Abstract: Slurry and tape compositions include particles of a precursor that converts to a ceramic material when heated to a firing temperature, at least one binder that is capable of adhering the particles of the ceramic precursor together to form a pliable prepreg tape, at least one liquid plasticizer, and at least one solvent in which the binder is dissolved. The solvent may be sufficiently volatile to evaporate from the slurry composition during formation of the tape, yet the tape may also be pliable as a result of the slurry composition containing a sufficient amount of the liquid plasticizer.

Abstract: A method of producing an energetic polymer comprises reacting at least one energetic diol with at least one of a diacid halide and a diacid halide derivative to produce a geminal dinitro polyester. A method of producing an energetic binder, and a method of producing an energetic composition are also described.

Abstract: Ferrite films, antennas including ferrite films, and methods of making thereof are provided. The methods can include tape casting of a slurry to produce a green film, wherein the slurry includes a ferrite powder, a dispersant, and a binder in a suitable solvent; and densifying the green film to produce the ferrite film having a thickness of 50 ?m to 5 mm. The methods can be used to make large area films, for example the films can have a lateral area of about 1000 cm2 to 3000 cm2. VHF/UHF antennas are including the ferrite films are also provided.

Abstract: When a ferroelectric thin film-forming sol-gel solution contains a PZT-based compound, a viscosity-adjusting macromolecular compound including polyvinylpyrrolidone, and an organic dopant including a formamide-based solvent, the PZT-based compound is included at 17 mass % or more in terms of an oxide, the molar ratio of the polyvinylpyrrolidone to the PZT-based compound is PZT-based compound:polyvinylpyrrolidone=1:0.1 to 0.5 in terms of a monomer, and the formamide-based solvent is included at 3 mass % to 13 mass % of the sol-gel solution, it is possible to form a thick layer by coating the sol-gel solution once, the production efficiency improves, and crack-free and dense film formation even after calcination and firing becomes possible.

Abstract: According to this invention there is provided an aqueous oxidizer solution containing a mixture of dissolved oxidizing salts, for use in the preparation of explosives formulations, which a crystallization point as low as below 0° C. The solution has a water content of 25% by mass or less and contains ammonium nitrate and calcium nitrate wherein the ratio of the molar concentration of ammonium nitrate to calcium nitrate is preferably approximately 1. When the water content of the solution is 24% by mass or less, the solution further contains monomethylammonium nitrate. This solution can be used for manufacturing watergel explosives, or emulsion explosives or ANE's (ammonium nitrate emulsion suspension or gel explosives). It can be easily transported underground in deep level mines through relatively small diameter pipelines, using existing access ways and shafts, to the working places at which point it can then be converted into a watergel or emulsion explosive or an ANE.

Abstract: There is provided a gas-generating agent composition having a very small pressure exponent and an extremely low pressure dependence of the burning rate. The gas-generating agent composition of the present invention contains a nitrogen-containing organic compound as a fuel and ammonium nitrate as an oxidizing agent, wherein the ratio of the nitrogen-containing organic compound to the ammonium nitrate (the former/the latter: weight ratio) is 35/65 or less. In the gas-generating agent composition, a copper compound may be further blended in a proportion of more than 0 part by weight and 30 parts by weight or less based on 100 parts by weight of the total amount of the nitrogen-containing organic compound and ammonium nitrate. The copper compound is preferably basic copper nitrate. Further, the nitrogen-containing organic compound is preferably a guanidine derivative, particularly preferably a guanidine nitrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a propellant composition which comprises hydroxy-terminated polyether (HTPE), N-butyl-(2-nitratoethyl)nitramine (BuNENA) and ammonium perchlorate (AP) and is insensitive to impact and thermal reactions and thus suitably used for a solid rocket propulsion unit.

Abstract: Alkali metal perchlorate-containing gas generant compositions which, upon combustion, produce or result in an improved effluent and related methods for generating an inflation gas for use in an inflatable restraint system are provided. Such alkali metal perchlorate-containing gas generant compositions include at least one alkali metal perchlorate present with a mean particle size in excess of 100 microns. Such alkali metal perchlorate-containing gas generant compositions also include or contain a suitable non-azide, organic, nitrogen-containing fuel and at least one copper-containing compound selected from the group consisting of basic copper nitrate, cupric oxide, copper diammine dinitrate-ammonium nitrate mixture wherein ammonium nitrate is present in the mixture in a range of about 3 to about 90 weight percent, copper diammine bitetrazole, a copper-nitrate complex resulting from reaction of 5-aminotetrazole with basic copper nitrate and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a heat-treated oxidizing agent for gas generating compositions which is obtained by mixing ammonium nitrate with an inorganic compound having as an element one or two or more metal atoms selected from the group consisting of Cu, Fe, Ni, Zn, Co, Mn and Ti and subjecting the mixture to heat treatment, and a gas generating composition containing the same. This invention provides a gas generating composition comprising ammonium nitrate, which can be safely produced, does not change in density with phase transition, and has sufficient combustibility.

Abstract: A gas generator 10 contains a baffle assembly for cooling of gases. An imperforate housing 46 is contained within the gas generator 10. A perforate housing 30 is contained within the imperforate housing 46. At least one orifice 70/72 is formed within the baffle assembly, where the orifice 70/72 is formed at the juncture 57 of the baffle assembly 12 and the perforate housing 30, at a second end of the perforate housing 30. Upon activation of the gas generator 10, gases produced are shunted through the orifice 70/72 and into the baffle assembly 12 for cooling and filtration thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing a gas generating agent capable of constantly producing a gas generating agent with a high quality. The process for producing a gas generating agent comprises the first step of feeding nitroguanidine, a basic copper nitrate and guar gum and stirring and mixing them in the presence of moisture, the second step of extrusion-molding and cutting the mixture, and the third step of drying it.

Abstract: A gas generating composition 12 containing a polyvinylazole is contained within an exemplary gas generator 10. A gas generating system 200 incorporates the polyvinylazole therein. A vehicle occupant protection system 180 incorporates the gas generating system 200.

Abstract: The invention relates to thermal pre-ignition agents and to their use as thermal fuses, in particular for use in gas generators of motor-vehicle safety systems.

Abstract: A priming mixture comprises aluminium silicate as the sensitizer, advantageously in a-percentage higher than 10%, not exceeding 30% and preferably included between 15% and 25%. Combined with said sensitizer, the-mixture may further comprises a potassium compound, preferably potassium nitrate.

Abstract: A low-solids gas generating composition and a method of producing a gas. The gas is produced by combusting a mixture of a fuel selected from the group consisting of guanidine nitrate, nitroguanidine, cellulose, cellulose acetate, hexamine, 5 amino-tetrazole, 5 nitro-uracil, guanidine salt of 5 nitro-uracil, and mixtures thereof, an oxidizer selected from the group consisting of ceric ammonium nitrate, strontium nitrate, basic copper nitrate, a mixture of ammonium perchlorate and at least one alkali metal salt, and mixtures thereof, and a cupric oxalate hemi-hydrate coolant. The oxidizer-fuel mixture is within about 4 percent of stoichiometric balance, and the low-solids gas generating composition produces no more than about 0.082 cubic centimeters of solids per gram of gas generating composition on combustion.

Abstract: An apparatus (12) comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (20) and a gas generating composition (16) which when ignited produces gas to inflate the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (20). The gas generating composition (16) comprises an oxidizer and a fuel. The oxidizer is an inorganic salt and the fuel is a tetrazine.

Abstract: Gas generant compositions are provided which compositions react to produce nitrogen gas and which compositions include guanylurea nitrate and at least one transition metal-containing water-compatible oxidizer. Also, related methods of gas generation are provided.

Abstract: A non azide gas generant composition of nitroguanidine and phase stabilized ammonium nitrate is provided. This gas generant composition has many desirable characteristics such as little production of ash and the production of essentially toxic free exhaust gas. When nitroguanidine is compressed into a pellet it has needle shaped crystals that bend or distort. When the gas generant pellets are subjected to thermal cycling some nitroguanidine crystals will return to their native conformation resulting in pellet growth. To eliminate this pellet growth, nitroguanidine is passed through a VBM mill. The media in the VBM mill pulverizes the nitroguanidine into an amorphous crumb.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (20) and a gas generating composition (16). The gas generating composition (16), when ignited, produces gas to inflate the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (20). The gas generating composition (16) comprises phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) and an organic fuel. The organic fuel comprises nitroguanidine (NQ) and a supplemental, non-salt fuel selected from the group consisting of 3-nitro-1,2,4-triazole-5-one (NTO) and cyclotetramethylenetetranitramine (HMX).

Abstract: A gas generating composition comprising ammonium nitrate and a non-toxic metal oxide which reduces the pressure exponent and enables the composition to sustain combustion at or near atmospheric pressure, thereby improving combustion efficiency. The composition is useful for various purposes, such as inflating a vehicle occupant restraint, i.e., an air bag for an automotive vehicle or aircraft, as well as aircraft escape chutes or the like.

Abstract: A gas generating composition comprises an organic fuel and an ammonium nitrate oxidizer which is phase stabilized with an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salt. The composition also comprises an ammonium salt coolant selected from the group consisting of an ammonium halide, ammonium sulfate, and ammonium sulfamate. A preferred coolant is ammonium chloride.

Abstract: A gas-generating preparation suitable for being used in an air bag includes ammonium nitrate, a derivative of guanidine and one or more metal carbonates as a deflagration catalyst. By using one or more metal carbonates as a deflagration catalyst, higher burning rates and a lower burning temperature are achieved than if metal oxides such as copper(II) oxide are used as a deflagration catalyst.

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: The present invention is directed to a fire suppression composition, comprising a propellant comprising a fuel and an oxidizer, said propellant capable of generating inert gas; and a fire suppression additive selected from the group consisting of iron-containing compounds, non-halide potassium salts, and combinations thereof. Useful iron-containing compounds include ferric oxide, ferric carbonate, ferric oxalate, and iron cyanide dyes. Useful potassium salts include potassium acetate, potassium acetylacetonate, potassium bicarbonate, and potassium carbonate. The invention is also directed to a fire suppression apparatus that utilizes the above fire suppression composition.

Abstract: As has been established, the use of energetic materials, generated by manufacturer's excess and/or demilitarization projects, as ingredients in commercial blasting explosives is a feasible and environmentally acceptable method of handling them. Ammonium picrate is used as an explosive charge in the manufacturing of conventional ammunition rounds, such as large caliber navy guns. The present invention is directed to the use of recovered ammonium picrate in commercial blasting agent compositions, that include watergel slurries, ANFO, HANFO-blends and emulsion based blasting agents. These new blasting agents exhibit favorable cost for performance characteristics and have found a use for recovered ammonium picrate, which would heretofore have been incinerated or otherwise disposed of at significant cost.

Abstract: High nitrogen nonazide gas compositions, useful in inflating passenger restraint gas inflator bags, comprise a nonmetal salt of triazole or tetrazole fuel, phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) as a primary oxidizer, a metallic second oxidizer, and an inert component such as clay or mica. The combination of these constituents results in gas generants that are relatively more stable and less explosive, have improved ignitability and satisfactory burn rates, have sustained combustion throughout the various combustion pressures at the inflator level, and generate more gas and less solids than known gas generant compositions.

Abstract: A gas generating composition comprising ammonium nitrate and a non-toxic metal oxide which reduces the pressure exponent and enables the composition to sustain combustion at or near atmospheric pressure, thereby improving combustion efficiency. The composition is useful for various purposes, such as inflating a vehicle occupant restraint, i.e., an air bag for an automotive vehicle or aircraft, as well as aircraft escape chutes or the like.

Abstract: This invention relates to a multi-stage gas bag inflator, operable initially, when activated, to cause the gas bag to deploy slowly and then, after a delay, to deploy rapidly, includes a housing having at least first and second chambers of preferably different size, separated by a bulkhead. One chamber is preferably smaller since it can be used to produce a smaller amount of gas to cause the initial slow deployment of the gas bag. A gas generant charge is ignited in the first chamber, and after some delay, a gas generant charge in the second chamber is ignited. The multi-stage inflator according to this invention can be used to provide the varying inflation rates needed to adjust the inflation of air bags to accommodate the severity of the collision and the position of the occupants. The inventive inflator is small in size and economical to produce.

Abstract: A gas generating composition, when ignited, produces gas to inflate an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device. The gas generating composition comprises ammonium nitrate phase stabilized with a moisture indicating material. The moisture indicating material exhibits a color that changes with change in the concentration of moisture within the ammonium nitrate.

Abstract: An improved thermally stable, storage stable gas generating composition characterized by both an increased burning rate and a decreased pressure exponent for producing a clean, nontoxic, substantially ash- and solids-free gas for inflating inflatable structures such as vehicle airbags is provided. Optimum combustion efficiencies and operating pressures are achieved in the improved gas generating composition by adding an effective amount of a copper or copper compound catalyst to a gas generating composition that is preferably a eutectic mixture or solid solution of ammonium nitrate, at least one highly oxygenated fuel, potassium or cesium perchlorate or nitrate and an optional binder.

Abstract: A nonazide gas generant that may be used in an inflation device, such as a vehicle passenger restraint system, comprising a hydrated or anhydrous mixture of nonazide fuel, an oxidizer and a quantity of copper phthalocyanine, otherwise known as Monarch Blue and/or azodicarbonamidine dinitrate. Specifically, the nonazide gas generant composition of the present invention may include phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN), high bulk density nitroguanidine (HBNQ), one or more nonazide fuels, a quantity of copper phthalocyanine and/or azodicarbonamidine dinitrate and optionally a binder. The gas generant composition of the present invention is capable of self-sustained burning at low or ambient temperatures and pressures, important for use in dual stage "smart" inflator automotive passenger restraint systems, while exhibiting a relatively high gas volume to solid particulate ratio upon combustion at acceptable flame temperatures.

Abstract: A eutectic solution of ammonium nitrate and either aminoguanidiine nitrate (AGN) or guanidine nitrate (AN) in the form of a present pellet is used to generate a particulate-free, non-toxic, odorless and colorless gas that is useful wherever an immediate source of such gas is required, such as the inflation of an occupant restraint air bag. The use of the material in the form of a eutectic totally eliminates pellet cracking. Moreover, the addition of a minor amount of potassium nitrate to the eutectic solution eliminates the ammonium nitrate phase change due to temperature cycling without adversely affecting the pressed pellets' freedom from cracking due to said temperature cycling.

Abstract: Thermally stable gas generant compositions incorporate a combination of one or more primary nonazide high-nitrogen fuels selected from a group including tetrazoles, bitetrazoles, and triazoles, and salts thereof; and one or more secondary nonazide high nitrogen fuels selected from azodicarbonamide and hydrazodicarbonamide. The primary and secondary fuels are combined with phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate that when combusted, results in a greater yield of gaseous products per mass unit of gas generant, a reduced yield of solid combustion products, lower combustion temperatures, and acceptable burn rates, thermal stability, and ballistic properties. These compositions are especially suitable for inflating air bags in passenger-restraint devices.

Abstract: A fire suppressant composition is provided which exhibits a low pressure and low flame temperature. The composition comprises ammonium nitrate and a guanidine salt or derivative which produces greater than 3 moles of inert gas per 100 grams of composition and alkali metal or alkaline earth salts for flame suppression. The composition may also include iron or iron oxide.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic gas generant composition including a high oxygen balance fuel that is the resulting reaction product of an aminoguanidine or polyaminoguanidine salt and nitric acid, namely, aminoguanidine dinitrate, diaminoguanidine dinitrate, and triaminoguanidine dinitrate. Specifically, aminoguanidine dinitrate, diaminoguanidine dinitrate, and triaminoguanidine dinitrate can be used as monopropellants or in combination with oxidizers and additives as a solid bipropellant composition. In each instance, the high oxygen balance fuel(s) of the present invention provide(s) both high gas output and low production of solid combustion products. Specifically, the high oxygen balance fuel(s) may be incorporated into gas generators, gun propellants, inflation and expulsion devices, flotation devices, pyrotechnics, fire suppression devices and smokeless, reduced smoke and metallized rocket propellants.

Abstract: A dual explosive charge is described that simultaneously enhances blast and fragmentation characteristics of the charge, including an inner driven charge of a non-ideal explosive surrounded by an outer charge sleeve of a more nearly ideal explosive, detonation of the outer charge resulting in an extremely high temperature, high pressure environment that accelerates reaction kinetics in the inner charge, resulting in enhanced blast and fragmentation performance of the explosive charge.

Abstract: The invention relates to a particle-free, gas-producing mixture for use in a gas generator for a safety device, in particular for a vehicle-occupant restraint system, with a total water content of the gas-producing mixture of at most 0.3%, consisting of:a) an energy-rich fuel with an oxygen value of not less than -35%;b) an oxidant mixture of ammonium nitrate and ammonium perchlorate, wherein the ammonium nitrate is contained in a proportion of 35 to 50 wt. %, and the ammonium perchlorate in a proportion of 3 to 10 wt. %, in each case relative to the total weight of the mixture;c) optionally, relative to the total weight of the mixture, a phase-stabilizing additive for the ammonium nitrate in a proportion of at most 5 wt. % relative to the weight of the ammonium nitrate;d) 0 to 3 wt. % combustion moderators relative to the total weight of the mixture, ande) 0 to 5 wt. % processing aids relative to the total weight of the mixture.

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: High nitrogen nonazide gas compositions, useful in inflating passenger restraint gas inflator bags, comprise an amine salt of triazole or tetrazole fuel, and phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) as an oxidizer. The combination of the amine azole salt and phase stabilized ammonium nitrate results in gas generants that are relatively more stable and less explosive, have improved ignitability and burn rates, and generate more gas and less solids than known gas generant compositions.

Abstract: A eutectic solution of ammonium nitrate and either aminoguanidine nitrate (AGN) or guanidine nitrate (AN) in the form of a pressed pellet is used to generate a low particulate non-toxic, odorless and colorless gas that is useful wherever an immediate source of such gas is required, such as the inflation of an occupant restraint air bag. The use of the material in the form of a eutectic totally eliminates pellet cracking. Moreover, the addition of a minor amount of potassium perchlorate to the eutectic solution improves stability at 107.degree. for 400 hours, lowers the pressure exponent and increases the burn rate at 2000 psi.

Abstract: Gas generant compositions without highly toxic azides are provided which, upon combustion, are converted into gaseous products with only small amounts of solid combustion products thereby minimizing the gas filtration problem. Gas generants having ammonium nitrate safely phase stabilized by mixture with wet triaminoguanidine are provided. A process for safely preparing the gas generants is also provided. These compositions are especially suitable for inflating automotive and aircraft occupant restraint bags.

Abstract: An essentially particulate-free, non-toxic, odorless and colorless gas is generated in a pyrotechnic inflator device by using a eutectic solution of ammonium nitrate, guanidine nitrate and/or aminoguanidine nitrate, and minor amounts of polyvinyl alcohol and either potassium nitrate or potassium perchlorate. Ballistic modifiers such as triaminoguanidine nitrate (TAGN) or nitroguanidine (NQ) may be used as needed.

Abstract: A eutectic solution of ammonium nitrate and either aminoguanidine nitrate (AGN) or guanidine nitrate (AN) in the form of a present pellet is used to generate a particulate-free, non-toxic, odorless and colorless gas that is useful wherever an immediate source of such gas is required, such as the inflation of an occupant restraint air bag. The use of the material in the form of a eutectic totally eliminates pellet cracking. Moreover, the addition of a minor amount of potassium nitrate to the eutectic solution eliminates the ammonium nitrate phase change due to temperature cycling without adversely affecting the pressed pellets' freedom from cracking due to said temperature cycling.

Abstract: Gas generant compositions without highly toxic azides are provided which, upon combustion, are converted into gaseous products with only small amounts of solid combustion products thereby minimizing the gas filtration problem. A process for safely preparing gas generants which utilize the nitrogen containing fuel TAGN in the composition are provided. These compositions are especially suitable for inflating automotive and aircraft occupant restraint bags. The present invention advantageously and safely combines TAGN with phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) to achieve production of a high volume of non-toxic gas with only small amounts of solid combustion products.

Abstract: Clean burning, non-self extinguishing propellant compositions for use in hybrid automotive air bag systems are disclosed. The propellant compositions are based on a mixture of a crystalline nitramine propellant, an energetic or non-energetic binder and one or a combination of an oxidizing propellant and an energetic plasticizer.

Abstract: The addition of silicon (Si) powder from about 0.40 to 6.00 weight percent o ammonium nitrate (AN) propellant formulations as a fuel source results in a substantial increase in performance specific impulse (Isp). Theoretical Isp of AN propellant can be enhanced to levels approaching conventional in-service propellant formulations containing much more hazardous ingredients. Using inert or energetic polymer binders, AN propellant formulations are possible that will meet the performance requirements of most tactical missile systems when silicon is used as a fuel additive. Silicon powder when used to replace elemental carbon in most formulations has two major advantages: (1) an increase in theoretical Isp and (2) an improved propellant combustion efficiency by increasing propellant burning temperature. An improvement in propellant burning properties are also expected. The adjustment of weight percent ammonium nitrate in the AN propellant formulation is made as the silicon powder is adjusted over the range of 0.

Abstract: An insensitive high explosive is obtained by using a dicyandiamide (DCDA), ammonium nitrate (AN), guanidine nitrate (GN), ethylene diamine dinitrate (EDDN) eutectic melt binder in combination with ammonium perchlorate (AP) oxidizer, fine RDX (1 .mu.m to 10 .mu.m particle size), and aluminum metal as a fuel. The fine RDX particles improve performance, boosterability, and sensitivity. The inclusion of AP greatly improves air blast by adding oxygen to the reaction and insuring complete combustion of the ingredients. The aluminum extends the pressure pulse. The ratio of materials is formulated to obtain the lowest known processing temperature.

Abstract: This invention relates to a water-in-oil type emulsion explosive comprising an aqueous oxidizer solution, an oily material, an emulsifier and hollow microspheres, in which the whole or a part of the oily material is replaced with a polymer which is oil-soluble and has a ladder structure in the molecule.

Abstract: A physically stable emulsion explosive composition consisting of a dispersed phase and a continuous phase, wherein the dispersed phase consists essentially of at least one oxidizing compound and at least one fuel compound, and wherein the continuous phase consists essentially of a polyacrylate resin.

Abstract: Clean burning, non-self extinguishing propellant compositions for use in hybrid automotive air bag systems are disclosed. The propellant compositions are based on a mixture of a crystalline nitramine propellant, an energetic or non-energetic binder and one or a combination of an oxidizing propellant and an energetic plasticizer.