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: An explosive slurry composition having excellent suspension stability, good thixotropic characteristics, high detonation power and good temperature characteristics comprises as ingredients a water-swollen gel of a complex composed of sodium montmorillonite and a water-soluble organic compound having a polar group, and an oxygen supplier such as ammonium nitrate and/or a sensitizer such as aluminum powder and/or a fuel such as saccharide, fuel oil and the like. This explosive slurry composition is used for blasting hard rocks and the like in situ connected with a booster or cap.

Abstract: A propellant composition for the generation of nontoxic propellant gases suitable for the inflation of air cushion protective devices for passengers in motor vehicles comprises mixtures of (a) at least one stable metal azide, (b) at least one oxidant metal compound, and (c) silicon dioxide.

Abstract: Improved blasting compositions are prepared by the addition of a solution of an oil-soluble organic acid in fuel oil to prilled ammonium nitrate, followed by the addition of water, in controlled amounts, and ammonia, as an aqueous solution or in gaseous form, and mixing the resultant mixture until the density of the final product exceeds the density of water.

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.