Abstract: A nanoenergetic material composite having a remote ignition characteristic by a high-power pulsed laser beam is prepared by adding various contents of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) to a nanoenergetic composite material (nEM) to enable remote ignition by a high-power laser beam. The nanoenergetic material composite is a MWCNT/nEM composite powder prepared by adding multiwalled carbon nanotubes to the nanoenergetic material, which is a mixture of fuel material nanoparticles and metal oxidizer nanoparticles, wherein the multiwalled carbon nanotubes enhance a combustion rate of the MWCNT/nEM composite powder by delivering thermal energy upon remote optical ignition by the high-power pulsed laser beam.

Abstract: Compositions, methods and systems involving nitrate compounds are disclosed and described. A method of dissolving a nitrate compound having an additive can comprise dissolving the nitrate compound to form an aqueous nitrate solution and adding a surfactant to the aqueous nitrate solution, where the surfactant disperses the additive.

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 primer composition that includes red phosphorus having an acid scavenger and a polymer thereon. The primer composition includes at least one other component that is substantially free of lead. The other component is at least one oxidizer, or at least one oxidizer and at least one of at least one secondary explosive composition and at least one energetic binder. The primer composition optionally includes at least one element having an ionic charge to ionic radius ratio of 4 or of 8, such as magnesium, zirconium, aluminum, silicon, titanium, tungsten, alloys thereof, and combinations thereof. The red phosphorus and the at least one oxidizer are present in the primer composition at approximately stoichiometric amounts. An ordnance element including the primer composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: A nanoparticle of a decomposition product of a transition metal aluminum hydride compound, a transition metal borohydride compound, or a transition metal gallium hydride compound. A process of: reacting a transition metal salt with an aluminum hydride compound, a borohydride compound, or a gallium hydride compound to produce one or more of the nanoparticles. The reaction occurs in solution while being sonicated at a temperature at which the metal hydride compound decomposes. A process of: reacting a nanoparticle with a compound containing at least two hydroxyl groups to form a coating having multi-dentate metal-alkoxides.

Abstract: A lead-free electric primer composition including a mixture of at least one metal having nanometer-sized particles with at least one oxidizer having nanometer-sized particles producing a metal(s)-oxidizer(s) nanocomposite, wherein the oxidizer(s) is present in an effective amount to substantially oxidize the metal(s), at least one gas generating material mixed with the metal(s)-oxidizer(s) nanocomposite producing a metal(s)-oxidizer(s)-gas generator(s) composition, at least one binder, the metal(s)-oxidizer(s)-gas generating composition is coated with the binder, and at least one conductive material.

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: A solid combustible composition for use in solid fuel air-augmented rocket engines which very substantially increases the temperature efficiency of afterburner fuel combustion with ram air, thereby greatly increasing engine performance. The improvement comprises dispersing in a matrix comprising the solid, fuel-rich organic compositions conventionally utilized in air-augmented rockets, particles containing solid oxidizable element and fluorine oxidizer compound which reacts with the element to produce gaseous subfluoride compound.

Abstract: An autoignition material includes a plurality of agglomerates. Each agglomerate comprises an oxidizer material particle. A plurality of metal fuel particles are disposed on the oxidizer material particle. The metal fuel particles are present in a weight ratio effective to substantially stoichiometrically balance the oxidizer material particle. The metal fuel particles exothermically react with the oxidizer material particle when the autoignition material is exposed to a temperature of about 80° C. to about 250° C. A thin binder film adheres the metal fuel particles to the oxidizer material particle and maintains the metal fuel particles in intimate contact with the oxidizer particle.

Abstract: An ignition enhanced gas generant material and method of making the same utilizing a solvent effective to partially solubilize at least one component of each of a selected ignition composition and, upon application to the gas generant material, at least one component of an associated gas generant material.

Abstract: Solvent is extracted by distillation from a residue filtrate generated in producing aluminium paste by filtering a slurry of aluminium particles, at least one fatty acid and a solvent. The distillation produces a residue wax. The wax is used to form a coating composition for coating onto prills of ammonium nitrate to provide at least a part substitute or replacement for conventional fuel oil coatings, especially for use in commercial explosives.

Abstract: A gas generator for an air bag is provided which contains a spontaneously-firing explosive composition in which at least one of a squib, igniting agent and a gas generant is contained in a casing formed of a light alloy material, the spontaneously-firing explosive composition containing carbohydrates, oxohalogenates and metal oxides or alternatively carbohydrates, oxohalogenates, metal oxides and one or more synthetic resins. The spontaneously-firing explosive composition has a spontaneous firing property in temperature range of either 165.degree.-220.degree. C. or 165.degree.-200.degree. C. The effective temperature range may be selected as needed.

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 granular explosive is obtained by mixing porous prill ammonium nitrate having an average particle size of 0.5 to 3.0 mm with a liquid aromatic dinitro compound and optionally a metal powder. Explosives having high sensitivity and power can be obtained by a simple and easy process.

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: 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: The specification discloses a high density prill particularly useful for in an emulsion explosive composition and a method for making the prill, The prill comprises a porous ammonium nitrate matrix having a density of at least about 54 pounds per cubic foot (0.86 kg/L) and having a concentration of greater than about 99.5 wt.% ammonium nitrate. The high density prill of the invention exhibits an oil absorption of at least about 4 wt.% based on the total weight of the prill and oil.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to intimately combining petroleum products with ammonium nitrate prills forming a coating thereon, whereby said coating is tackified and free flowing.

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: 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: An explosive-grade ammonium nitrate product dimensionally stabilized with a hydratable internal additive in an amount from 0.05 to 2.0% (wt/wt), having a bulk density in the range from 0.80 to 0.96 gm/cm.sup.3, exhibiting a porosity such that the product will absorb and retain at least 5% (wt/wt) of a fuel oil, retaining a particulate (prill) hardness of at least 15 kg/cm.sup.2 and having a Caking Index of less than 1.4 kg/cm.sup.2.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a blended explosive composition containing an emulsifier which is a derivative of polyisobutylene succinic anhydride and a prill having an internal additive of a naphthalene sulfonate surfactant and an external coating which makes the prill compatible with the emulsifier.

Abstract: Ultra-ultrahigh burning rate composite modified double-base propellants are btained by use of porous ammonium perchlorate as a replacement for the ultra-ultrafine ammonium perchlorate. The porous ammonium perchlorate is used in combination with aluminum powder fuel and aluminum staples, nitroglycerin as an explosive plasticizer, triacetin as a non-explosive plasticizer, stabilizers selected from resorcinol and 2-nitrodiphenylamine and other selected additives for achieving desired processing, mechanical, ballistic, and other properties of the propellant.

Abstract: A free-flowing granular explosive comprising of an oxidizing salt, fuel, a hydrophilic thickener and a hydrophobic compound. Upon water impingement the hydrophobic compound repels water from the surface of the oxidizing salt while the hydrophilic thickener simultaneously forms a water-resistant barrier.

Abstract: A blasting explosive having improved water resistance comprises a particulate blend of from about 5 to about 27 wt. % of a slurry explosive and from about 73 to about 95 wt. % of a mixture of ammonium nitrate particles and a liquid hydrocarbon fuel based on the weight of the slurry, the ammonium nitrate particles and the fuel. The mixture of ammonium nitrate particles and a liquid hydrocarbon fuel contain from about 3.0 to about 6.0 wt. % hydrocarbon fuel based on the weight of the ammonium nitrate/fuel mixture. The blend is first coated with a gelling agent and subsequently coated with an anticaking agent.

Abstract: A combustible coating for providing a delay barrier to intrusion into an object. The coating contains a source of fuel as a metal and/or a polymer and a source of oxygen such as an oxidizer. The coating is ignitable at a temperature in excess of about 300.degree. C., during combustion is resistant to the effects of common fire extinguishing materials, and is capable of sustaining combustion for at least five minutes with a burn rate of no more than about six inches per minute.

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: 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: Solid oxidizer particles of ultrahigh surface area are produced by an etching process which includes employing selective extractants in a process which causes the formation of indentations and/or cavities on the surfaces of the oxidizer particles, and crevasses and tunnels in the oxidizer particles. The method is particularly attractive for manufacturing ultrahigh surface area ammonium perchlorate which has limited solubility in the extractants ethanol, butanol, or a mixture of these extractants.

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: 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: Process for the manufacture of a propellant for base-bleed gas generators, thus for generators made of a gas-producing charge for the increase of range wherein a binder and one or more granular or powdery solid substances are used at least one of which is an oxidant, characterized thereby that the binder is a thermoplastically deformable elastomer, that solvents are added to said elastomer which is thoroughly mixed with the solid substance and that said elastomer is deposited thereon by removal of the solvent with the formation of a granulate.

Abstract: A process for desensitizing sensitive explosives materials such as RDX or HMX involves stirring a paste of the explosives material in a liquid medium, usually water, with a wax which will soften below the safe decomposition temperature of the explosives material, heating the mixture to drive off the liquid and soften the wax which is then coated onto the explosives material as the liquid evaporates. On cooling, explosive material particles substantially entirely encapsulated in wax are obtained. When warm or after cooling, aluminum powder can be mixed with the desensitized material. As little as 1% of added wax can improve the F of I of RDX from 73 to around 100 and the wax coating is quite stable even when the explosive is pressed, e.g. when making charges.

Abstract: A process for the production of plastic-bonded explosive substances wherein the binder is applied from aqueous dispersion is characterized in that polyurethanes applied in the absence of organic solvents are used as binder and in that the granulates obtained are dried and then compressed. Explosive substances obtained by the process are also provided.

Abstract: The incendiary mass comprises a zirconium or titanium powder containing a mean grain size of 15-50 .mu.m, to which there is added less than 2%-by-weight of an organic binder, in particular polyvinylacetate because small binder concentrations have a favorable effect upon the action or effect pattern of the combusting or burning metal particles, i.e. upon the combustion time and length of the flight trajectory.

Abstract: Diferrocenyl piperazines represented by the formula: ##STR1## wherein Fc represents a ferrocene radial R represents alkylene radical hng from 1 to 7 carbon atoms, and x and y are 0 or 1 are disclosed as burning rate modifiers for ammonium perchlorate composite propellants. Coating ammonium perchlorate crystals with the differocenyl piperazines significantly decreases migration of the piperazines in the propellant.

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: An aqueous slurry explosive blasting composition comprising an aqueous suspension of water-soluble crystalline oxidizing salt consisting predominantly of ammonium nitrate, which salt has been comminuted in a saturated aqueous solution in the presence of a water-soluble crystal-growth inhibiting surfactant having a hydrophobic portion and a hydrophilic portion in its molecule, in intimate admixture with liquid water-immiscible hydrocarbon fuel sensitizer. The surfactant maintains the oxidizer salt in a finely divided state and also ensures that the liquid hydrocarbon remains uniformly distributed throughout the explosive mass as a stable coating of droplets on the salt particles thereby enhancing the explosive sensitivity of the composition.

Abstract: A process, and apparatus for performing same, of simultaneous mixing and placement of an explosive composition comprising a dispersion of an explosive component located in and immobilized by a solidified foamed non-explosive matrix.

Abstract: Water-soluble crystalline material which has been comminuted in a saturated aqueous solution of the material in the presence of a water-soluble crystal-growth inhibitor having a hydrophobic portion and a hydrophilic portion in its molecular structure is mixed with a deflocculant which inhibits the interaction of the hydrophobic molecular portions whenever the comminuted solid is suspended in water. The viscosity of aqueous suspensions of comminuted solid is thereby stabilized.The invention is especially beneficial in the preparation of aqueous suspensions of finely comminuted ammonium nitrate for use in slurry blasting explosives.

Abstract: A powder explosive composition comprising particulate inorganic oxidizing salt, finely divided metal sensitizer and, optionally additional fuel consisting of discrete granules containing oxidizing salt and sensitizing metal coated with a tough, cohesive, resilient gelled solution of the oxidizing salt, the amount of the coating being insufficient to form a continuous gelled phase. The composition is more water resistant, less dusty and less sensitive to friction and impact than the metal sensitized powder compositions of the prior art.

Abstract: An improved water dispersible aluminum powder composition containing from 0.1% to less than 5% of a polyvinylpyrrolidone resin, and processes for its preparation are disclosed. This composition has the advantages that, in comparison to known compositions containing higher levels of polyvinylpyrrolidone, it can be more completely separated from hydrocarbons, and, when used as a water based slurry blasting agent sensitizer is effective in smaller diameter bore holes.

Abstract: Aluminum powder compositions, and methods for their preparation, comprising fine particle size aluminum powder, a polyvinylpyrrolidone resin in an amount of 5% to 20%, based on the aluminum, and either a hydrocarbon or a polar liquid medium in an amount of 30% to 50%, based on the aluminum, are described. These compositions find use as sensitizers in slurry-type blasting agents. Compared to known compositions, they are both dust free and substantially non-reactive, on storage, toward the aqueous milieu of such a slurry.

Abstract: An ignition enhancer coating composition for pyrotechnic propellants comprised of about 60 to 95 wt. % of an inorganic oxidizer; about 5 to 20 wt. % of an oxygen-containing polymeric compound; about 0 to 10 wt. % polyethylene; about 0 to 10 wt. % of a transition-metal oxide; and about 0 to 5 wt. % carbon black. This invention also relates to a pyrotechnic propellant coated with said ignition enhancer composition.

Abstract: An ignition enhancer coating composition for alkali metal azide pyrotechnic propellant compositions comprised of about 2 to 15 weight percent of an oxygen-containing polymeric compound; about 20 to 50 weight percent of an alkali metal azide; and about 40 to 80 weight percent of an inorganic oxidizer. This invention also relates to a pyrotechnic propellant coated with said ignition enhancer composition.

Abstract: This patent describes a novel desensitized explosive wherein a normally sitive solid explosive material is coated with an effective desensitizing amount of a phlegmatizing agent which contains functional groups reactive with one or more ingredients conventionally used in forming a thermally stable, crosslinked solid composite explosive. The present invention also includes thermally stable, crosslinked solid composite explosive in which said desensitized explosives are an integral part. Still further this invention includes the method of coating the as-received explosive material with said phlegmatizing agent, preferably in a drying vessel at elevated temperatures.

Abstract: Ammonium perchlorate particles having strongly adherent wettable coatings are made by treating the particles with stong amines that displace ammonia to form amine perchlorates at the particle surfaces. Silanylamines are preferred since after amination of the perchlorate the silane groups can be hydrolyzed to siloxanes having good wettability by liquid polymeric propellant binders. The coated perchlorate can be used to produce solid propellants having improved mechanical properties and burning characteristics.

Abstract: In general, this invention relates to smoke-producing pellets for use in a mortar shell.More particularly, this invention relates to an improved process of making smoke-producing pellets for the 81 mm cartridge of the XM819 mortar shell.