Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for preparing a pyrotechnic composition, to the use of a water-soluble cellulose ether binder, to a pyrotechnic composition, to a method for preparing a pyrotechnic charge, and to a pyrotechnic charge. The method of the invention comprises mixing the fibrous nitrocellulose in wet form with the one or more water-soluble cellulose ether binders and optionally one or more solvents, wherein the amount of organic solvent in the mixture is 10 wt. % or less based on total weight of the mixture.

Abstract: A gun propellant formulation comprising: a nitrocellulose component comprising from about sixty-five percent (65.0%) to about ninety-five (95.0%) of the gun propellant by weight, having a nitrogen proportion of substantially twelve and six-tenths percent (12.6%) nitrogen; an energetic plasticizer component comprising from about 5.0 percent (5.0%) to about 35 percent (35.0%) of the gun propellant by weight, and comprising N-Butyl-2Nitratoethyl Nitramine (BuNena); a burning rate moderator and stabilizer component comprising from about one-half of one percent (0.5%) to about five percent (5.0%) of the gun propellant by weight, and comprising Sym-Diethyl Diphenyl Urea, N,N?-Diethyl Carbanilide (Ethyl Centralite, Centralite I); and a stabilizer component comprising about one-half of one percent (0.5%) to about five percent (5.0) of the gun propellant by weight, and comprising Acetyl triethyl citrate (ATEC).

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to solid propellant formulations, which exhibit good processing properties, good safety characteristics, desirable combustion properties, good safety characteristics and excellent mechanical attributes. The solid propellant formulations disclosed herein burn at a rate of about 0.5 in/s at 1000 psi and show no pressure slope break up to 8000 psi. The solid propellant formulations of the disclosed invention incorporate oxidizers of varying particle size to avoid a pressure slope break. The solid propellant formulations of the present invention avoid the use of large-size ammonium perchlorate (AP) particles having particle size in the range of 200-400 &mgr;m to avoid the pressure slope break problem, which typically occurs at about 2500 psi to 3500 psi.

Abstract: A gas generator capable of quickly producing a large quantity of substantially solids-free nontoxic gas useful as a propellant in halon replacement fire suppression systems is provided. The double base castable propellant composition is formulated from a major amount of ammonium nitrate, a minor amount of nitrocellulose, at least one selected high energy nitrate ester plasticizer, a thermal scavenger, and at least one burning rate modification and control additive to achieve a burning rate of 0.2 inches per second or greater at 1000 psia. The burning rate is further enhanced by the configuration of the solid propellant, which is formed to have dimensions selected to enhance the burning rate. The gas generator composition and physical arrangement synergistically produce an optimally rapid burning rate.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method of preventing afterblast sulfide dust explosions in blasting operations involving sulfide-containing ores, which method comprises (a) loading a borehole that has been drilled into a sulfide-containing ore body with an emulsion blasting agent that comprises an emulsifier, a continuous organic fuel phase, a density control agent, and a discontinuous oxidizer salt solution phase that comprises inorganic oxidizer salt(s), water and urea as a chemical inhibitor in an amount of from about 1% to about 10% by weight of the blasting agent, the blasting agent being loaded in a coupling relationship with the borehole; and (b) detonating the blasting agent.

Abstract: Infrared illuminant compositions are disclosed which produce significant quantities of infrared radiation when burned but which produce very little visible light. The infrared illuminant compositions provide specific illumination in the spectral range visible with night vision devices. The disclosed infrared illuminant compositions include ammonium nitrate as the main oxidizer, an infrared generator such as cesium nitrate, rubidium nitrate, or mixtures thereof, and a fuel. By eliminating potassium and its direct and indirect visible light contributions, from the illuminant compositions, improved concealment indexes are obtained. Other additives, including conventional binders and burn rate modifiers may be used as to tailor the performance and physical characteristics of the infrared illuminant composition.

Abstract: Method and coating composition for promoting ignition of deterrent-coated smokeless propellant by applying thereto a nitrocellulose-based igniter component as an overcoat.

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 hybrid gun propellant containing an oxidizer rich liquid monopropellant d an oxidizer deficient single based solid propellant.

Abstract: Nitrocellulose is reacted with ammonium hydroxide to produce a mixture of monium nitrate with various degradation products derived from cellulose, the mixture being useful as fertilizer either in the form of an aqueous slurry or in dry powdery or granular form.

Abstract: High explosives and propellants made by combining a nitrated cellulose with a ketone or ketone derivative.

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.