Abstract: Gas-generating compositions and methods for their use are provided. Metal complexes are used as gas-generating compositions. These complexes are comprised of a metal cation template, a neutral ligand containing hydrogen and nitrogen, and sufficient oxidizing anion to balance the charge of the complex. The complexes are formulated such that when the complex combusts, nitrogen gas and water vapor is produced. Specific examples of such complexes include metal nitrite amine, metal nitrate amine, and metal perchlorate amine complexes, as well as hydrazine complexes. A binder and co-oxidizer can be combined with the metal complexes to improve crush strength of the gas-generating compositions and to permit efficient combustion of the binder. Such gas-generating compositions are adaptable for use in gas-generating devices, such as automobile air bags.

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: 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: The invention relates to a waterproof, free-running blasting agent and method of manufacturing the same and, more particularly, to a blasting agent in the form of microcapsules (small spherical-shaped particles comprising fluid or hardened droplets surrounded by a hardened shell material). The microcapsules are waterproof and free-running and are generally of a size ranging from about 10 to about 1000 microns or larger in diameter.

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: 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: This invention concerns a melt explosive composition which comprises as a first component a melt which is pourable, pumpable or flowable at a temperature in the range of from -10.degree. C. to +90.degree. C. and which comprises at least one oxygen-releasing salt, for example ammonium nitrate, and at least one melt-soluble fuel material, for example urea, and as a second component oiled prills of ammonium nitrate. The explosive composition offers the advantage of utilizing relatively inexpensive fuel oil as a secondary fuel in a melt explosive composition without loss of detonation sensitivity of the composition on storage. The explosive compositions also show good retention of detonation sensitivity under conditions of applied static pressure, for example, in deep boreholes.

Abstract: An improved gas generating composition for generating nitrogen gas made by coating pellets of a pyrotechnic alkali metal azide composition with an energetic lacquer coating.

Abstract: An improved gas generating composition for generating nitrogen gas made by coating pellets of a pyrotechnic alkali metal azide composition with an energetic lacquer coating.

Abstract: A process for producing caseless propellant charges containing impact-sensitive material comprising the steps of impregnating a pre-formed propellent charge with a solution of impact-sensitive material and vaporizing the solvent from the propellent.

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: An explosive composition with enhanced thermal stability and decreased imt sensitivity comprising an explosive material completely surrounded by a layer of guanidinium picrate.

Abstract: Pyrotechnic compositions having a decreased susceptibility to external influences are obtained by suspending pyrotechnic particles in a dilute solution of a coating polymer and adding a second polymer which is more soluble in the solvent, so that microdroplets of the coating polymer are formed, completely enclosing the pyrotechnic particles. The coated particles are hardened by exposure to air, optionally in the presence of a hardening catalyst.