Abstract: An active composition for a decoy which radiates spectrally as the active composition burns, contains an additive which is distributed in the active composition and which increases the ratio of the intensity of radiation emitted during combustion of the active composition in the wavelength range from 3.7 to 5.1 ?m to the intensity of radiation emitted during combustion of the active composition in the wavelength range from 1.9 to 2.3 ?m. The active composition contains a fuel having carbon atoms and hydrogen atoms, and an oxidizer for the fuel, containing oxygen atoms. The amount of the oxidizer being such that it is not sufficient for complete oxidation of the carbon, and the additive being a catalyst present in the form of particles that catalyzes a redox reaction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a range of particulate energetic materials with tailored particle sizes and extremely narrow particle size distributions. The use of membrane emulsification apparatus provides a means of formulating explosives with a selectable particle size, without the use of milling techniques to physically reduce the size of the particulates.

Abstract: Compositions and methods relate to gas generants used in inflatable restraint systems. The gas generant grains include a fuel mixture having at least one fuel and at least one oxidizer, which have a burn rate that is susceptible to pressure sensitivity during combustion. The gas generant composition further includes a plurality of pressure sensitivity modifying glass fiber particles distributed therein to lessen the pressure sensitivity and/or to increase combustion stability of the gas generant. Such gas generants can be formed via spray drying techniques.

Abstract: An active composition for a decoy which radiates spectrally as the active composition burns up, including radiation emitted during combustion of the active composition in the wavelength range from 3.7 to 5.1 ?m which is stronger by a factor of at least 15 than radiation emitted during combustion of the active composition in the wavelength range from 1.9 to 2.3 ?m. The active composition contains a nitrate ester and/or one nitrosamine as a fuel having carbon atoms, hydrogen atoms, and ammonium perchlorate as oxidizer. The amount of the ammonium perchlorate is such that it is not sufficient for complete oxidation of the fuel. The active composition contains either the nitrate ester in the form of a polymeric solid, or a binder, not more than 5 carbon atoms in the fuel being joined to one another by direct bonding, and the active composition containing substantially no carbon source containing elemental carbon.

Abstract: A method of in-situ remediation of chlorinated and fluorinated reaction by-products resulting from energetic detonations and/or burning of energetic mixtures comprising adding a quantity of Calcium disilicide (CaSi2), Calcium silicide (CaSi), Magnesium disilicide (MgSi2), Magnesium silicide, or Aluminum Calcium (Al2Ca) compounds to the energetic mixture prior to its detonation and/or burning. Advantageously, the in-situ production of more inert by-products results from this addition thereby preventing the formation of any less-desirable by-products.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for preparing a pyrotechnic composition, to the use of a water-soluble cellulose ether binder, to a pyrotechnic composition, to a method for preparing a pyrotechnic charge, and to a pyrotechnic charge. The method of the invention comprises mixing the fibrous nitrocellulose in wet form with the one or more water-soluble cellulose ether binders and optionally one or more solvents, wherein the amount of organic solvent in the mixture is 10 wt. % or less based on total weight of the mixture.

Abstract: A gas generating pyrotechnic composition that in addition to a primary fuel component and a primary oxidizer component includes critical relative amounts of elemental carbon and cupric oxide. Also provided are associated methods for producing an inflation gas for an occupant restraint system of a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A plastic-bonded pyrotechnical mixture is provided that includes at least one oxidatizer, one carbonate and/or phosphate from the group of alkali metals or earth alkali metals, a chlorinated rubber and a softener. An additional bonding agent and/or graphite can be added thereto as needed. The oxidatizer can be a perchlorate or a mixture of perchlorates from the group of alkali metals or earth alkali metals, or alternatively, ammonium perchlorates can also be integrated as an oxidatizer. The softener is an organic substance or substance mixture from the group of adipates or phthalates, or can be an organic phosphoric acid ester or a phosphoric acid ester mixture. As an additional bonding agent, an organic titanate or an organic titanate mixture is preferred. All components are mixed with one another at such a ratio that a neutral smoke in the pH range of 5-7 (bases on aerosol) is created.

Abstract: This invention relates to the construction of a rocket motor and fuel system thereof and, in particular to a new and useful Viscous Liquid Monopropellant (VLM) rocket motor containing a liquid propellant that is pumped into the combustion chamber, atomised and then ignited. The atomisation step significantly increases the surface area of the propellant, delivering faster burn rates and smoother combustion. VLM is a non-Newtonian fluid containing both oxidisers and fuels. These monopropellants are comprised of a variety of liquid and solid components, mixed together to form a homogenous fluid, although heterogeneous in composition. The solid constituents are retained within the liquid phase by dispersion, suspension, bonding or chemical emulsification techniques, so as when a motive force is applied to the propellant, all the constituents are also transported, and held in correct proportion whilst doing so.

Abstract: An energetic composition with controlled detonation having at least a first organic material and a second material, where the second material is a porous material (micro-, meso-, or macroporous), having a pore ratio of at least 10% and preferably greater than 50%, and the first material is, at least partially, infiltrated into the pores of the second material. A mixture containing such a composition, and a method for manufacturing such a composition and such a mixture. Additionally, a method for fragmenting or expanding a microporous immaterial at nanoscale.

Abstract: The main subjects of the present invention are: a process for obtaining a solid composite propellant (with a polyurethane binder filled with ammonium perchlorate and with aluminum): characteristically, the ammonium perchlorate charge of said propellant is obtained from at least two charges each having a specific monomodal particle size distribution. It is thus sought to reduce the thrust oscillations and the alumina deposits at the back of the engine; a solid composite propellant, the solid propellant charges and the associated rocket engines.

Abstract: A precursor composition of a reactive material that comprises a metal material and an energetic material, such as at least one oxidizer or at least one class 1.1 explosive. The metal material defines a continuous phase at a processing temperature of the precursor composition and the energetic material is dispersed therein. The metal material may be a fusible metal alloy having a melting point ranging from approximately 46° C. to approximately 250° C. The fusible metal alloy may include at least one metal selected from the group consisting of bismuth, lead, tin, cadmium, indium, mercury, antimony, copper, gold, silver, and zinc. The reactive composition may have a density of greater than approximately 2 g/cm3. The reactive composition may also include a polymer/plasticizer system.

Abstract: Solid composite propellant compositions include at least one oxidizing agent, at least one binder, and at least one surfactant. The surfactant provides the solid propellant the property of being “self-extinguishing”, where the burning rate of the solid composite propellant as a function of pressure includes a negative pressure dependence portion, wherein the burning rate in the negative pressure dependence portion decreases with increasing pressure until a cutoff pressure is reached which results in extinguishment of the solid composite propellant. The solid composite propellant can also include at least one catalyst that modifies the burning rate of the solid composite propellant. Solid composite propellants can be extinguished without the need for depressurization by reaching a cutoff pressure, and with a tailored burning rate.

Abstract: Adding nanoparticles as a catalyst to solid propellant fuel to increase and enhance burn rates of the fuel by up to 10 times or more and/or modifying the pressure index. A preferred embodiment uses TiO2 nanoparticles mixed with a solid propellant fuel, where the nanoparticles are approximately 2% or less of total propellant mixture. The high surface to volume ratio of the nanoparticles improve the performance of the solid propellant fuel.

Abstract: A quaternary salt is added at low concentrations to a solid propellant, thereby increasing the conductivity of the polymeric binder to provide for safe discharge of static electricity at relatively low potentials.

Abstract: A firing agent which is used in a gas generating device of a vehicle occupant protection device together with a non-azide gas generating agent, for firing the non-azide gas generating agent, wherein the firing agent contains a fuel and an oxidizing agent and is configured to burn at a combustion speed higher than that of the non-azide gas generating agent; a method for using the firing agent; and a gas generating device of a vehicle occupant protection device using the firing agent.

Abstract: A firing mixture which contains explosives, oxidizing and reducing agents is characterized in that it contains one or several explosives which can be fired by laser light. Also disclosed is a process for producing the same and its use.

Abstract: Adding nanoparticles as a catalyst to solid propellant fuel to increase and enhance burn rates of the fuel by up to 10 times or more and/or modifying the pressure index. A preferred embodiment uses TiO2 nanoparticles mixed with a solid propellant fuel, where the nanoparticles are approximately 2% or less of total propellant mixture. The high surface to volume ratio of the nanoparticles improve the performance of the solid propellant fuel.

Abstract: A method of forming 2-nitroimino-5-nitrohexahydro-1,3,5-triazine is presented. The method contains the steps of mixing nitroguanidine, formaldehyde, tert-butyl amine, and water to form an aqueous-based mixture containing an intermediate reaction product; separating the intermediate reaction product from the aqueous-based mixture by filtering out the suspended intermediate reaction product; and mixing the intermediate reaction product within a multi-acid solution containing sulfuric acid and nitric acid. Ammonium chloride is then added, thereby forming 2-nitroimino-5-nitrohexahydro-1,3,5-triazine. A gas generating system 200 containing a gas generant formed in accordance with the present invention is also contemplated.

Abstract: A method is provided for making blast explosive molding powder. According to an aspect of the invention, energetic solids and a metal powder are suspended in a bulk phase fluid. Lacquer is added to an energetic solids and metal powder suspension to achieve a super-saturated solution. Final granulation of the super-saturated solution is optimized to form a fluidized metallized energetic molding powder. The fluidized metallized energetic molding powder is distilled to remove an organic solvent component of the lacquer, which is reclaimed through distillation. The bulk phase fluid is decanted to recover a wet metallized energetic molding powder. The bulk phase fluid is reclaimed through distillation. The wet metallized energetic molding powder is dried to form a dry metallized energetic molding powder. This method is especially useful in making insensitive enhanced blast explosive molding powders with high metal powder content.

Abstract: To provide a gas generating composition for air bag which is low in toxicity, large in burning rate, and low in combustion temperature. Gas generating compositions comprising (a) melamine cyanurate or a mixture of melamine cyanurate and nitrogen-containing organic compound and (b) oxygen-containing oxidant, and gas generating compositions comprising (c) binder and (d) additive are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gas generant composition for a gas actuator used for activating a safety device, which contains (A) a nitrogen-containing organic compound, (B) a metal nitrate and/or a perchlorate, (C) a water-soluble polymer binder, and (D) a magnetic material. When compared with the conventional gas generant compositions, this gas generant composition is excellent in combustibility under low pressure conditions and reduced in CO gas generation during combustion. In this gas generant composition, (D) the magnetic material is preferably composed of a magnetic iron oxide.

Abstract: The invention provides an explosive composition obtained by milling a fuel component and an oxidizer component with an aqueous emulsion of a hydrophobic tackifier and drying them, which is high in the water resistance and good in the extrusion moldability and cleanability of a shaping machine and less in the production problem. Also, the explosive composition according to the invention is preferable to be applied as a shaped body to a gas generating agent, an autoignition agent, an enhancer agent or the like. Further, the explosive composition shaped body according to the invention is particularly preferable to be used for a gas generator actuating an automobile safety device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pyrotechnic agent containing at least one azotetrazolate as a component thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides an infra-red decoy flare comprising a pyrotechnic composition which comprises an extrudable and energetic binder in an amount in the range of from 4-35 wt %, which binder comprises a nitrocellulose, an oxidator in an amount in the range of from 40-80 wt %, a pyrotechnic fuel in an amount in the range of from 15-35 wt %, and a carbon source in an amount of up to and including 10 wt %, all amounts based on total pyrotechnic composition. The invention further provides a process for preparing said infra-red decoy flare.

Abstract: Extrudable gas generant compositions which, upon combustion, produce or result in an improved effluent and related methods for generating inflation gas for use in an inflatable restraint system are provided. Such extrudable gas generant compositions include a non-azide, organic, nitrogen-containing fuel, at least one copper-containing compound, a perchlorate additive and a polymeric binder material. The at least one copper-containing compound may be selected from basic copper nitrate, cupric oxide, a copper diammine-ammonium-nitrate mixture wherein the ammonium nitrate is present in the mixture in a range of about 3 to about 90 weight percent, and/or a copper-nitrate complex resulting from reaction of 5-aminotetrazole with basic copper nitrate.

Abstract: Glycerin-containing explosive compositions comprising at least an oxidizer and glycerin are provided. The explosive compositions may comprise a glycerin, such as impure or crude glycerin, modified crude glycerin, substantially pure glycerin or pure glycerin. The explosive compositions may comprise other combustible fuels such as fuel oil or carbonaceous material(s). The explosive compositions may be prepared on site, loaded in bulk on mobile platforms, and/or prepared and packaged in suitable containers.

Abstract: A stable, low-temperature ignition gas generating composition has a heating starting temperature of 170 to 220° C. The gas generating composition includes ammonium perchlorate, a chlorine scavenger, and microcrystalline carbon powder. The chlorine scavenger is sodium nitrate or aluminun/magnesium mixed powder, and the microcrystalline carbon powder is activated carbon or charcoal. The gas generating composition may include 40 to 58% by weight of ammonium perchlorate, 30 to 43% by weight of the chlorine scavenger, and 1 to 30% by weight of the microcrystalline carbon powder.

Abstract: Low-smoke gas generating compositions for producing a low order pressure pulse use a salt or complex of a triazolyl-tetrazinyl-triazine compound. The general chemical structure of the triazolyl-tetrazinyl-triazine is: wherein Z+, when present, is H+ or a cation; R1 is an electron donating group and wherein m=1, 2 or 3; t=0 or 1, and n=0, 1, 2 or 3; and when present, R is a complexing component and x=1, 2 or 3; wherein either Z or R may be absent.

Abstract: A solid heterogeneous, high performance rocket propellant, operable at high pressure with a burn rate relatively insensitive to changes in pressure and temperature, is disclosed. The propellant includes a binder formed from the reaction of a hydroxy terminated polybutadiene with a diisocyanate, ammonium perchlorate as an oxidizer, aluminum as a fuel, and iron oxide as a burn rate modifier. The ammonium perchlorate is a multimodal mixture of large paryticles with a weight mean diameter of about 70 to about 110 ?m and small particles having a weight mean diameter of about 7.5 to about 15 ?m. The propellant may also include bonding agents, curing catalysts, a plasticizer, antioxidant/peroxide scavengers, and pot life extenders.

Abstract: A flexible inflator for an inflation assembly and related gas generating propellant compositions are provided. The flexible inflator includes at least one elongated strand of a propellant co-extruded with a moisture barrier. The propellant compositions are adapted for co-extrusion with a plastic sheath which forms the moisture barrier surrounding the propellant and include a binder fuel component effective to render the composition flexible and to impart sufficient adhesive properties such that the propellant composition and the plastic sheath adhere together, and an oxidizer.

Abstract: A gas generating composition which contains a nitrogenous organic compound as a fuel component and generates, at a high gasification rate, a clean gas harmless to the human body. The composition of the present invention comprises a nitrogenous organic compound as a fuel component and ammonium perchlorate and the nitrate of an alkaline metal or alkaline earth metal as oxidizing agents, wherein where a quantity of nitrate required solely for forming an oxide of alkaline metal or alkaline earth metal that can stoichiometrically neutralize hydrogen chloride generated from ammonium perchlorate is taken as 1, a quantity of nitrate of said alkaline metal or alkaline earth metal exceeds 0.9.

Abstract: A low-solids gas generating composition, which is a mixture of a fuel selected for the group consisting of cellulose, cellulose acetate, hexamine, and mixtures thereof, and an oxidizer selected from the group consisting of ceric ammonium nitrate, lithium nitrate, lithium perchlorate, sodium perchlorate, phase stabilized ammonium nitrate, a combination of ammonium nitrate with potassium nitrate, potassium perchlorate, or mixtures thereof, such that the combination is a solid solution, a mixture of ammonium perchlorate and at least one alkali metal salt, and mixtures thereof. The combination of ammonium nitrate with other salts in solid solution is intended to phase stabilize the ammonium nitrate. The oxidizer-fuel mixture is within about 4 percent of stoichiometric balance. Useful alkali metal salts include lithium carbonate, lithium nitrate, sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The present invention includes a salt compound having the chemical formula: having a tricyclic structure with the third ring having either six or seven atoms.

Abstract: A gas-generating composition having superior gasification rate, appropriate combustion rate, and suppressed carbon monoxide generation. The gas-generating composition includes ammonium nitrate, metal oxyacid salt, ammonium perchlorate, and combusting component. A basic combustion residue derived from the metal oxyacid salt is neutralized by hydrogen chloride derived from the ammonium perchlorate, thereby substantially neutralizing combustion residue of the gas-generating composition.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a solvent-free gas-generating pyrotechnic composition, and a method for continuously manufacturing the composition in a twin-screw mixer-extruder, the composition including a binder, a nitrogenous organic compound, an oxidizing filler, and optionally at least one additive; the oxidizing filler including an ammonium perchlorate and a chlorine scavenger; the binder including at least one polymer, having a molecular mass greater than 200,000 and selected from a polyester polymer and an acrylic ester, and wherein the binder uncliding at least one liquid constituent selected from a polyester resin and a plasticizer.

Abstract: A gas generating composition is obtained in which an amount of a combustion residue based on a unit amount of a gas generated is reduced.

Abstract: High temperature incendiary (HTI) devices and methods destroy biological and/or chemical agents. Preferably, such HTI devices include dual modal propellant compositions having low bum rate propellant particles dispersed in a matrix of a high burn rate propellant. Most preferably, the HTI device includes a casing which contains the dual modal propellant and a nozzle through which combustion gases generated by the ignited high burn rate propellant may be discharged thereby entraining ignited particles of the low burn rate propellant. In use, therefore, the high burn rate propellant will be ignited using a conventional igniter thereby generating combustion gases which are expelled through the nozzle of the HTI device. As the ignition face of the propellant composition regresses, the low burn rate particles will similarly become ignited.

Abstract: High temperature incendiary (HTI) devices and methods destroy biological and/or chemical agents. Preferably, such HTI devices include dual modal propellant compositions having low burn rate propellant particles dispersed in a matrix of a high burn rate propellant. Most preferably, the HTI device includes a casing which contains the dual modal propellant and a nozzle through which combustion gases generated by the ignited high burn rate propellant may be discharged thereby entraining ignited particles of the low burn rate propellant. In use, therefore, the high burn rate propellant will be ignited using a conventional igniter thereby generating combustion gases which are expelled through the nozzle of the HTI device. As the ignition face of the propellant composition regresses, the low burn rate particles will similarly become ignited.

Abstract: A gas generating composition is obtained in which an amount of a combustion residue based on a unit amount of a gas generated is reduced. A gas generating composition comprising nitroguanidine, guanidine nitrate or a mixture thereof as a fuel and further an oxidizing agent. The oxidizing agent is a perchloric acid salt, a nitric acid salt or a mixture thereof, and when the oxidizing agent is ammonium perchlorate, a chlorine neutralizer is further incorporated.

Abstract: A propellant is disclosed, comprising, as binder, an ethylene copolymer especially ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer. The binder may be silane-grafted and moisture curable. A solid propellant composition may contain a plasticizer that is solid or semi-solid at 20° C., and an additive to increase one or more of elongation, adhesion and tack. Examples of the solid or semi-solid plasticizer are selected from microcrystalline wax, macrocrystalline wax, an oxidized hydrocarbon polyolefin and a polyketone wax. Examples of the additive are selected from an aliphatic hydrocarbon, an aromatic, a hydrogenated hydrocarbon resin and a derivative of a rosin. Preferably, the binder composition contains 10-30% by weight of liquid plasticizer, 0-30% by weight of solid or semi-solid plasticizer and 20-40% by weight of at least one said additive. The propellant is particularly useful as a rocket propellant. A method of manufacture is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a slow combustion composition for long duration pyrotechnic delays. It comprises an oxidant of the perchlorate type according to a percentage in mass of between 75 to 91%, a reductant selected from among the aromatics according to a percentage in mass of between 5 to 20%, 0 to 6% of a binder and 0 to 5% in mass of a nanometric silica powder. Application to the manufacture of cords or fuses for delays having a combustion rate of around 1 mm/s.

Abstract: The present invention includes a precursor compound pertaining to a 1,2,4-Triazolo[4,3-a][1,3,5] Triazine compound, particularly a 1,2,4-Triazolo[4,3-a][1,3,5] Triazine-3,5,7-Triamine, and novel fused ring structures such as triazolyl-tetrazinyl-aminotriazine compounds, and complexes and salts thereof, and other such chemical structures.

Abstract: Sol-gel chemistry is used for the preparation of energetic materials (explosives, propellants and pyrotechnics) with improved homogeneity, and/or which can be cast to near-net shape, and/or made into precision molding powders. The sol-gel method is a synthetic chemical process where reactive monomers are mixed into a solution, polymerization occurs leading to a highly cross-linked three dimensional solid network resulting in a gel. The energetic materials can be incorporated during the formation of the solution or during the gel stage of the process. The composition, pore, and primary particle sizes, gel time, surface areas, and density may be tailored and controlled by the solution chemistry. The gel is then dried using supercritical extraction to produce a highly porous low density aerogel or by controlled slow evaporation to produce a xerogel. Applying stress during the extraction phase can result in high density materials.

Abstract: The present invention includes a precursor compound pertaining to a 1,2,4-Triazolo[4,3-a][1,3,5]Triazine compound, particularly a 1,2,4-Triazolo[4,3-a][1,3,5]Triazine-3,5,7-Triamine, and novel fused ring structures such as triazolyl-tetrazinyl-aminotriazine compounds, and complexes and salts thereof, and other such chemical structures.

Abstract: A low-solids gas generating composition and a method of producing a gas. The gas is produced by combusting a mixture of a fuel selected from the group consisting of guanidine nitrate, nitroguanidine, cellulose, cellulose acetate, hexamine, 5 amino-tetrazole, 5 nitro-uracil, guanidine salt of 5 nitro-uracil, and mixtures thereof, an oxidizer selected from the group consisting of ceric ammonium nitrate, strontium nitrate, basic copper nitrate, a mixture of ammonium perchlorate and at least one alkali metal salt, and mixtures thereof, and a cupric oxalate hemi-hydrate coolant. The oxidizer-fuel mixture is within about 4 percent of stoichiometric balance, and the low-solids gas generating composition produces no more than about 0.082 cubic centimeters of solids per gram of gas generating composition on combustion.

Abstract: Pyrotechnic compositions use a salt or complex of a triazolyl-tetrazinyl-aminotriazine compound. The general chemical structure of the triazolyl-tetrazinyl-aminotriazine is: with values of the variables defined within the disclosure.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to solid propellant formulations, which exhibit good processing properties, good safety characteristics, desirable combustion properties, good safety characteristics and excellent mechanical attributes. The solid propellant formulations disclosed herein burn at a rate of about 0.5 in/s at 1000 psi and show no pressure slope break up to 8000 psi. The solid propellant formulations of the disclosed invention incorporate oxidizers of varying particle size to avoid a pressure slope break. The solid propellant formulations of the present invention avoid the use of large-size ammonium perchlorate (AP) particles having particle size in the range of 200-400 &mgr;m to avoid the pressure slope break problem, which typically occurs at about 2500 psi to 3500 psi.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gas generating composition being stable and having a heating starting temperature of 170 to 220° C., which is of a low-temperature ignition type. The gas generating composition comprises ammonium perchlorate, a chlorine scavenger, and microcrystalline carbon powder. The chlorine scavenger is sodium nitrate or aluminum/magnesium mixed powder, and the microcrystalline carbon powder is activated carbon or charcoal. The gas generating composition preferably comprises 40 to 58% by weight of ammonium perchlorate, 30 to 41% by weight of the chlorine scavenger, and 1 to 30% by weight of the microcrystalline carbon powder.

Abstract: The invention concerns pyrotechnic mixtures generating non-toxic gases characterised in that they essentially consist of a cross-linkable reducing binder based on epoxy resin or silicone resin, an oxidising filler based on ammonium perchlorate and a chlorine scavenger such as sodium nitrate and energetic additives consisting of a cupric compound such as cupric oxide or basic copper nitrate and of a nitrogenated organic compound such as, for example, nitroguanidin or guanidine nitrate. The filler can also contain potassium perchlorate. Said compositions burn at moderate temperatures generating gases rich in nitrogen and poor in nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide. They are most suitable as pyrotechnic load for gas generators designed to inflate protective air bags for motor vehicle passengers.