Abstract: A high energy explosive composition comprising an inorganic oxygen supplying salt, a metallic fuel and a eutectic mixture comprising an oxygen supplying salt and a combustible compound capable of lowering the solidification point of the oxygen supplying salt in admixture therewith in the eutectic composition; a eutectic composition comprising an oxygen supplying salt, a compound capable of reducing the solidification of said oxygen supplying salt and in admixtured therewith at least 30% by weight of a composition comprising an alkanolamine nitrate or perchlorate.

Abstract: Non-cap sensitive aqueous gel explosives containing no suspended solid fuels are made by combining water, hexamethylenetetramine, ammonium nitrate, sodium nitrate, ammonium perchlorate and nitric acid, along with sufficient polysaccharide gum to thicken the mixture. These explosives are rendered cap sensitive by mixing therewith paint grade aluminum powder or other conventional sensitizing agents. According to a preferred procedure, a cap sensitive aqueous gel explosive is made by a procedure in which nitric acid and aqueous hexamethylenetetramine solution are first combined under controlled conditions of temperature and pH and ammonium nitrate, sodium nitrate, ammonium perchlorate, thickening agent and aluminum powder are added in controlled amounts in a specified order. The products possess cap sensitivity, even at temperatures as low as minus 23.degree.C.

Abstract: Particulate high explosives containing ammonium nitrate and organic or inorganic ammonium nitrate sensitizers are disclosed along with methods of producing the same. The sensitizers, comprising sulfur, metals, carbonaceous material and combinations of these, are dispersed throughout each particle in intimate association with the ammonium nitrate by suspension in a layer of ammonium nitrate-calcium sulfate reaction product.

Abstract: An explosive slurry composition having excellent suspension stability, good thixotropic characteristics, high detonation power and good temperature characteristics comprises as ingredients a water-swollen gel of a complex composed of sodium montmorillonite and a water-soluble organic compound having a polar group, and an oxygen supplier such as ammonium nitrate and/or a sensitizer such as aluminum powder and/or a fuel such as saccharide, fuel oil and the like. This explosive slurry composition is used for blasting hard rocks and the like in situ connected with a booster or cap.

Abstract: A blue-burning pyrotechnic tracer mix which provides a smoke trail even ar the blue flame is no longer visible to thus extend the visible range of the projectile in which the mixture is employed, the pyrotechnic mixture comprising by weight percent: 6-10% potassium perchlorate, 11-18% magnesium, 10-20% cupric chloride anhydrous, 35-45% barium nitrate, 12-18% hexachlorobenzene, 5-10% sulfur.

Abstract: Slurry blasting compositions of low water content and high density, including substantial proportions of calcium nitrate as an oxidizer component, can be sensitized in various ways to produce economical explosive compositions. Sensitizers may include aluminum powder, granular explosives such as smokeless powder, TNT, etc.; a particularly preferred sensitizer or fuel is ethylene glycol. Solid carbonaceous fuels and conventional thickeners may be added. The calcium nitrate may be produced directly from burned lime with nitric acid and/or other nitrates.