Abstract: A foamed or aerated explosive composition containing a water-soluble organic nitrate sensitizer is provided which retains sensitivity for long periods in small diameter cartridges. The dissipation or migration of entrained air or gas in the composition is substantially prevented by incorporating a blend of a foaming surfactant and a stabilizing surfactant in chosen proportions.

Abstract: A slurry explosive composition comprising an inorganic oxidizing acid salt, water, a combustible material, a thickener, a nitroparaffin and an amide is very sensitive and stable, and can be detonated at low temperature without the use of primer.

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: A stable, gelled, water-bearing explosive composition and a process for making same. The composition comprises at least one water-soluble inorganic oxygen releasing salt; at least one fuel; water; and at least one gum selected from the group consisting of galactomannans and xanthans crosslinked in situ with a crosslinking agent comprising a redox system which system comprises at least one arsenious compound.

Abstract: 1. A solid propellant charge for rocket motors consisting essentially of a formed vulcanized mixture of rubbery isobutylene-isoprene copolymer fuel binder in the proportion of 10-20% by weight and a solid inorganic strong oxidizing salt in the proportion of 80-90% by weight.

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.