Abstract: This invention provides an improved method of foaming a water-in-oil emulsion explosive wherein a gassing agent which is a water-in-oil emulsion containing an aqueous solution of sodium nitrite in its discontinuous phase is mixed with the emulsion explosive. The sodium nitrite reacts with ammonium nitrate in the discontinuous phase of the emulsion explosive to generate small particles of gas which are distributed throughout the explosive. The method improves the gas bubble distribution and enhances the sensitivity of the explosive to blasting cap initiation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a dry mix explosive composition which includes a bulking agent which comprises from 1-20% (by weight) of a vegetable protein additive, the bulking agent having a bulk density of 0.1-0.6 grams per cubic centimeter. It is preferred that the resulting explosive composition have a bulk density of from 0.5-1.1 grams per cubic centimeter.

Abstract: Disclosed is an explosive composition formed by a mixture of solid oxidizer salt and emulsion. In one aspect the emulsion contains no dissolved inorganic oxidizer salts in the aqueous phase. In another embodiment the emulsion contains an aqueous solution of less than a 75% saturated solution of oxidizer salt dissolved in the aqueous phase.

Abstract: A nitrogen-generating composition useful for inflating air bags to protection for occupants of motor vehicles is disclosed which is composed of a stable nitride resistant to high temperatures and an inorganic oxidizing agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an explosive composition comprising a discontinuous oxidizer phase comprising at least one oxygen-supplying component, a continuous organic phase comprising at least carbonaceous fuel, and an emulsifying amount of (A) at least one salt composition derived from (A) (I) at least one high-molecular weight hydrocarbyl-substituted carboxylic acid or anhydride, or ester or amide derivative of said acid or anhydride, the hydrocarbyl substituent of (A) (I) having an average of from about 20 to about 500 carbon atoms, and (A) (II) ammonia, at least one amine, at least one alkali or alkaline earth metal, and/or at least one alkali or alkaline earth metal compound; and (B) at least one salt composition derived from (B) (I) at least one low-molecular weight hydrocarbyl-substituted carboxylic acid or anhydride, or ester or amide derivative of said acid or anhydride, the hydrocarbyl substituent of (B) (I) having an average of from about 8 to about 18 carbon atoms, and (B) (II) ammonia, at

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of producing a composition comprising solid particulate ammonium nitrate having improved explosive properties.Explosive compositions comprising particulate ammonium nitrate such as ANFO, which is a mixture of particulate ammonium nitrate and about 6% w/w of a fuel oil which is typically distillate oil, have been known for many years as relatively inexpensive and reliable explosives.Despite the wide acceptance of particulate ammonium nitrate based exposlives in the industry, their use has been limited by their relatively poor performance in wet conditions; in such conditions, explosive power can be seriously reduced, and they can be difficult to detonate.

Abstract: An explosive composition is disclosed which comprises a discontinuous oxidizer phase comprising at least one oxygen-supplying component, a continuous organic phase comprising at least one water-immiscible organic liquid, and an emulsifying amount of at least one nitrogen-containing emulsifier derived from (A) at least one carboxylic acylating agent, (B) at least one polyamine, and (C) at least one acid or acid-producing compound capable of forming at least one salt with said polyamine. These explosive compositions can be water-in-oil emulsions or melt-in-oil emulsions. They can also be explosive compositions derived from such emulsions wherein at temperatures below that at which the emulsion is formed the discontinuous phase is solid or in the form of droplets of supercooled liquid.

Abstract: A method for the pre-emulsification of fuel oil or other carbonaceous compound and water in the presence of one or more emulsifying compositions or emulsifier constituents, prior to the addition to and emulsification of an aqueous solution of the ammonium nitrate or other oxidizer salt. In contrast to compositions prepared by emulsifying all constituents simultaneously, the pre-emulsion of the fuel oil and water with fatty acid and salts and/or amines consistently enables preparation of emulsion-type explosive compositions having uniform, fine particle size. The emulsions thus produced detonate readily and are stable to cold (to -20.degree. C.), to heat (to 90.degree. C.) and to water (24 hour immersion).

Abstract: A gas generant composition especially adapted for inflating automotive airbags in the event of a vehicle collision to protect the occupants of the vehicle from injury. The composition consists essentially of 65-74% alkali metal azide; 10-28% ferric oxide; 6-16% sodium nitrate; 0.1-2% fumed silica; and 0-2% molybdenum disulfide. The composition burns at from about 1.2 to about 1.7 inches per second (about 3.0 to about 4.3 cm/sec).

Abstract: A nitrogen-generating composition useful for inflating air bags as protection for occupants of motor vehicles is disclosed which is composed of an alkali and alkaline earth metal azide, an oxidizing agent which is an alkali or alkaline earth metal salt and an nitride, and optionally silicon dioxide. The nitride or combination of nitride and silicon dioxide are present in an amount effective to bind all of the alkali and alkaline earth metal as slag.

Abstract: The invention provides a thermodynamically stable fluid system for use in combination with a solid oxidizer to provide an explosive composition. The fluid system comprises 1-70% by weight of water, 5-20% by weight of a surfactant, 0-35% by weight of a cosurfactant, and 5-85% by weight of an organic oil. Any droplet formation within the system has diameter or a thickness of less than or equal to about 0.1 microns. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid system is a microemulsion. When the fluid system is combined with a solid oxidizer, an explosive composition is formed, and the resulting explosive composition has a density greater than ANFO under similar conditions. The fluid system acts to increase the density of the oxidizer.

Abstract: Salt compositions are disclosed which comprise: (A) at least one salt moiety derived from (A)(I) at least one high-molecular weight polycarboxylic acylating agent, said acylating agent (A)(I) having at least one hydrocarbyl substituent having an average of from about 20 to about 500 carbon atoms, and (A)(II) ammonia, at least one amine, at least one alkali or alkaline earth metal, and/or at least one alkali or alkaline earth metal compound; (B) at least one salt moiety derived from (B)(I) at least one low-molecular weight polycarboxylic acylating agent, said acylating agent (B)(I) optionally having at least one hydrocarbyl substituent having an average of up to about 18 carbon atoms, and (B)(II) ammonia, at least one amine, at least one alkali or alkaline earth metal, and/or at least one alkali or alkaline earth metal compound; said components (A) and (B) being coupled together by (C) at least one compound having (i) two or more primary amino groups, (ii) two or more secondary amino groups, (iii) at least one

Abstract: An emulsion explosive composition comprising a discontinuous phase containing an oxygen-supplying component and an organic medium forming a continuous phase wherein the oxygen-supplying component and organic medium are capable of forming an emulsion which, in the absence of a supplementary adjuvant, exhibits an electrical conductivity measured at 60.degree. C., not exceeding 60,000 picomhos/meter. Such conductivity may be achieved by inclusion of a modifier. The compositions exhibit improved storage characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved explosive composition. More particularly, the invention relates to a water-in-oil emulsion explosive having improved stability and a lower viscosity. The term "water-in-oil" means a dispersion of droplets of an aqueous solution or water-miscible melt (the discontinuous phase) in an oil or water-immiscible organic substance (the continuous phase). The term "explosive" means both cap-sensitive explosives and noncap-sensitive explosives commonly referred to as blasting agents. The water-in-oil emulsion explosives of this invention contain a water-immiscible organic fuel as the continuous phase and an emulsified inorganic oxidizer salt solution or melt as the discontinuous phase. (The terms "solution" or "melt" hereafter shall be used interchangeably.) These oxidizer and fuel phases react with one another upon initiation by a blasting cap and/or a booster to produce an effective detonation.

Abstract: Structure for generating nitrogen gas for inflating an air bag vehicle occupant resistant comprises a grain made of an azide based material which generates gas upon combustion. The grain has an ignition enhancing coating thereon consisting essentially of 30 to 50% by weight of an alkali metal azide, 40 to 60% by weight of sodium nitrate or potassium perchlorate, 5 to 15% by weight of boron, and 1 to 15% by weight of sodium silicate. The coating may also include 1 to 6% by weight of graphite fibers as a roughening agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a water-in-oil emulsion explosive comprising a water-immiscible organic fuel as a continuous phase; an emulsified aqueous inorganic oxidizer salt solution as a discontinuous phase; and a phenolic derivative of polypropene or polybutene as an emulsifier.

Abstract: A dry non-explosive additive for ammonium nitrate-fuel oil (ANFO) blasting agents which provides water resistance and wet sensitivity to allow use of the explosive in wet drill holes. The additive contains gelling agents that rapidly hydrate and swell upon water impingement, and thereafter cross-link to rapidly form a peripheral water-blocking barrier to prevent further water intrusion into a loaded blasting agent mass. The additive additionally contains hydrophobic sensitizers and optional fuels to provide points of adiabatic compression and physically hinder water incursion. When the additive is mixed with ANFO, the resulting blasting agent retains its dry and free pouring characteristics and has enhanced explosive properties over untreated ANFO. While ANFO may not detonate in wet conditions unless protected from water, when admixed with our additive it retains its explosive characteristics and detonation potential after placement in wet environs, to function well either wet or dry.

Abstract: The present invention provides a water-in-oil macroemulsion for use in combination with a solid oxidizer in preparing a high density explosive composition. The macroemulsion comprises 1-70% by weight of water, 5-85% by weight of a fuel oil, and 0.1-10% by weight of an emulsifier with an HLB number within the range 0-8. The invention also provides an explosive composition comprising 2-20% by weight of a water-in-oil macroemulsion as just described and 80-98% by weight of a solid oxidizer. The preferred solid oxidizer is selected from the group of ammonium nitrate, sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, calcium nitrate, ANFO, and mixtures thereof. In addition, water soluble fuels, oil soluble fuels, or solid fuels may be added to the erxplosive composition. The invention further provides a method of preparing a solid oxidizer based explosive having a higher density than that obtainable in a mixture of fuel oil and the solid oxidizers.

Abstract: A process for preparing a porous propellant grain which comprises blending at least two combustible materials to form a homogeneous mixture, adding a predetermined amount of a liquid dispersant to said mixture to form a slurry, and flash drying the slurry in order to form a porous, single grain propellant having a greatly increased burning surface. A single grain propellant is produced having a flat, torroidal shape with a central cylindrical core and honeycombed with a plurality of porous channels extending entirely through the grain to increase the burning surface thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new explosive compound which is an associated compound of ammonium nitrate and glycine and also includes explosive composition containing this compound.The compound ANGC is prepared by a crystallization process preferably effected by cooling a melt or saturated solution containing ammonium nitrate and glycine.ANGC is especially advantageous as an ingredient of low water content emulsion explosive compositions.

Abstract: Certain classes of organic acids, and salts of those acids and in particular ascorbic acid and erythorbic acid and the salts thereof, and mixtures thereof, which have certain antioxidant and food preservative properties, have been found to be capable of being reacted together with sources of nitrate, including inorganic nitrates, ammonium nitrate, organic nitrates, and the like, at temperatures below 480.degree. F. to produce compositions which are capable of being molded into specific shapes or used in a powdered form as a gunpowder substitute, an explosive or a propellent when properly ignited.

Abstract: This invention provides a solid explosive composition comprising a low-water content melt-in-fuel emulsion when prepared at elevated temperature which solidifies on cooling. The emulsion comprises a continuous phase containing water immiscible fuel and emulsifier and a discontinuous phase containing oxidizer salt. A particulate material effective as a nucleating agent is incorporated in the composition to reduce supercooling of the discontinuous phase and to accelerate crystallization of the oxidizer salt.The particulate nucleating agent is preferably colloidal solid particles for example silica or an insoluble salt of aluminium, calcium or barium, which salt may optionally be formed in situ by a double decomposition reaction.The presence of the nucleating agent to accelerate crystallization of the oxidizer enhances the proportion of discrete droplets which remain totally encapsulated in the solidified composition and enables solid products to be obtained from relatively low melting oxidizer salts melts.

Abstract: In emulsion blend explosives, the replacement of coarse salt particles, e.g., prills, by fines, i.e., particles which pass a No. 50 U.S. sieve, increases the water resistance of the explosive without deleteriously affecting its shelf life provided that the explosive, prior to such replacement, is storage-stable as determined by the Salt Extraction and lead compression tests described herein. Products containing a combination of whole and crushed ammonium nitrate prills, and emulsions made with an anionic emulsifying agent such as a fatty acid salt, are preferred. Depending on the fines content and chemical composition, other properties such as sensitivity to initiation and detonation velocity also may be improved.

Abstract: An emulsion explosive comprising substantially an immiscible discontinuous oxidizer-phase dispersed throughout a continuous fuel phase with a modifier comprising hydrophilic and lipophilic moieties wherein the hydrophilic moiety comprises a carboxylic acid group or a group capable of hydrolyzing to a carboxylic acid, the lipophilic moiety is a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon chain, and wherein the emulsion composition pH is above 4.5.

Abstract: The shock sensitivity of explosives based on ammonium nitrate can be decreased by adding thereto a desensitizing amount of a polyethyleneimine or a polyethyleneimine polynitrate.

Abstract: Structure for generating nitrogen gas for inflating an air bag vehicle occupant restraint comprises a grain made of an azide based material which generates gas upon combustion. The grain has an ignition enhancing coating thereon consisting essentially of 20 to 50% by weight of an alkali metal azide, 25 to 35% by weight of an inorganic oxidizer, 10 to 15% by weight of a fluoroelastomer binder, 15 to 25% by weight of magnesium, and 1 to 3% by weight of fumed silicon dioxide. The coating may also include 1 to 6% by weight of graphite as a roughening agent.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are water-in-oil type emulsion explosives comprising an aqueous solution of oxidizing agent, an oily material, hollow microspheres and an emulsifier containing from 0.1 to 10% by weight of fatty acid, from 0.1 to 10% by weight of fatty acid soap and from 80 to 99.8% by weight of a fatty acid ester mixture comprising from 0 to 3% by weight of sorbide fatty acid ester, from 5 to 50% by weight of sorbitan fatty acid ester and from 50 to 95% by weight of sorbitol fatty acid ester.

Abstract: A matrix material to be added to a standard ammonium nitrate-fuel oil dry explosive to form an economical slurry explosive having excellent water resistant properties includes an oxidizer solution chosen from the group of an aqueous sodium perchlorate solution, an aqueous ammonium perchlorate solution, an aqueous calcium nitrate solution, or a combination thereof, along with a fuel such as ethylene glycol or fuel oil and a thickening agent such as a guar gum in combination with an acid such as glacial acetic acid. The oxidizer solution generally makes up about 94%-97% by weight of the matrix. The slurry explosive is made by mixing the matrix with a standard ammonium nitrate-fuel oil dry explosive and then adding a cross linker to the mixture so that it forms a gel. The matrix may make up between about 14% to 40% by weight of the explosive, and preferably makes up about 20% by weight.

Abstract: A water resistant explosive composition is disclosed for use in wet blasting holes. The composition comprises ammonium nitrate prills coated with a glycol and oil emulsion to render the prills waterproof. The coated prills are mixed with quick hydrating and self-complexing guar gums. The compositions can be poured directly into water filled blasting holes. The guar gums in the presence of cross-linking agent form a gel in the bore hole to lend stability to the composition until exploded. The composition has excellent shooting properties.

Abstract: A packaged booster charge is provided which is sensitive to initiation by blasting cap yet which contains no self-explosive ingredient. The composition of the booster comprises a low melting point nitrate salt or salt mixture having dissolved or finely dispersed therein an acetylenic substance and void containing material. The booster is safe and economic to manufacture and sufficiently powerful to initiate insensitive blasting agents.

Abstract: A solid or semisolid propellant comprising grains of propellant or propellant components bonded together so as to create voids within the propellant volume, said grains bonded together with sufficient strength to substantially delay the fluidization of the propellant by the onset of Taylor unstable burning, said propellant having a rapid burn rate below that associated with Taylor unstable burn. In another embodiment, the grains are held within and the voids are filled with viscous fluid binder such as a petroleum oil, said binder functioning to hinder Taylor unsatable burning and yet permit very rapid burning within the propellant volume.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for manufacture of potassium nitrate from potassium chloride and nitric acid. A source of potassium chloride may be screened and separated into fine and coarse fractions, or the screening may be eliminated and the source may be separated into equal coarse fractions. The coarse fraction, when screening has occurred, or one of the equal fractions, where no screening has occurred, is dissolved in a dilute solution of nitric acid prior to any reaction. Thereafter, either the fine fraction (if screening occurred) or the other equal fraction (if no screening occurred) reacts with the dilute nitric acid-potassium chloride solution and additional nitric acid having a concentration of about 60% at ambient temperature. The resulting solution may be crystallized with or without the prior separation of solid potassium nitrate. Nitric acid is recovered by solvents from a residual brine solution after crystallization.

Abstract: Water-based explosives that use siliceous boron-containing microspheres as sensitizing agents are stabilized by adding multivalent metal ions to the explosives. Zinc salts are especially useful.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of compound pyrotechnic products.The invention relates to a three-step, solvent-free process for the manufacture of compound pyrotechnic products containing a thermosetting binder obtained by reaction of a polyhydroxylated prepolymer with a diisocyanate, which process is characterized in that:in a first step the said prepolymer is mixed with an energetic charge and with a quantity of diisocyanate representing 50 to 90% of the required stoichiometric quantity,in a second step the remainder required to attain the said stoichiometric quantity is added and, after mixing, the pasty mixture thus obtained is extruded,in a third step the crosslinking of the thermosetting binder is completed hot.The invention makes it possible to obtain industrially, by extrusion, small-diameter pyrotechnic products containing a thermosetting binder without restriction on the "pot life" period. The invention is particularly suitable for the production of compound propellent powders for arms.

Abstract: Waterproof explosive compositions are made from blends of inorganic oxidizing salts, fuel oil and polygalactomannans plus crosslinkers. When exposed to water, the polygalactomannans and crosslinkers form gels which protect the explosive composition from penetration of water and the dissolution of the inorganic oxidizing salt.

Abstract: High density water gel explosives having relatively large amounts of low density sensitizers are prepared by evenly dispersing a densifying material therethrough. Separation of the densifying material during the mixing and packaging of the water gel explosive is prevented by adding from about 0.1 to 2% comminuted paper to the water gel. It has been found that the paper greatly increases the viscosity of the composition, so that the heavier densifying materials do not settle out. The paper has also been found to contribute to the stability of the explosive gel over prolonged storage periods.

Abstract: Essentially anhydrous energetic compositions, including explosives, propellants, flares, and gas generators, are initially formed at process temperatures above the solidification temperature of contained oxidizer salts as stable, melt-in-fuel emulsions having a continuous fuel phase and a discontinuous molten oxidizer phase. Surfactants are employed which cause the compositions to retain general fuel phase continuity and oxidizer phase discontinuity upon solidification. The final product is a firm or solid emulsion generally characterized by an intimate dispersion of discrete solid oxidizer cells in a fuel continuum, the product having excellent storage stability and water resistance.

Abstract: In emulsion blend explosives, the replacement of coarse salt particles, e.g., prills, by fines, i.e., particles which pass a No. 50 U.S. sieve, increases the water resistance of the explosive without deleteriously affecting its shelf life provided that the explosive, prior to such replacement, is storage-stable as determined by the Salt Extraction and lead compression tests described herein. Products containing a combination of whole and crushed ammonium nitrate prills, and emulsions made with an anionic emulsifying agent such as a fatty acid salt, are preferred. Depending on the fines content and chemical composition, other properties such as sensitivity to initiation and detonation velocity also may be improved.

Abstract: This invention relates to an explosive. In particular, the invention relates to an explosive of the emulsion type in which an oxidizing salt-containing component forms the discontinuous phase in an emulsion wherein the continuous phase comprises a fuel component which is immiscible with the discontinuous phase.

Abstract: Method for facilitating the formation and stability of invert water-in-oil emulsion blasting agents by use of a combination of certain surfactants; and corresponding formulations.

Abstract: A new arrangement of matter is developed which can be formulated to be a high explosive, a propellant or a gas generator. The new arrangement of matter in its explosive embodiment is known as a microknit composite explosive (MCX) in which an essentially anhydrous mixture of inorganic salts, surfactants and organic fuels is prepared while the oxidizer is molten, and a microcrystalline property is created which imparts a hard, machinable characteristic to the arrangement of matter.

Abstract: A new arrangement of matter is developed which can be formulated to be a high explosive, a propellant or a gas generator. The new arrangement of matter in its explosive embodiment is known as a microknit composite explosive (MCX) in which an essentially anhydrous mixture of perchlorate based oxidizer salts, surfactants and organic fuels is prepared while the oxidizer is molten, and a microcrystalline property is created which imparts a hard, machinable characteristic to the arrangement of matter.

Abstract: A new arrangement of matter is developed which can be formulated to be a high explosive, a propellant or a gas generator. The new arrangement of matter in its explosive embodiment is known as a eutectic microknit explosive (EMCX) in which an essentially anhydrous eutectic mixture of ammonium nitrate, soluble explosive, and other oxidizing salts is mixed with surfactants and organic fuels while the eutectic mixture is molten, and a microcrystalline property is created which imparts a hard, machinable characteristic to the arrangement of matter.

Abstract: The tracer unit, which is particularly adaptable for ammunition used in hand guns and submachine guns, consists of a base charge including about 70 to about 90 weight % strontium peroxide, about 5 to about 15 weight % calcium resinate and about 5 to about 10 weight % magnesium and an igniter charge covering the base charge and including about 40 to about 60 weight % calcium resinate, about 20 to about 30 weight % strontium nitrate and about 20 to about 30 weight % magnesium. A small cavity in the rear end of a projectile is partially filled with the base charge which is tamped into the cavity by the application of a low pressure, such as by hand tamping with a metal plunger or the like. The igniter charge is added to the projectile cavity on top of the base charge and, after drying, the exposed surface of the igniter charge is covered with a compatible moisture proofing material, such as shellac.

Abstract: A gas bubble sensitized water-in-oil emulsion explosive composition comprising a discontinuous aqueous phase comprising at least one oxygen-releasing salt, a continuous water-immiscible organic phase, a discontinuous gaseous phase, a water-in-oil emulsifying agent and at least one agent capable of facilitating the production of gas bubbles in the presence of said water-immiscible organic phase.

Abstract: Explosives that are sensitized blends of inorganic nitrate, e.g., AN, particles, such as AN or ANFO prills, and an aqueous slurry comprising a thickened aqueous solution of an inorganic oxidizing salt, preferably AN, are rendered storage-stable by keeping the slurry's water content low enough, and its viscosity high enough, that the slurry is water-retentive. Water immobilization in the slurry, a requirement for storage stability, is achieved despite the slurry's flowable consistency at the time of blending. A blend containing about 25% slurry or less, is essentially in the form of a granular mass of free-flowing, high-density, slurry-bearing prills, and the slurry is sensitizable by the prills alone. As the slurry content exceeds about 25%, the blend takes on the characteristics of a thick slurry, requiring a supplemental sensitizer in the slurry per se.

Abstract: The pneumatic loading of essentially free-flowing slurry-bearing ammonium nitrate (AN) prills, i.e., AN prills which carry or support a water gel or water-in-oil emulsion, produces a high-density explosive consisting of the tightly packed whole and crushed slurry-bearing prills. The density of this explosive can be as much as 20% higher than the poured density of the mass of slurry-bearing prills.

Abstract: Low explosive compositions which are more energetic than black powder while at the same time having LOVA characteristics are provided. These compositions contain about 45% to about 66% by weight of a metallic nitrate, the balance being cellulose acetate.

Abstract: In a process for preparing crosslinked gels from aqueous polygalactomannans using potassium pyroantimonates, the rate of gel formation is decreased by chelating the potassium pyroantimonate with di or tri alkali metal or ammonium citrate.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to a black powder type pyrotechnic composit comprising potassium nitrate, sulfur and an organic crystalline compound as a fuel in place of the charcoal conventionally employed. The organic compound contains at least one hydroxyl group or carboxyl group, including salts thereof, attached to an aromatic, e.g. benzene ring, and contains 75 (.+-.20) percent carbon, 25 (.+-.20) percent oxygen, 5 (.+-.5) percent hydrogen and up to 20 percent of other elements, on a weight percent basis.