Abstract: A method of preparing gunpowder includes selecting a known combination of chemicals used in making gunpowder; mixing the known combination of chemicals and a measurement of liquid ammonia at a predetermined temperature; stirring the chemicals and liquid ammonia with a laboratory mechanical stirrer, causing the chemicals to blend at a molecular level; raising the temperature of the mixture, causing the liquid ammonia to evaporate from the mixture, while keeping the mixture significantly below ignition temperature; allowing the remaining mixture to warm, thereby reducing the risk of ignition; and resulting in a fine gunpowder mixture, with no water content and limited recrystallization of the chemicals.

Abstract: The inclusion of between about 15 to about 60 formulation weight percent of a reaction product of basic copper nitrate and at least one transition metal complex of 5-aminotetrazole, wherein the at least one transition metal complex of 5-aminotetrazole and the basic copper nitrate are included in a weight ratio of no more than 1 part of the at least one transition metal complex of 5-aminotetrazole per 1 part of basic copper nitrate in azide fuel-free gas generant formulations exhibiting increased burn rates, as compared to the same formulation without the inclusion of that reaction product.

Abstract: Inflator device assemblies wherein an igniter composition used to ignite an associated gas generant material is provided on a selected surface, such as on a damper pad, within the inflator device. Suitable igniter compositions may include a silicone resin additive effective to adhere the igniter composition to a surface within the inflator device.

Abstract: A continuous process of manufacturing black powder and black powder substitute using a twin screw extruder is disclosed. Guar gum mixed with the composition at a concentration in the range from 0.05% to 0.5%, by weight, dramatically reduced the friction in the dies and permitted extrusion of the powder at much lower water levels. Different size dies used in combination with face cutting of the extruded strands produce various sized granules. The process can be operated remotely and automatically. The process reduces the number of buildings, equipment and personnel required to manufacture black powder or black powder substitute. The process produces more uniform and reproducible particle sizes.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic composition for producing a screen for blocking the passage of infra-red radiation and of light, comprises phosphorus, preferably red amorphous phosphorus, dispersed in a binding agent, for example rubber. The composition is produced by forming the binding agent into a gel with solvent, dispersing the phosphorus into the gel, evaporating off solvent, and comminuting the resulting solid material.

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: 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: 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: A gas-retaining agent consisting of bubble assemblies, each bubble assembly being one particle consisting of a large number of bubbles agglomerated into the particle, is effective for improving the safety of water-in-oil emulsion explosive compositions against methane and coal dust, for improving the sympathetic detonability of the explosive compositions and for lowering their detonation velocity without deteriorating their strength.

Abstract: This invention concerns a dynamite type explosive composition which comprises at least one liquid explosive nitric ester and an emulsion composition comprising an oxygen-releasing salt phase, an organic phase and an emulsifier. The invention provides dynamite type compositions in which the amount of liquid explosive nitric ester can be significantly reduced without adversely affecting the performance and physical properties of the composition.

Abstract: A method of enhancing the combustion of solid fuel/water slurries by the addition of about 100 to 5,000 ppm of a stable water-soluble explosive, which will detonate early in the combustion process, thereby producing a secondary dispersion of fuel particles, and an 80-65% coal/20-35% water composition suitable for secondary dispersion during combustion containing about 100-5,000 ppm of a water-soluble explosive, preferably selected from at least one member of a group consisting of picric acid; alkali picrates, such as ammonium picrate, sodium picrate, potassium picrate, calcium picrate, etc., and heavy metal picrates, such as iron picrate, lead picrate, zinc picrate, etc.; guanidine and nitroguanidine. The addition of the explosive may be made to the water of make up of the slurry or may be added to the formed slurry.

Abstract: This invention concerns a water-in-oil emulsion explosive composition which comprises a discontinuous aqueous phase containing one or more oxygen-releasing salts, a continuous water-immiscible organic phase comprising sump oil, and an emulsifying agent. The explosive compositions show improved sensitivity over conventional compositions made using paraffin oil as the organic phase.

Abstract: This application relates to the art of pyrotechnics and specifically concerns an improvement in the process for preparing granulated pyrotechnic compositions.

Abstract: Gas-forming deflagrating compositions which produce relatively low peak pressures and impart high velocity to projectiles are formed by incorporation of from about 1 to about 25 percent of water in an oxidizer-fuel mixture.

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.