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: The present invention comprises a permissible aqueous blasting composition containing at least about 15% calcium nitrate as oxidizer salt. The calcium nitrate combined with water, inert material, a sensitizer, and cross linking and thickening agents forms a stable aqueous blasting composition or slurry which will meet the permissibility requirements of the U.S. Department of Labor. The use of this minimum amount of calcium nitrate particularly is effective in increasing storage stability.

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: Methods of severing conduits along planes extending transversely to the axis thereof comprising confining a fuel composition within a fuel chamber in an elongated housing sized for insertion in a conduit, the housing including a plurality of spaced radially extending discharge nozzles communicated with the fuel chamber and positioned to direct fuel reaction products in directions transverse to the axis of the housing, positioning the housing inside a conduit to be severed and igniting the fuel composition confined in the fuel chamber so that reaction products formed therefrom exit the housing by way of the discharge nozzles and impact the conduit thereby severing the conduit. Apparatus and pyrotechnic fuel compositions are also provided.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic composition, suitable for metal cutting, comprises an oxidi selected from the class consisting of calcium sulfate hemihydrate, anhydrous calcium sulfate, magnesium monohydrate, anhydrous magnesium sulfate, anhydrous strontium sulfate, and mixtures thereof; a metal fuel, a halopolymeric binder; and sulfur.

Abstract: A cap-sensitive explosive composition in powder form contains, in addition to ammonium nitrate as its single oxygen releasing component, and optional components commonly used in explosive compositions, four components within specific weight ranges, calculated on the basis of the weight of the explosive composition:(a) 3 to 8% of a combustible liquid consisting of one or more completely water soluble components, having a boiling temperature of above 120.degree. C., and being capable of dissolving ammonium nitrate in amounts of between 20 grams and 100 grams per 100 grams of said liquid without reacting chemically with ammonium nitrate;(b) 0.5 to 2.5% of a water blocking agent consisting of a high molecular weight polysaccharide having the property of imparting high viscosity to an aqueous, saturated ammonium nitrate solution;(c) 0.

Abstract: An explosive slurry containing red water, a nitrocellulose containing prolant, oxidizer, passivated aluminum and a thickening agent.

Abstract: An incendiary projectile, particularly an armor-piercing projectile, including an incendiary composition constituted of a metal powder admixture as a reducing agent and an inorganic oxidizing agent; and a binding agent for converting these components into a solid form. The oxidizing agent is a nitrate or peroxide of the elements selected from the group consisting of potassium, strontium or barium, the oxidizing and reduction agents being present in about equal parts in the incendiary composition. Binding agents are included in the admixture in a predetermined amount so as to formulate the admixture into a hard-grained agglomerate and to produce a resultant increased impact sensitivity of the incendiary composition.

Abstract: Water-in-oil emulsion blasting agent compositions are provided which are non-cap sensitive yet detonable under high heads of water and which contain as the sole oxidizing salt ammonium nitrate, an ammonium nitrate to hydrocarbon fuel weight ratio in the range of about 95:5 to about 93:7, a preferred wax to oil weight ratio in the range of from about 1:1 to about 1:4, void containing material to yield a final density at the time of manufacture of from about 1.20 to about 1.25 grams per cubic centimeter and optionally up to about 12 parts by weight of auxiliary fuel per 88 parts of the above composition. The blasting agents are capable of cartridge-to-cartridge propagation even when detonated under high heads of water when packaged in cardboard containers.

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: The invention relates to water-in-oil emulsion blasting agents having a discontinuous aqueous phase, a continuous oil or water-immiscible liquid organic phase, and an emulsifier having an unsaturated hydrocarbon chain for its lipophilic portion.

Abstract: A method and composition are provided for preparing slurry explosive formulations characterized in containing separate liquid and particulate phases. The liquid phase is a detonation insensitive paste-like pre-mix composition having an extended shelf life and being adapted for ultimate combination with sufficient particulate material to form an efficient explosive. The pre-mix composition includes a gum or thickener but is not gelled or cross-linked, in order to facilitate ultimate on-site mixing in a rapid manner and without the need for complex equipment.

Abstract: A slurry explosive composition is provided which has improved water resistance and thermal stability and resists segregation. The composition consists of an inorganic oxygen-supplying salt, a liquid carrier or solvent for the salt, a solid or liquid fuel and, as a thickener a sulfonated guar gum derivative.

Abstract: This invention relates to a shell filling comprising smoke pots which are stacked one above the other in the firing direction in the shell casing and which consist of a closed metal housing and, accommodated therein, a smoke charge based on hexachloroethane, zinc oxide and metal powder, and to a process for producing smoke pots for shell fillings of this type.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic composition which, when burned, produces yellow smoke and yellow flame. The composition is comprised of between 5 and 30 percent of a fuel which is either magnesium or silicon, between 65 and 85 percent of bismuth subnitrate and between 5 and 13 percent of an epoxy binder.

Abstract: A slurry explosive composition comprising of inorganic salt, fuel, and a liquid solvent, disperser or carrier for the salt, the composition also containing, as sensitizer a synergistic mixture of polyvinyl chloride and flake aluminium.

Abstract: A pourable blasting agent of high water resistance, having controlled density and bulk blasting strength greater than that of conventional ammonium nitrate-fuel oil (ANFO) mixtures, comprises two main essential components, i.e. (1) 40 to 60% by weight of a dry or essentially dry, solid, particulate oxidizer salt, with or without added fuel oil for oxygen balance and (2) 60 to 40% of a water-in-oil emulsion containing oxidizer salt dissolved in water and combined with an oily vehicle held in stable emulsion condition with a small quantity of water-in-oil emulsifier, the emulsion also containing a density controlled sensitizer such as hollow glass beads, polystyrene beads, microballoons or equivalent. The first component is preferably a fertilizer grade prilled ammonium nitrate, with or without added oil; the second is of heavy oil or grease consistency having high resistance to the extraction of salt therefrom in water and being of substantially higher bulk density than the particulate material.

Abstract: This patent describes a novel desensitized explosive wherein a normally sitive solid explosive material is coated with an effective desensitizing amount of a phlegmatizing agent which contains functional groups reactive with one or more ingredients conventionally used in forming a thermally stable, crosslinked solid composite explosive. The present invention also includes thermally stable, crosslinked solid composite explosive in which said desensitized explosives are an integral part. Still further this invention includes the method of coating the as-received explosive material with said phlegmatizing agent, preferably in a drying vessel at elevated temperatures.

Abstract: A slurry explosive composition which contains fibrous material as a rheology modifying agent.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for preparing cap sensitive water-in-oil explosive emulsion compositions on a commercial basis is provided which includes mixing a hydrocarbon fuel component, an emulsifier, and an aqueous inorganic oxidizing salt solution under mixing conditions sufficient to obtain an emulsion matrix coposition and thereafter blending microbubbles with the emulsion matrix, the microbubbles being introduced to the emulsion matrix from a deaerated reservoir thereof.

Abstract: A process for making an explosive composition which process comprises heating a mixture comprising at least one oxygen releasing salt and at least one compound selected from a class of melt soluble fuel materials so as to form a melt, and adding to the melt an amount of oxygen releasing salt material whereby there is formed an explosive composition which is pourable, pumpable or flowable over a wide range of temperature. Explosive compositions are described also.

Abstract: An extrudable ammunition priming mix with viscosity characteristics which remain relatively stable over an extended time span. The stabilized viscosity is obtained by incorporating an effective amount of guar gum into the priming mix. The primer thus displays improved pot life so that larger batches may be made and used over an extended period of time.

Abstract: A thickened, aqueous slurry explosive composition containing a soluble organic nitrate sensitizer is provided which has improved rheological properties. Use in the composition as a thickener, of a mixture of an unmodified guar gum and a hydroxypropyl-modified guar gum provides a composition which retains flowability for an hour or more for easy extrusion packaging yet achieves a high level of gel strength and cartridge rigidity within a day after packaging.

Abstract: A non-aqueous slurry explosive composition comprising an oxidizing salt component, a fuel component, methanol and a metal nitrate or perchlorate soluble in the methanol. Such compositions are highly sensitive and useful in the form of small diameter cartridges.

Abstract: Thin pieces of high energy propellant are potted in a potting material such s isocyanates cured hydroxy terminated polybutadiene, hydroxy terminated polybutadiene, polyurethane, polyester or polysulfide so that they will primarily end burn. The result is a composite structure that can be used to produce cool gases suitable for use in gas generator applications.

Abstract: A case bonded end burning solid propellant rocket motor utilizing a propellant having sufficiently low modulus to avoid chamber buckling on cooling from cure and sufficiently high elongation to sustain the stresses induced without cracking, the propellant being zone cured within the motor case at high pressures equal to or approaching the pressure at which the motor will operate during combustion. A solid propellant motor having a burning time long enough that its spacecraft would be limited to a maximum acceleration of less than 1 g is provided by one version of the case bonded end burning solid propellant motor of the invention.

Abstract: A sensitizing agent for explosive compositions is provided which comprises particulate aluminum coated with a finely divided hydrophobic fumed silica. Upon incorporation of the hydrophobic material coated aluminum into an aqueous gel explosive composition, relatively large air bubbles, as compared to the size of the individual particles of aluminum, form adjacent the surface of the aluminum. The resulting sensitizing complex includes a relatively large air bubble in close proximity to particulate aluminum, thereby providing a combination which imparts greater sensitivity to the explosive composition.

Abstract: Water-in-oil explosive compositions are provided which are No. 6 cap sensitive in cartridges having diameters of 1.25 inches and less and which contain from about 3.5 to about 8% by weight of a hydrocarbon fuel including an emulsifier, from about 10 to about 22% by weight of water, from about 0.25 to about 15% by weight of closed cell void containing materials, from about 65 to about 85% by weight of inorganic oxidizer salt, optionally, up to about 15% by weight of an auxiliary fuel and no explosive ingredients nor detonation catalysts.

Abstract: A composite solid propellant wherein the burning rate thereof is materially increased by the addition thereto of a ferrocene combustion catalyst.

Abstract: Gelled explosive compositions, sensitized with water-in-oil explosive emulsions, are provided which do not require high explosive sensitizing agents and which contain oxidizing salts, water, gelling agents, and, optionally, bulking agents and fuels, as well as from about 1 to about 80 percent by weight of a water-in-oil explosive emulsion sensitizer which can be of the cap sensitive or cap insensitive variety.

Abstract: Improved tracer rounds and compositions therefor comprising a rubbery, particulate mixture having magnesium, polytetrafluoroethylene and advantageously other ingredients coated with copolymer of hexafluoropropylene and vinylidenefluoride, optionally containing ingredients such as carbon black, and providing advantages in preparation (e.g., lower consolidation pressures) and use (e.g., more uniform burning after ignition).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aqueous explosive composition which consists of at least one inorganic oxygen-supplying substance, at least one combustible substance and at least one thickening agent, at least one of combustible substance being liquid and substantially water insoluble and the aqueous phase of the explosive composition having dissolved therein a lignosulphonate in an amount of up to 5% of the weight of the explosive composition.

Abstract: Improved explosive slurries of the type containing an oxidizing salt, an organic fuel, a metallic fuel, a thickening agent, and water, wherein the improvement includes a sensitizing amount of an inorganic peroxide.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to thermosetting molding compounds and more particularly to a pyrotechnic filled thermosetting compound comprising a blend of unfilled diallyl phthalate molding powder and a pyrotechnic mixture.

Abstract: A gelled water-bearing explosive comprising a water-soluble oxygen releasing salt such as ammonium nitrate, a fuel, water and a gelling agent. The gelling agent is an organic metallic complex of a metal with a copolymer of a water-soluble monomer and a monomer which forms, with a metal, a chelate ring.

Abstract: Self-complexing galactomannan gum blends which exhibit delayed gelling at acidic pH levels.

Abstract: A fluorocarbon bound rocket propellant grain provided with a compatible burn inhibitor on selected areas, particularly the outer surface, which is inexpensive and simple to apply.

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: Gelled explosive compositions of matter based on inorganic oxygen releasing salt material and comprising from 0 to 5% w/w of water, from 0.1 to 5% w/w of gum and from 1 to 30% w/w of an amine which in liquid form is capable of solvating said gum.

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: This invention describes a method of preparation of sensitized dry blasting agents comprising a mixture of granular/powder ammonium nitrate with or without Sodium Nitrate, Potassium Nitrate, Calcium Nitrate, etc. fuel(s), and at least one sensitizer. The aid sensitizer is selected from the group comprising nitrate, chlorate, perchlorate and an organic derivative of a metal, which can exhibit variable valency and whose oxides and hydroxides are weakly basic in nature, e.g., iron, cobalt, nickel, chromium, copper, lead, etc.Unlike the dry blasting agents known in prior art, the sensitized dry blasting agents can be detonated in small diameter boreholes with a generally available low strength detonator or specially made powerful detonator.

Abstract: Processes whereby water based explosive compositions comprising inorganic oxygen releasing salt material and a synthetic polymeric gelling agent may be converted to a cartridged form and wherein the cartridge container is based on paper are described. The preparation of gelled water bearing systems, especially water based explosive compositions comprising inorganic oxygen releasing salt material, containing gelling agents derived from synthetic polymeric material and a redox system is also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved explosives or blasting compositions of the aqueous gel or slurry type. In general, it concerns such blasting compositions employing a combination of calcium nitrate as oxidizer salt and sulfur as fuel. This combination effectively sensitizes the composition and renders its sensitivity relatively less dependent upon temperatures. In addition, this combination imparts desirable physical properties to the composition.

Abstract: An explosive composition, fluid when formulated and gelling to a paste at a predetermined time is provided. The composition, which is particularly useful for blasting rocks and can be readily poured or pumped into drillholes, comprises an oxidant, a combustible, a gelling agent, water and a gelling promoter.

Abstract: A foamed or aerated water gel explosive composition devoid of any self-explosive sensitizer is provided which is sensitive to detonation in charge diameters greater than 5.1 cm. The explosive composition retains sensitivity for long periods. The migration or collapse of air or gas entrained in the composition is substantially prevented by incorporating a blend of a foaming surfactant and a stabilizing surfactant in chosen proportions.

Abstract: 1. A solid composite type propellant composition comprising as a base propellant an oxidizer, a metallic fuel and fuel binder and between 0.1 and 10% by weight of a ferrocene plasticizer that is selected from the group consisting of mono- and di-substituted ferrocenes wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of --R, --COR, --CO.sub.2 R, --CH(OH)R, and --CH(R'CO.sub.2)R wherein R and R' are selected from the group consisting of alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl and cycloalkenyl radicals, the carbon chains of which may be interrupted by oxygen.

Abstract: In the chemical foaming of emulsions to form blasting agents, the gas-generating material (foaming agent), or a component thereof, is introduced into a stream of the emulsion and the stream thereafter delivered into packaging receivers, any work required to be performed on the emulsion after the addition of the gas-generating material thereto, e.g., pumping or mixing, being performed before substantial foaming due to reaction of the gas-generating material, as a rule before more than about 50 percent of the total density decrease attainable by foaming, has occurred. The gas-generating material can be added to a stream of fine emulsion and preferably mixed for uniform distribution through the emulsion, or to a stream of coarse emulsion, which is mixed with high shear to convert the coarse emulsion to a fine emulsion, mixing in either case taking place before substantial foaming has occurred.

Abstract: 3. An ester of the formula ##STR1## in which n is 1 to 2 and R is a radical selected from the group consisting of(HDCH.sub.2).sub.2 CH--,(hd).sub.2 ch--,hdch.sub.2 --,hd(ch.sub.2).sub.2 --,hd(ch.sub.2).sub.3 --,hd(ch.sub.2).sub.4 --,hd(ch.sub.2).sub.5 --,and(CH.sub.3 D).sub.2 CH--in which formula -D- represents --C.sub.2 B.sub.10 H.sub.10 --. 12. Polymers of the formula ##STR2## in which n is 1 to 2, R is a radical selected from the group consisting of(HDCH.sub.2).sub.2 CH--,(hd).sub.2 ch--,hdch.sub.2 --,hd(ch.sub.2).sub.2 --,hd(ch.sub.2).sub.3 --,hd(ch.sub.2).sub.4 --,hd(ch.sub.2).sub.5 --,and(CH.sub.3 D).sub.2 CH--,x is about 5 to 3000, and -D- represents --C.sub.2 B.sub.10 H.sub.10 --. 15. Polymers of claim 12 containing from 5 to 30% on the weight of the polymer of a nitrato ester of an alcohol containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms and having 1 to 3 hydroxyl groups.

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: 1. A polymer containing high energy groups which comprises the reaction product of a hydroxy-terminated polyether prepared by polymerizing unsaturated epoxide monomers and tetrafluorohydrazine.