Abstract: The present disclosure relates to pyrophoric pellets that break apart into individual particulates or agglomerates when exposed to air and emit infrared radiation. The pyrophoric pellets include: (a) about 35 to about 95 wt. % of pyrophoric particles; (b) about 0.05 to about 30 wt. % of one or more thermally expandable particles; (c) about 1 to about 40 wt. % of one or more additives that modify IR signature; and (d) optionally, one or more additives that produce smoke at a temperature of 150° C. or greater. The pyrophoric pellets are particularly useful as countermeasures to protect against incoming missiles.

Abstract: Unique and improved chromizing processes are disclosed. The processes involve forming localized chromizing coatings onto selected regions of a substrate. The chromium diffusion coatings are locally applied to selected regions of substrates in a controlled manner, in comparison to conventional chromizing processes, and further in a manner that produces less material waste and does not require masking. A second coating can be selectively applied onto other regions of the substrate.

Abstract: Propellant compositions include an energetic binder, such as nitrocellulose, and a stabilized, encapsulated red phosphorous as a ballistic modifier. The propellant composition may additionally include an energetic plasticizer, such as nitroglycerine. For example, the propellant composition may be formed by mixing a double or multi base propellant that includes nitrocellulose plasticized with nitroglycerine with the stabilized, encapsulated red phosphorus. The propellant compositions may be substantially lead-free and may exhibit improved ballistic properties. Methods of forming such propellant compositions and an ordnance device including such propellant compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A heat generating structure includes a substrate, a coating and a polymeric material. The substrate comprises a first material. The coating comprises a second material, different from the first material that covers at least a portion of the substrate. The coating and substrate, upon being thermally energized to their minimum alloying temperature, react in a first exothermic reaction that is an alloying reaction. The relative quantities of the substrate and coating are such that the first exothermic reaction yields a first amount of exothermic energy that is insufficient to cause self-sustained propagation of the first exothermic reaction. The polymeric material covers substantially all of the substrate and coating, and is different from the first and second materials. The polymeric layer, upon being thermally energized, reacts with at least one of the substrate and coating in a second exothermic reaction.

Abstract: An explosive composition is provided comprising an explosive agent, a solid fuel and a polymeric adherent wherein the explosive agent, solid fuel and polymeric adherent are dispersed throughout the composition.

Abstract: A percussion primer composition that comprises an explosive and a sensitizer, the explosive being a moderately insensitive explosive having an impact sensitivity in the range from about 0.3 kp m to about 0.75 kp m. The moderately insensitive explosive may comprise CL-20, PETN, RDX, HMX, or mixtures thereof. The sensitizer may comprise aluminum, titanium, zirconium, magnesium, melamine, styrene, lithium aluminum hydride, or mixtures thereof. In some instances, the percussion primer composition may comprise the moderately insensitive explosive precipitated onto the sensitizer. The percussion primer composition may contain an oxidizer, which in certain situations comprises a conventional oxidizer or a bismuth compound. The bismuth compound is bismuth trioxide, bismuth subnitrate, bismuth tetroxide, bismuth sulfide, or mixtures thereof. A gun cartridge and other primer-containing ordnance assemblies employing the percussion primer composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: Propellant compositions include an energetic binder, such as nitrocellulose, and a stabilized, encapsulated red phosphorous as a ballistic modifier. The propellant composition may additionally include an energetic plasticizer, such as nitroglycerine. For example, the propellant composition may be formed by mixing a double or multi base propellant that includes nitrocellulose plasticized with nitroglycerine with the stabilized, encapsulated red phosphorus. The propellant compositions may be substantially lead-free and may exhibit improved ballistic properties. Methods of forming such propellant compositions and an ordnance device including such propellant compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Air-stable coated particles which include an oxidizable core having an organic ligand coating substantially encompassing the oxidizable core, are disclosed and described. The coated particles can also be substantially free of an oxide layer, especially oxide layers around the oxidizable core. As such, the organic ligand coating acts as a protective or passivating coating. The air-stable coated particles can be formed via a particle size-reduction process. An oxidizable particulate can be crushed and contacted with an organic ligand. The process conditions are maintained such that an oxide layer is preempted from forming on the oxidizable core. Such materials can be effective as high energy density additives for various fuels, pyrotechnic, ionic liquids, and rocket propellant applications and for biomedical applications.

Abstract: Detecting a nitroaromatic explosive via an exothermic chemical reaction of the nitroaromatic explosive with a polyamine or polyamine functional group is accomplished by depositing a polyamine or polyamine-functionalized coating on a microelectrode array and a semiconductor substrate, introducing a nitroaromatic explosive to an exposed surface of the polyamine or polyamine-functionalized coating, and measuring changes in electrical properties of the polyamine or polyamine-functionalized coating associated with the introducing of the nitroaromatic explosive. The nitroaromatic explosive detector comprises a microelectrode array formed on a semiconductor substrate, a polyamine or polyamine-functionalized coating deposited on and contiguous with the microelectrode array and the semiconductor substrate, and a measuring device for measuring any of resistance, conductance, and capacitance across the microelectrode array.

Abstract: Lithium fuel pellets are coated with a fluorinated oil, rather than a fluorinated polymer or telomer. The lithium pellets are coated by placing the pellets inside the lithium reaction vessel and then pouring a fluorinated oil into the reaction vessel. The reaction vessel is rotated in order to evenly coat the lithium pellets. The oil adheres to the lithium pellets and does not settle to the low point of the boiler cavity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rapidly expanding metallic mixture treated for oxidation prevention thereof at room temperature, comprising a metal salt and a metal powder, which prevents its spontaneous explosion due to oxidation of the metal powder in the mixture at room temperature during storage, or dysfunction of the mixture upon blasting work because of altered mixing ratios between the metal salt and the metal powder. The rapidly expanding metallic mixture is characterized in that the mixture is added with a water repellent such as oil or an inorganic preservative, or is coated with a resin and formed to the size of 0.1-100 mm3.

Abstract: Fluoroalkylsilane-coated metal particles having a central metal core, a buffer layer surrounding the core, and a fluoroalkylsilane layer attached to the buffer layer are prepared by combining a chemically reactive fluoroalkylsilane compound with an oxide coated metal particle having a hydroxylated surface. The resulting fluoroalkylsilane layer that coats the particles provides them with excellent resistance to aging. The particles can be blended with oxidant particles to form energetic powder that releases chemical energy when the buffer layer is physically disrupted so that the reductant metal core can react with the oxidant.

Abstract: Fluoroalkylsilane-coated metal particles. The particles have a central metal core, a buffer layer surrounding the core, and a fluoroalkylsilane layer attached to the buffer layer. The particles may be prepared by combining a chemically reactive fluoroalkylsilane compound with an oxide coated metal particle having a hydroxylated surface. The resulting fluoroalkylsilane layer that coats the particles provides them with excellent resistance to aging. The particles can be blended with oxidant particles to form energetic powder that releases chemical energy when the buffer layer is physically disrupted so that the reductant metal core can react with the oxidant.

Abstract: Reaction mixtures that include exothermic generating particles having a water soluble coating encasing a portion of the particles and, optionally an aqueous solution, and a buffer. The reaction mixtures are especially suited to generate heat in a controllable manner. In one such controlled reaction, the reaction components are mixed together and the mixture increases in temperature to a Set Temperature within a predetermined time, and the mixture remains at the Set Temperature for a longer period of time. Apparatuses and methods that use these reaction mixtures are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making pourable, plastic-bound explosive charges or rocket propellants, to which a metal powder having essentially spherically shaped grains is added. To avoid an increase in the viscosity of the explosive charge or the rocket propellant through polar groups attached to the surface of the metal powder, it is suggested according to the invention that the polar groups of the metal powder be saturated with SiR3 groups (Si=silane; R=organic residue) before the metal powder is added to the explosive mixture. As a result, the polar groups can no longer react with the isocyanates of the explosive charge or the rocket propellant and the specific surface of the respective metal powder, as well as the viscosity of the charges, is reduced.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to hardening ammonium nitrate by combining ammonium nitrate with a functionally active polymer. The functionally active polymer may be combined with ammonium nitrate by itself as a shell or in intermixed with the ammonium nitrate. The invention is found useful in hardening ammonium nitrate for use in explosives.

Abstract: Storage-stable metal-fueled pyrotechnics and methods for manufacturing such compositions are provided. These are manufactured by granulating a mixture of liquid cyclohexane, powdered metal fuel, optional Teflon® powder, and at least one ethylene and vinyl acetate co-polymer, together to form a storage stable powdered metal fuel effectively coated with ethylene and vinyl acetate co-polymer. This provides pyrotechnics with superior resistance to degradation induced by atmospheric moisture, and having other improved properties. The powdered metal fuel includes, for example, powdered magnesium.

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: Hydrogen generation system of the present invention are all demand systems that are operated to replenish hydrogen gas to a low pressure storage tank or vessel as hydrogen is drawn therefrom, providing a system that is suitable for use as a portable system. The invention employs electrical and mechanical arrangements that provide for opening an outer coating that has been formed over a reactive material, such as sodium, so as to expose that reactive material to water, generating hydrogen from a chemical reaction therebetween. The electrical system employs a bank of cells, with each cell electrically connected through a controller to a power source and contains a measured volume of a light salt and water solution and a sodium pellet that is coated with aluminum, or other appropriate metal, and provides for passing a current to a select cell to break down the pellet aluminum coating and expose the pellet reactive material to the water to generate hydrogen.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic grain or body of a gas generant having a consolidated or pressed-on, particulate inert burn inhibitor layer thereon. The inhibitor may be a metal oxide, metal sulfide, silica, silicate compound or mixtures thereof. The metal oxide is preferably iron oxide. The metal sulfide is preferably molybdenum disulfide. The preferred inhibitor is a silicate compound, most preferably bentonite. The inhibitor layer most preferably covers only one face or side of the generant body, though it may cover both faces or less than the entire area of one or both faces. The generant may be any conventional formulation which generates nitrogen-containing gas, preferably an azide, and most preferably sodium azide. The generant body may be any shape, preferably a washer-shaped disc. An automotive gas bag inflator may contain a plurality of the composite, inhibited generant bodies, preferably a stack or side by side assembly of such composite, inhibited wafers.

Abstract: Provided is a two phase emulsion which is useful in preparing explosive compositions. The two phase emulsion is comprised of a blend of two water in oil emulsions. The two phase emulsion is comprised of a continuous oil matrix in which ammonium nitrate micelles and water micelles both exist separately in stable fashion.

Abstract: A gas generator propellant formulation suitable for use in an air turbo ret (ATR) which employs an air breathing system that uses fuel gases produced by a gas generator propellant to operate the engine's turbine is provided which can also be used with other airbreathing propulsion systems that require a high gravimetric heating value (GHV). The basic fuel gas generator propellant formulation comprises in weight percent a tetraalkylammonium borohydride 50-100; lithium nitrate 0-50; and optional additives of hydroxy proply cellulose 0-20 and silica or silicon 0-20. The basic fuel gas propellant formulation can also employ an encapsulated tetraalkylammonium borohydride which employs an encapsulation polymer selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, and ethyl cellulose. When employing an encapsulated tetraalkylammonium borohydride a binder is employed selected from the group consisting of polybutadiene and polyether cured with 0.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to hardening ammonium nitrate by combining ammonium nitrate with a functionally active polymer. A functionally active polymer may be combined with ammonium nitrate by itself as a shell or intermixed with the ammonium nitrate. The invention is found useful in hardening ammonium nitrate for use in explosives.

Abstract: Solid energetic compositions are prepared from powdered solid components such as metallic aluminum fuel and liquid oxidizers by forming a coating of polyvinyl alcohol over the powdered solid by precipitation from a solution of polyvinyl acetate, and combining the coated particles with liquid oxidizer which will permeate and swell the particle coating, causing the particles to agglomerate into a solid rubbery mass.

Abstract: An inflator, preferably for an automotive gas bag restraint system, containing a plurality of gas generant bodies which have a relatively inert burn inhibitor coating material thereon. The inhibitor material is preferably a plastic resin. The inhibitor material may also be alumina, titania, silica or a silicate compound,e.g. bentonite. The inhibitors are preferably applied to the generant bodies as a spray. The gas generant may be an azide or a non-azide, preferably an azide and most preferably sodium azide. The inhibited bodies may be any shape, preferably washer-shaped discs in side by side array.

Abstract: Process for the formulation of a multi-component explosive composition from non-detonable components comprising a defined body of unconsolidated particulate aluminum fuel granules and an oxidizing liquid. Specific particulate aluminum fuel has an average particle size within the range of about 1/64-1/4 inch and is packed within a container or other confining structure to provide an average bulk density within the range of 0.2-1.0 gm/cc. The aluminum fuel particles are generally wadded-up aluminum foil granules. The oxidizing liquid added to the body of aluminum fuel fills the void space between granules of aluminum entrapping some voids within the granules to provide an average bulk density of the mixture of oxidizing liquid and particulate aluminum within the of 1.2-1.7 gm/cc, creating an explosive, formulation which is detonable in a diameter of 4 inches at 20.degree. C. by a one pound pentolite booster and normally by a 1/2 pound pentolite booster.

Abstract: Very good masking of pack diffusion aluminizing or chromizing on any metal to keep portions from being diffusion coated, is effected by localized coating the lowest layer of which is depletion-reducing masking powder the metal portion of which can have same composition as substrates, mixed with inert refractory diluent and non-contaminating film-former such as acrylic resin. The upper coating layer can be of non-contaminating particles like nickel or Cr.sub.2 O.sub.3 that upon aluminizing or chromizing become coherently held together to form a secure sheath. Such sheath can also be used for holding localized diffusion-coating layer in place. Film-former can be dissolved in volatile solvent, preferably methyl chloroform, in which masking powder or sheath-forming powder is suspended. Chromizing can be performed before aluminizing for greater effects. Aluminizing of metals like iron and nickel followed by leaching out much of the diffused-in aluminum, gives these substrates a pyrophoric and catalytic surface.

Abstract: A fuel for use independently of atmospheric air by reaction with an oxidizer, has a metal hydride as a solid fuel component mixed into an inert liquid fuel component and 1.5 to 5.0 weight percent of a stearate as part of the solid fuel component. The liquid fuel component is preferably an easy flowing paraffin into which the stearate and the solid fuel component are mixed to form a liquified fuel that will react with a liquid oxidizer. The mixing is preferably performed at a temperature above 100.degree. C. and at a reduced pressure less than 10.sup.5 Pa.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention relates to coating a solid which has acid or base sites on its surface with a surfactant having acid or base characteristics capable of neutralizing the acidic or basic characteristics of the solid surface. Said coating applied in sufficient quantity to result in neutralization of the acid or base sites on the solid. In another aspect, the present invention relates to a water-in-oil or melt-in-fuel blended explosive composition including solid components wherein said solid components have a coating to neutralize the acid or base sites on the solid, and the emulsifier utilized in the emulsion has acid or base properties which are the same as the properties of the coating applied to the solid.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention relates to coating a solid which has acid or base sites on its surface with a surfactant having acid or base characteristics capable of neutralizing the acidic or basic characteristics of the solid surface. Said coating applied in sufficient quantity to result in neutralization of the acid or base sites on the solid. In another aspect, the present invention relates to a water-in-oil or melt-in-fuel blended explosive composition including solid components wherein said solid components have a coating to neutralize the acid or base sites on the solid, and the emulsifier utilized in the emulsion has acid or base properties which are the same as the properties of the coating applied to the solid.

Abstract: A metal fuel for producing power for propulsion is disclosed. The fuel is made up of a metal core, a metal barrier and an oxidizer layer. The combination of materials disclosed provides a means for melting the metal core so that it can be oxidized in an exothermic reaction to produce power. The metal fuel may also be stabilized with respect to auto-ignition by adding a binder layer. A method for producing the metal fuel is also described herein.

Abstract: A tracer composition with a relatively high luminous output and a moderate burn rate includes from 35 to 47% by weight magnesium; from 40 to 53% by weight strontium nitrate, from 2 to 10% by weight magnesium carbonate, from 0 to 6% by weight color intensifier; from 0 to 6% by weight retardant and from 3 to 8% by weight of a synthetic polymer binder selected from the group consisting of (i) a terpolymer of vinylidene fluoride, hexafluoropropylene and polytetrafluoroethylene and (ii) a copolymer of vinylidene fluoride and hexafluoropropylene.

Abstract: An ignition transfer medium for interconnecting the ignition and pyrotechnic stages of a pyrotechnic device comprises activated fibrous carbon, such as activated charcoal cloth, on which an inorganic oxidizer and possibly other substances have been deposited.

Abstract: Very good masking of pack diffusion aluminizing or chromizing on any metal to keep portions from being diffusion coated is effected by localized coating of masking powder, the metal portion of which can have some composition as substrates. Chromizing can be performed before aluminizing for greater effects. Aluminizing of metals like iron and nickel followed by leaching out much of the diffused-in aluminum gives these substrates a pyrophoric and catalytic surface. Foil, wire or powder can be thus activated; very fine activated powder when discharged into the air forms a warm cloud that settles very slowly and decoys heat-seeking missiles.

Abstract: Pyrophoric preparations made of crushable open-celled metal skeleton such as honeycomb, metal foam or expanded twisted foil, filled with pyrophoric powder, so that when crushed to make a compact disc the metal skeleton is deformed and helps lock the powder particles in place.

Abstract: A heat exchanger 16 for a thermal power source includes a chamber 18 provided with an igniter 28 and a reactant inlet 30. Within the chamber 18 is a mass of lithium pellets 10 and 12, each provided with a coating 14.

Abstract: This invention relates to fuel granules of lithium having multiple coatings thereon and to the method of making the coated granules.

Abstract: An improved process for the manufacture of water resistant dry blasting agents. Powdered, solid, water blocking agent and solid fuel, if required, is added as a suspension in a liquid non-hydrating fuel phase to porous ammonium nitrate prills. The process thus avoids unevenness of coating with water blocking agent of prior art processes and is particularly suited to on-site truck mounted manufacturing of water resistant blasting agents.

Abstract: Encapsulated lithium including a shot shaped and sized body (10) of lithium metal encapsulated in a thin layer (12) of a predominantly fluorine substituted polyolefin based polymeric material, a method of making the same and a power plant utilizing the encapsulated lithium as fuel (FIG. 3).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a flat form from blended metallic powder including a major constituent by weight having a high melting point and a minor constituent by weiht having a substantially lower melting point includes selection of the powder to provide continuous and reproducible compacted flat forms. Powder is selected on the basis of compressibility and flowability. The selected powder is compacted to a flat green form and then liquid phase sintered. The flat form may be stacked to provide a flat article of a desired thickness which will result in a monolithic or composite cross section when subsequently sintered. Liquid phase sintering is carried out in a manner designed to avoid undesirable embrittlement and to provide a uniform microstructure in the fully consolidated article. The process is especially useful in the production of tungsten heavy alloy plate.

Abstract: The pyrotechnic device comprises a projectile, a ground mounted device or a floating device whose casing contains a charge of particulate material, for example a combustible silicon-containing material in particular mixed with titanium or other suitable combustible metal-containing material and gunpowder such that, following ignition, infra-red emitting particles are emitted for forming an infra-red radiating screen.

Abstract: The pyrotechnic device comprises a projectile, a ground mounted device or a floating device whose casing contains a charge of titanium or other suitable combustible metal-containing material, charcoal, or other reducing agent and gunpowder such that, following ignition, infra-red emitting particles are emitted to form an infra-red radiating screen. The carbon reduces oxidation of the combustible material prior to emission.

Abstract: Metals like iron and nickel are pyrophorically activated by continuous or batch treatment. Activated metal can be coated with material that increases, or tempers by partial blocking, pyrophoric action. Pyrophoric powder can be compacted with ignitable powders or fibers to produce self-supporting bodies having different degrees of pyrophoric activity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a general method of producing progressively burning deterrent-coated powder, more particularly propellant powder for weapons having barrels. According to the method a film-forming, preferably polymerizable deterrent substance is fed to the powder loosely or dispersed in a liquid phase which is thereafter driven off. The invention also relates to a method of giving a deterrent coating to granular powder or powder cut up in to short pieces (so-called tubular powder) in a fluidized bed. Finally, the invention relates to a special deterrent substance in the form of a water-dispersable polyurethane built up on an aliphatic isocyanate and a caprolacton polyester.

Abstract: Amorphous boron powder is chemically passivated by treatment with certain alcohols so as to form stable borate esters on the surface so as to render the boron unreactive or compatible with hydroxyl-functional pre-polymers. The treated or passivated boron is used in the manufacture of hydroxyl-terminated poly-butadiene matrix castable solid fuels and propellants.

Abstract: Encapsulated lithium including a shot shaped and sized body (10) of lithium metal encapsulated in a thin layer (12) of a predominantly fluorine substituted polyolefin based polymeric material, a method of making the same and a power plant utilizing the encapsulated lithium as fuel (FIG. 3).

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 specifically limited hollow microspheres consisting of neutral or weakly acidic hollow microspheres coated with a coating material has a high consistency without deteriorating its storage stability in initiation sensitivity in a small diameter cartridge, and can be safely and easily handled.

Abstract: Process for the manufacture of insulated propellant sets for base-bleed gas generators, said propellant set consisting of a propellant containing one or more solid substances, at least one of which is an oxidant, and a binder being a thermoplastically deformable elastomer, characterized thereby that the propellant is introduced into an insulating envelope, which as an essential component contains a thermoplastically deformable elastomer suited for the binder, and is forced into the envelope at increased temperature.

Abstract: A castable high-energy explosive composition comprising trinitrotoluene (TNT) and crystalline explosives of the RDX or HMX type as well as aluminum powder, and, optionally, flegmatizing agents and stablizers consisting of wax, lecithin and nitrocellulose (NC), is prepared by dispersing crystals of RDX (or HMX) in water with wax, under heavy stirring and a temperature above the melting point of the wax, then adding aluminum powder, treated in order to tolerate water, to the dispersion, and then, optionally, cooling in order to separate the explosive as granules. A further step comprises melting and dispersing TNT in hot water under heavy stirring, optionally under the addition of wetted NC and lecithin, then reducing the temperature to below 80.degree. C., and separating the solidifying, dispersed explosive droplets in the form of granules.