum period of 6 months and where the explosive mixture is used in plastic or paper cartridges (chubs) as a nitrocarbonitrate primer and/or column loading in land blasting (rocks) from soft hardness to very hard in underground mining and/or open pits.

Abstract: The pyrotechnic smoke kit for generating a smoke screen comprises a mixture of a light-metal powder as the metallic reduction agent; potassium nitrate and, optionally, potassium perchlorate as the main oxidation agent; at least one carbonate as an additional auxiliary oxidation agent; substances splitting off nitrogen as combustion moderators and at least one sublimable and/or evaporable non-toxic smoke-forming substance. A stabilizer from the group of aliphatic and/or aromatic dicarboxylic acids is added to the mixture of the smoke kit to stabilize the smoke kit. Due to this, the formation of gaseous ammonia in the smoke kit can be prevented.

Abstract: Perchlorate-free flare compositions are disclosed which, when burned, produce yellow smoke and flames. Methods of producing the compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A liquid electrically initiated and controlled composition comprising an oxidizer, soluble fuel additive(s), and other optional additives to enhance the chemical or ballistic properties, or a combination thereof is disclosed. The liquid composition further comprises stabilizers to enhance thermal stability, sequestrants to minimize deleterious effects of transition metal contaminants, and combustion enhancers maximizing efficiency. Buffers and heavy metal sequestering or complexing agents may be used in combination to achieve the highest degree of thermal stability. Additional ionic co-oxidizers may be added to the liquid composition to stabilize the liquid oxidizer and further depress freezing point. The liquid phase of matter allows flow via pipes or tubes from tanks, reservoirs, or other containers, through metering valves, followed by ignition or combustion modulation when stimulated by electrodes, statically or dynamically.

Abstract: Perchlorate-free flare compositions are disclosed which, when burned, produce yellow smoke and flames. Methods of producing the compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Perchlorate-free flare compositions are disclosed which, when burned, produce yellow smoke and flames. Methods of producing the compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Perchlorate-free flare compositions are disclosed which, when burned, produce red smoke and flames. Methods of producing the compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fire-starter device for survival or emergency use has a handle portion and case portion that twist together, to sheath a mischmetal flint rod inside the case, and a seal ring protects the flint rod from environmental moisture. The case has a steel strike plate and a guide channel. The mischmetal flint rod favorably has a composition of cerium—50%, lanthanum—26%, magnesium—10%, praseodymium—3%, neodymium—1%, and iron—10%.

Abstract: A structured, self-assembled nanoenergetic material is disclosed that includes a nanostructure comprising at least one of the group consisting of a fuel and an oxidizer and a plurality of substantially spherical nanoparticles comprising at least the other of the group consisting of a fuel and an oxidizer. The spherical particles are arranged around the exterior surface area of said nanorod. This structured particle assures that the oxidizer and the fuel have a high interfacial surface area between them. Preferably, the nanostructure is at least one of a nanorod, nanowire and a nanowell, and the second shaped nanoparticle is a nanosphere.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a lead-free, nontoxic pyrotechnic composition, comprising: 30-80 wt % of bismuth subnitrate; and 10-50 wt % of a fuel, wherein all weight percents are based on the total weight of the composition. The present invention is also directed to a lead-free, nontoxic priming composition, comprising: 20-80 wt % of the above nontoxic pyrotechnic composition; 20-50 wt % of an initiator explosive; and 2-10 wt % of a sensitizer, wherein all weight percents are based on the total weight of the composition.

Abstract: An exothermal feeder mass is described, containing aluminum and magnesium, at least one oxidizing agent, a SiO2-containing filler, and an alkali silicate as the binder; it is characterized in that it contains roughly 2.5 to 20% by weight of a reactive aluminum oxide with a specific surface of at least roughly 0.5 m2/g and an average particle diameter (d50) from roughly 0.5 to 8 microns and is essentially free of fluoride-containing fluxes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a lead-free, nontoxic pyrotechnic composition, comprising: 30-80 wt % of bismuth subnitrate; and 10-50 wt % of a fuel, wherein all weight percents are based on the total weight of the composition. The present invention is also directed to a lead-free, nontoxic priming composition, comprising: 20-80 wt % of the above nontoxic pyrotechnic composition; 20-50 wt % of an initiator explosive; and 2-10 wt % of a sensitizer, wherein all weight percents are based on the total weight of the composition.

Abstract: A binary exploding target package, a process of forming an exploding target from the contents of the binary exploding target package, and the exploding target formed therefrom. The binary exploding target package includes a first, target container and a second container. An oxidizer composition is contained within one of the containers and a catalyst composition is contained within the other container. An exploding target is formed by mixing the oxidizer and catalyst compositions, and introducing the mixture into the target container to form an exploding target just prior to using the exploding target as a target for a shooting exercise.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gas generating composition being stable and having a heating starting temperature of 170 to 220° C., which is of a low-temperature ignition type. The gas generating composition comprises ammonium perchlorate, a chlorine scavenger, and microcrystalline carbon powder. The chlorine scavenger is sodium nitrate or aluminum/magnesium mixed powder, and the microcrystalline carbon powder is activated carbon or charcoal. The gas generating composition preferably comprises 40 to 58% by weight of ammonium perchlorate, 30 to 41% by weight of the chlorine scavenger, and 1 to 30% by weight of the microcrystalline carbon powder.

Abstract: Gas generating compositions and methods for their use are provided. Metal complexes are used as gas generating compositions. These complexes are comprised of a metal cation template, a neutral ligand containing hydrogen and nitrogen, and sufficient oxidizing anion to balance the charge of the complex. The complexes are formulated such that when the complex combusts, nitrogen gas and water vapor is produced. Specific examples of such complexes include metal nitrite ammine, metal nitrate ammine, and metal perchlorate ammine complexes, as well as hydrazine complexes. A binder and co-oxidizer can be combined with the metal complexes to improve crush strength of the gas generating compositions and to permit efficient combustion of the binder. Such gas generating compositions are adaptable for use in gas generating devices such as automobile air bags.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a low temperature autoignition composition for safely initiating combustion of a main pyrotechnic charge in a gas generator or pyrotechnic device exposed to flame or a high temperature environment.

Abstract: Nonazide gas generant compositions, useful for inflating passenger restraint gas inflator bags, comprise a multimetallic coordination complex oxidizer selected from coordination complexes comprised of anionic nitro and nitrito ligands coordinated with a transitional metal template, and a cationic component comprised of two or more different metals. The gas generant compositions generate relatively more gas and are significantly less toxic than known azide gas generant compositions, and furthermore, generate solids that are readily filterable.

Abstract: An autoignition system for use in a gas generator for a vehicle occupant restraint system is disclosed. The autoignition system comprises a globule of an autoignition composition adhering to the interior wall of an inflator housing. The system additionally comprises a barrier layer between the autoignition globule and an aluminum inflator housing. The system further comprises a coating over the globule to reduce abrasion of and water absorption into the autoignition globule. The autoignition system of the present invention is safely manufactured and installed via automation.

Abstract: A lead-free primer mix based on diazodinitrophenol, tetrazene, nitrocellulose, barium nitrate and at least one of PETN, aluminum and antimony sulfide exhibits performance characteristics comparable to lead styphnate compositions.

Abstract: An explosive projectile has a splinter-generating body inside which is placed an explosive and/or incendiary load ignited by a primer. The projectile also contains an intermediate charge placed between the primer and the explosive load. The charge is composed of a mixture of an explosive and a first pyrotechnic composition including at least one oxidizing agent and at least one reducing agent. The explosive projectile may be utilized as a medium caliber projectile ignited upon impact by a pyrotechnic fuse.

Abstract: An improved blasting composition comprising from about 13 to 15 weight percent unrefined petroleum wax, from about 15 to 20 weight percent aluminum powder, from about 10 to 52 weight percent sodium perchlorate and from about 10 to 52 weight percent ammonium nitrate. The blasting composition may be used in combination with ANFO and in place of conventional solid AP propellants and represents an economical alternative thereto.

Abstract: An enclosure has stationary walls and a ram dividing the enclosure into first and second sections and movable in a particular direction to enlarge the first section and reduce the second section. A device (e.g. a projectile) is disposed in the second section for expulsion by the ram from the enclosure. Exothermic material, preferably on a hollow stationary support within the first section, is combustible to produce solids not deleterious to the enclosure walls and gases expansible to move the ram in the particular direction. Such material may include an oxidizer (e.g. perchlorate, preferably ammonium perchlorate), a binder-reducing agent, preferably organic (e.g. hydroxy-terminated or carboxy-terminated polybutadiene), an additive (e.g. powdered aluminum) to increase the combustion energy, an additive (e.g. iron oxide) to increase the combustion rate and an additive (e.g. potassium perchlorate) to modify the burning rate slope. Their relative weights may be: NH.sub.4 ClO.sub.4 -74.2, polybutadiene-15.3, Al-1.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic mixture for use in tracer rounds of projectiles to increase sibility under high speed conditions when viewed through laser hardened optics, comprising, in percentages by weight, an admixture of 20% to 40% magnesium, 10% to 30% strontium nitrate, 3% to 8% sodium nitrate, 3% to 20% barium peroxide and 1% to 5% viton. Additional ingredients that increase the pyrotechnic effectiveness are 0% to 5% aluminum, 0% to 15% potassium perchlorate, 0% to 5% manganese dioxide, 0% to 10% iron oxide as Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3, 0% to 15% potassium nitrate, 0% to 10% Teflon and 0% to 1% ethyl cellulose.

Abstract: A combination of a first and a second composition provide an adjustable spectrally balanced infrared flare usable to decoy missiles. The first composition includes boron, aluminum, ammonium perchlorate, potassium nitrate and Viton.RTM. A fluoroelastomer. The second composition includes magnesium, polytetrafluoroethylene and Viton.RTM. A fluoroelastomer. Adjusting the ratios between the compositions matches any particular aircraft's spectral signature.

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: 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: 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 phosphorus-containing acids; or metal salts of said phosphorus-containing acids, the metal 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 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: An infrared illuminant composition and flares produced therefrom having increased burn rate and increased infrared intensity while maintaining low visible light intensity. The composition comprises potassium nitrate, cesium nitrate, hexamine, boron, silicon, ferric oxide and a binder. A process to produce infrared illuminant flares prevents or substantially eliminates chunking out of burning pieces of the illuminant at pressing increments in the flares.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic composition containing from 55 to 65 percent by weight Fe.s2 O.sub.3 powder, 15 to 25 percent by weight aluminum powder, 5 to 15 percent by weight Ba(NO.sub.3).sub.2, 2 to 3 percent by weight MoS.sub.2 and 5 to 10 percent by weight Viton A (a copolymer of vinylidene fluoride and hexafluoropropylene) is disclosed as being useful in the destruction of metal oxide-semiconductor chips.

Abstract: A gas generating grain has a water-based particulate booster coating thereon. The coating comprises an alkali metal azide, a water-soluble inorganic oxidizer in approximately a stoichiometric proportion of oxidizer to azide, and a nucleating amount of a small particle size metal oxide, preferably selected from the group consisting of iron oxide, nickel oxide and aluminum oxide. The coating is applied to said grain from a water slurry and dried, and when dried has an average particle size of less than about 50 microns.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic mixture for producing a smoke screen includes a reduction agent comprising a light metal, at least one oxidation agent comprising potassium nitrate, combustion moderators including at least one carbonate and a nitrogen producing compound and at least one sublimable or evaporatable, smoke generating, nontoxic additive.

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: 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: 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: Structure for generating nitrogen gas for inflating an air bag vehicle occupant restraint 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 20 to 50% by weight of an alkali metal azide, 25 to 35% by weight of an inorganic oxidizer, 10 to 15% by weight of a fluoroelastomer binder, 15 to 25% by weight of magnesium, and 1 to 3% by weight of fumed silicon dioxide. The coating may also include 1 to 6% by weight of graphite as a roughening agent.

Abstract: Structure for generating nitrogen gas for inflating an air bag vehicle occupant restraint comprises a grain made of an azide based material which generates gas upon combustion. The grain is made of a gas generating material which includes 61-68% by weight of sodium azide, 0-5% by weight of sodium nitrate, 0-5% by weight of bentonite, 23-28% by weight of iron oxide, 1-2% by weight of fumed silica, and from about 2 to about 6% by weight of graphite fibers having a diameter of 3-15 microns and an average length of 40 to 125 thousandths of an inch.

Abstract: A packaged booster charge is provided which is sensitive to initiation by blasting cap yet which contains no self-explosive ingredient. The composition of the booster comprises a low melting point nitrate salt or salt mixture having dissolved or finely dispersed therein an acetylenic substance and void containing material. The booster is safe and economic to manufacture and sufficiently powerful to initiate insensitive blasting agents.

Abstract: Water-based explosives that use siliceous boron-containing microspheres as sensitizing agents are stabilized by adding multivalent metal ions to the explosives. Zinc salts are especially useful.

Abstract: A solid propellant acts in a chamber to propel a member such as a rocket, the chamber being closed to the atmosphere. The propellant provides high density-impulses and, when combusted, produces end products which do not have any deleterious effects. The propellant preferably includes a binder having hydrocarbon linkages and a lead compound oxidizer formed from an inorganic lead oxidizer salt. This oxidizer has dense characteristics and stable properties at ambient temperatures and through a particular range of temperatures above ambient. The propellant also includes a fuel additive, preferably a metal such as aluminum, having properties of being oxidized by the oxidizer and of reducing the lead. The fuel additive has a percentage by weight relative to the lead compound oxidizer to reduce the lead to lead oxide. The fuel additive is preferably included in the propellant in the range to approximately twenty percent (20%) by weight and is preferably in a fragmentary form.

Abstract: A new arrangement of matter is developed which can be formulated to be a high explosive, a propellant or a gas generator. The new arrangement of matter in its explosive embodiment is known as a microknit composite explosive (MCX) in which an essentially anhydrous mixture of perchlorate based oxidizer salts, surfactants and organic fuels is prepared while the oxidizer is molten, and a microcrystalline property is created which imparts a hard, machinable characteristic to the arrangement of matter.

Abstract: A new arrangement of matter is developed which can be formulated to be a high explosive, a propellant or a gas generator. The new arrangement of matter in its explosive embodiment is known as a eutectic microknit explosive (EMCX) in which an essentially anhydrous eutectic mixture of ammonium nitrate, soluble explosive, and other oxidizing salts is mixed with surfactants and organic fuels while the eutectic mixture is molten, and a microcrystalline property is created which imparts a hard, machinable characteristic to the arrangement of matter.

Abstract: A new arrangement of matter is developed which can be formulated to be a high explosive, a propellant or a gas generator. The new arrangement of matter in its explosive embodiment is known as a microknit composite explosive (MCX) in which an essentially anhydrous mixture of inorganic salts, surfactants and organic fuels is prepared while the oxidizer is molten, and a microcrystalline property is created which imparts a hard, machinable characteristic to the arrangement of matter.

Abstract: The tracer unit, which is particularly adaptable for ammunition used in hand guns and submachine guns, consists of a base charge including about 70 to about 90 weight % strontium peroxide, about 5 to about 15 weight % calcium resinate and about 5 to about 10 weight % magnesium and an igniter charge covering the base charge and including about 40 to about 60 weight % calcium resinate, about 20 to about 30 weight % strontium nitrate and about 20 to about 30 weight % magnesium. A small cavity in the rear end of a projectile is partially filled with the base charge which is tamped into the cavity by the application of a low pressure, such as by hand tamping with a metal plunger or the like. The igniter charge is added to the projectile cavity on top of the base charge and, after drying, the exposed surface of the igniter charge is covered with a compatible moisture proofing material, such as shellac.

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: 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.