Abstract: Constituent pyrotechnic materials are dispensed by prescribed weight or volume into a single container containing an excess volume of an inert liquid, such as Freon T.E., having the property of preventing ionization of the materials. The pyrotechnic materials in inert fluid medium are then stirred so as to obtain an homogeneous slurry mixture. The slurry is allowed to settle and the inert fluid is decanted off for future reuse. The remaining slurry is dispensed into individual containers under pressure. The slurry is vacuum dried at a safe temperature to minimize the accidental ignition hazard while removing the remaining inert liquid, thus forming individual casts of pyrotechnic material. The casts are permitted to reach ambient temperature and pressure at predetermined rates so as to prevent cracking of the pyrotechnic charges.

Abstract: A water-in-oil emulsion explosive composition comprising a carbonaceous fuel, and inorganic oxidizer, an emulsifier, and a sensitizing/densifying agent of finely divided non-explosive material of high density, such as ferrophosphorus, ferrosilicon, ferromanganese, sand or alumia which is added to the oil phase. The water-in-oil composition can also contain other components, such as bulking agents, additional fuels and auxiliary sensitizers. The sensitized compositions can be detonated with a No. 6 cap in diameters as low as 2.54 centimeters at temperatures as low as 5.degree. F. and with densities as high as 1.50 g/cc.

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: A sensitizing agent for water gel explosive compositions and process for preparing the same is provided which comprises an oxidizer, water, a gelling agent, and a cross-linker, and wherein the improvement comprises including therein a sensitizer comprised of from about 1 to about 15 weight percent of aluminum admixed with from about 2 to about 25 weight percent of a densifying agent, such as ferrophosphorus, ferromanganese, ferrosilicon, or combinations thereof, said weight percentages being based on the total weight of the composition.

Abstract: A gas-bubble-sensitized melt explosive composition, which is not deleteriously affected by pumping, containing certain surfactants which inhibit the disengagement of the sensitizing gas bubbles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved blasting agents. More particularly, the invention relates to a water-in-oil emulsion blasting agent containing sodium nitrate (SN) in an amount of from about 40% to about 70% by weight of the total composition. The water-in-oil emulsion blasting agents of this invention have a water-immiscible liquid organic fuel as a continuous phase; an emulsified aqueous inorganic oxidizer salt solution as a discontinuous phase; particulate inorganic oxidizer salt; an emulsifier; and optionally a density reducing agent. Preferably the blasting agents contain from about 10% to about 40% ammonium nitrate (AN) in addition to SN.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aqueous explosive blasting composition having a continuous aqueous phase and comprising inorganic oxidizer salt of which at least a significant proportion is an undissolved, solid particulate form; a solution of oxidizer salt in water, immiscible liquid organic fuel finally and stably dispersed throughout the aqueous phase; thickener; a crystal habit modifier; and a non-ionic surfactant to retard desensitization of the composition that would otherwise occur due to the presence of the oxidizer salt particles.

Abstract: The burning rate of a composite solid propellant comprising ammonium perchlorate and a fuel binder such as polysulfide, polyurethane or polybutadiene can remarkably be increased by the addition of a small amount of FeOOH. Considering the mechanical properties of the propellant, the maximum amount of FeOOH is preferably limited to 7 Wt % of the toatal of the fuel binder and ammonium perchlorate. It is possible to jointly use FeOOH and Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3 on condition that the weight ratio of FeOOH to Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3 is at least 10:90 and that the total weight of FeOOH and Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3 is in the range from 0.9 to 7% of the total weight of the fuel binder and ammonium perchlorate.

Abstract: A two-component emulsion explosive composition is provided consisting of a continuous oil/fuel phase and a discontinuous aqueous oxidizer salt phase and, as an emulsifier, a dimer acid glyceride wherein the dimer acid has a carbon atom chain length of C18-C60. The composition demonstrates superior properties of long period storage stability and sensitivity.

Abstract: This invention refers to a pyrotechnical delay charge, i.e. a pyrotechnical charge having a very well defined rate of burning. Similar delay charges are generally used in military fuses of various types. The delay charge according to the invention is distinguished by its components and their proportions relative to each other. Within the framework of the limits stated in the patent claims, the delay charges rate of burning can be varied from approximately 2 to approximately 30 mm/s. Characteristic for this delay charge is primarily that it contains more than 10% by weight tin dioxide (SnO.sub.2) which acts as an oxidizer and slag former.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved explosive compositions of the aqueous slurry type. More particularly, the invention relates to explosive compositions containing sodium perchlorate, polysaccharide polymer of plant origin, water, and preferably, gassing and cross-linking agents and particulate sensitizers such as finely divided aluminum. These compositions have improved physical and detonation properties over prior art compositions, and in addition, they form excellent "permissible" explosive compositions, even though sodium perchlorate is present.

Abstract: A water-in-oil emulsion explosive composition is provided wherein the continuous carbonaceous oil or fuel phase comprises an unrefined or partly refined petroleum product, for example, slackwax. The resulting explosive composition exhibits properties of strength, detonation velocity and stability comparable and in some cases superior to similar compositions containing refined petroleum fuels.

Abstract: This invention concerns a melt explosive composition which comprises at least one oxygen-releasing salt, for example ammonium nitrate, at least one melt soluble fuel material, for example urea, and at least one naphthalenesulfonate derivative selected from the condensates of formaldehyde and naphthalenesulfonic acids and the alkali and alkaline earth metal salts thereof, for example disodium methylene-bis(naphthalene-.beta.-sulfonic acid). The explosive compositions show a considerable improvement in detonation sensitivity in small diameter boreholes.

Abstract: A water-in-oil emulsion explosive composition having excellent storage stability, low-temperature detonability and explosion reactivity is disclosed, which comprises (a) a disperse phase formed of an inorganic nitrate consisting mainly of ammonium nitrate, (b) a continuous phase formed of an oil, (c) an emulsifier, (d) hollow microspheres and/or a chemical foaming agent, and (e) an inorganic chlorate.

Abstract: The invention concerns an emulsion explosive of the water-in-fuel type which has as its discontinuous phase an oxidizing salt-containing component, and as its continuous phase a fuel component which is immiscible with the discontinuous phase, the continuous phase comprising at least a proportion of polymer in liquid form or in finely divided particle form. A method of making the explosive is also described.

Abstract: Gas generating compositions comprising a cyanamide compound and an oxidant therefor. The compositions produce non-toxic, low temperature gases which are especially useful for inflating vehicle passive restraint crash bags.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a small model rocket motor. The motor includes a plastic composite propellant, and plastic ablative nozzle, and provides means for producing thrust, a time delay, and a charge to activate external devices of desirable design.

Abstract: A two component, high temperature, thermally stable explosive composition comprises a liquid or low melting oxidizer and a liquid or low melting organic fuel. The oxidizer and fuel in admixture are incapable of substantial spontaneous exothermic reaction at temperatures on the order of 475.degree. K. At temperatures on the order of 475.degree. K., the oxidizer and fuel in admixture have an activation energy of at least about 40 kcal/mol. As a result of the high activation energy, the preferred explosive compositions are nondetonable as solids at ambient temperature, and become detonable only when heated beyond the melting point. Preferable oxidizers are selected from alkali or alkaline earth metal nitrates, nitrites, perchlorates, and/or mixtures thereof. Preferred fuels are organic compounds having polar hydrophilic groups. The most preferred fuels are guanidinium nitrate, acetamide and mixtures of the two.

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: Starch is used as a fuel/binder in pyrotechnic propellant compositions suitable for use in vehicle safety restraint systems.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic gas generating composition comprising a fuel and an oxidizer, the composition upon combustion generating a gas and a non-gaseous composition comprising a metallic salt or oxide, the metallic salt or oxide being a highly flowable liquid at the flame temperature of the composition upon combustion, and a viscosity modifier which is present in an amount to render the liquid substantially non-flowable at the flame temperature. Also disclosed is a method of inflating an inflatable device, such as a vehicle safety restraint, comprising the step of substantially completely inflating the device with the gaseous composition products of combustion of the pyrotechnic composition, whereby the metallic salt or oxide is substantially prevented from entering the device.

Abstract: A method and composition are provided for preparing slurry explosive formulations characterized in containing separate liquid and particulate phases. The liquid phase is a detonation insensitive paste-like pre-mix composition having an extended shelf life and being adapted for ultimate combination with sufficient particulate material to form an efficient explosive. The pre-mix composition includes a gum or thickener but is not gelled or cross-linked, in order to facilitate ultimate on-site mixing in a rapid manner and without the need for complex equipment.

Abstract: Use of high density polyethylene as a fuel/binder in pyrotechnic compositions suitable for use in inflating vehicle occupant safety restraints.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel psychotomimetic disseminating compositions comprising from about 40 to about 60 weight percent of the agent to be disseminated, from about 15 to about 40 percent of an inorganic chlorate or perchlorate oxidizer, and from about 15 to about 40 percent of a polymeric binder comprising an aliphatic sulfur-containing organic compound cured with an aliphatic sulfur-containing epoxy resin, or with a tris[2(1-aziridinyl) ethyl]benzene tricarboxylate.

Abstract: 1. A solid, pyrotechnic composition for dissemination of 3-quinuclidinyl zylete, said composition consisting essentially of 3-quinuclidinyl benzylete and an oxidizer selected from the group consisting of ammonium and alkali metal chlorates and perchlorates, incorporated in a solid foamed polyurethane binder.

Abstract: A pourable blasting agent of high water resistance, having controlled density and bulk blasting strength greater than that of conventional ammonium nitrate-fuel oil (ANFO) mixtures, comprises two main essential components, i.e. (1) 40 to 60% by weight of a dry or essentially dry, solid, particulate oxidizer salt, with or without added fuel oil for oxygen balance and (2) 60 to 40% of a water-in-oil emulsion containing oxidizer salt dissolved in water and combined with an oily vehicle held in stable emulsion condition with a small quantity of water-in-oil emulsifier, the emulsion also containing a density controlled sensitizer such as hollow glass beads, polystyrene beads, microballoons or equivalent. The first component is preferably a fertilizer grade prilled ammonium nitrate, with or without added oil; the second is of heavy oil or grease consistency having high resistance to the extraction of salt therefrom in water and being of substantially higher bulk density than the particulate material.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic composition comprising:About 15 to 30% by weight of tartaric acid;About 40 to 75% by weight of sodium chlorate; andAbout 10 to 30% by weight of calcium hydroxide.The invention also relates to a method of inflating an inflatable automobile safety restraint comprising the step of substantially completely inflating the restraint with the gaseous composition products of combustion of a composition comprising:About 15 to 30% by weight of tartaric acid;About 40 to 75% by weight of sodium chlorate; andAbout 10 to 30% by weight of calcium hydroxide.

Abstract: An explosive composition comprising a dispersion of an explosive component which is located in and immobilized by a foamed non-explosive matrix.

Abstract: Water-in-oil explosive compositions containing perchlorates and occluded air are provided which are detonable by a standard No. 8 blasting cap and which contain from about 14 to about 20 weight percent water, from about 3 to about 7 weight percent fuel, from about 56 to about 63 weight percent ammonium nitrate, from about 2 to about 12 weight percent of another inorganic nitrate, and from about 3 to about 12 weight percent of an inorganic perchlorate. The fuel material further comprises from about 0.5 to about 1.5% of a water-in-oil emulsifier, from 0 to about 1% oil, and at least 2% wax, based upon the weight of the emulsion.

Abstract: The invention relates to emulsified aqueous explosive blasting compositions having a discontinuous aqueous phase, a continuous oil or water-immiscible liquid organic phase, and a fatty acid amine or ammonium salt emulsifier having a chain length ranging from 14 to 22 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A slurry explosive composition which contains fibrous material as a rheology modifying agent.

Abstract: A process for making an explosive composition which process comprises heating a mixture comprising at least one oxygen releasing salt and at least one compound selected from a class of melt soluble fuel materials so as to form a melt, and adding to the melt an amount of oxygen releasing salt material whereby there is formed an explosive composition which is pourable, pumpable or flowable over a wide range of temperature. Explosive compositions are described also.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic composition comprising:About 1 to 20% by weight of a thermoplastic resin selected from the group consisting of polyacetal resins, polyvinyl acetate resins and mixtures thereof;About 30 to 80% by weight of an alkali metal chlorite, such as sodium chlorite or potassium chlorite; andAbout 20 to 60% by weight of a coolant selected from the group consisting of calcium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A non-aqueous slurry explosive composition comprising an oxidizing salt component, a fuel component, methanol and a metal nitrate or perchlorate soluble in the methanol. Such compositions are highly sensitive and useful in the form of small diameter cartridges.

Abstract: A case bonded end burning solid propellant rocket motor utilizing a propellant having sufficiently low modulus to avoid chamber buckling on cooling from cure and sufficiently high elongation to sustain the stresses induced without cracking, the propellant being zone cured within the motor case at high pressures equal to or approaching the pressure at which the motor will operate during combustion. A solid propellant motor having a burning time long enough that its spacecraft would be limited to a maximum acceleration of less than 1 g is provided by one version of the case bonded end burning solid propellant motor of the invention.

Abstract: A blasting composition is disclosed having bulk density and hence explosive energy superior to that of conventional ammonium nitrate fuel oil mixtures, e.g. 94% AN, 6% fuel oil mixtures, but of nearly comparable cost. It comprises two major constituents blended together, namely, (1) about 10 to 40% by weight of a water in oil emulsion which includes aqueous solution of a powerful oxidizer salt as the disperse or inner phase and an oil serving to provide oxygen balance as the external or continuous phase, this emulsion being mixed or blended with (2) a mass of essentially solid particulate oxidizer salt in proportions of 60 to 90% of the total. The emulsion, which may be also a slurry, is mixed to partially but not completely fill the pores or interstices in the solid particulate mass, thereby to increase bulk density, part of the spaces being left unfilled to provide aeration and active sites or "hot spots" to facilitate detonation of the composition by standard detonation devices.

Abstract: Water-in-oil explosive compositions are provided which are No. 6 cap sensitive in cartridges having diameters of 1.25 inches and less and which contain from about 3.5 to about 8% by weight of a hydrocarbon fuel including an emulsifier, from about 10 to about 22% by weight of water, from about 0.25 to about 15% by weight of closed cell void containing materials, from about 65 to about 85% by weight of inorganic oxidizer salt, optionally, up to about 15% by weight of an auxiliary fuel and no explosive ingredients nor detonation catalysts.

Abstract: Gelled explosive compositions, sensitized with water-in-oil explosive emulsions, are provided which do not require high explosive sensitizing agents and which contain oxidizing salts, water, gelling agents, and, optionally, bulking agents and fuels, as well as from about 1 to about 80 percent by weight of a water-in-oil explosive emulsion sensitizer which can be of the cap sensitive or cap insensitive variety.

Abstract: The match-head compositions have a content of microscopic hollow particles or "microspheres", generally 10 to 1000 microns in diameter. Compositions may be formulated for any type of match. Microspheres are described having walls of siliceous materials, plastics materials (such as phenolic resins) and carbon. The presence of microspheres offers considerable savings in materials, and enables good burning rate and striking sensitivity to be achieved without the need for special aeration measures.

Abstract: Gelled explosive compositions of matter based on inorganic oxygen releasing salt material and comprising from 0 to 5% w/w of water, from 0.1 to 5% w/w of gum and from 1 to 30% w/w of an amine which in liquid form is capable of solvating said gum.

Abstract: This invention describes a method of preparation of sensitized dry blasting agents comprising a mixture of granular/powder ammonium nitrate with or without Sodium Nitrate, Potassium Nitrate, Calcium Nitrate, etc. fuel(s), and at least one sensitizer. The aid sensitizer is selected from the group comprising nitrate, chlorate, perchlorate and an organic derivative of a metal, which can exhibit variable valency and whose oxides and hydroxides are weakly basic in nature, e.g., iron, cobalt, nickel, chromium, copper, lead, etc.Unlike the dry blasting agents known in prior art, the sensitized dry blasting agents can be detonated in small diameter boreholes with a generally available low strength detonator or specially made powerful detonator.

Abstract: Processes whereby water based explosive compositions comprising inorganic oxygen releasing salt material and a synthetic polymeric gelling agent may be converted to a cartridged form and wherein the cartridge container is based on paper are described. The preparation of gelled water bearing systems, especially water based explosive compositions comprising inorganic oxygen releasing salt material, containing gelling agents derived from synthetic polymeric material and a redox system is also described.

Abstract: A non-toxic smoke composition for use in simulating fires in damage control xercises and for use in training. Transcinnamic acid is used as the smoke producing agent and is volatilized by energy from a potassium chlorate/sugar mixture which provides a low burning temperature.

Abstract: A destructible packaging epoxy foam composition used for electrical and tmal insulation in electronic equipment, and containing a pyrotechnic component such that when ignited the foam will sustain combustion for destroying the electronic components adjacent to the foam material.

Abstract: Gas dynamic and hybrid gas dynamic-transfer chemical laser systems are achieved by burning halogenated or deuterated tetrazoles in the presence of an oxidizer.

Abstract: A composite propellant comprises, by weight:A. from 78 to 92% of an oxidizing agent which is at least one of alkali metal, alkaline earth metal and ammonium chlorates and perchlorates,B. from 7.9 to 17.2% of an organic binder which contains oxygen but not nitrogen, andC. from 0.1 to 0.8% of a carbon-containing combustion regulator.This composite propellant is useful as a gas generator for inflatable cushion protection devices because the gaseous combustion products are substantially free from toxic gases.

Abstract: Cooled gas generating solid propellant, includes sodium azide or lithium de as a nitrogen gas source, a fluorocarbon binder material, a combustion catalyst, and alkaline metal acid salt coolant.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel fire extinguishing composition comprising a heat and gas producing pyrotechnic composition comprising a binder and an oxidizer, and having dispersed therein a halogen containing fire extinguishing agent. The pyrotechnic, when ignited, thermally disseminates the fire extinguishing agent onto the fire.

Abstract: A technique is provided for making a granulated propellant suitable for gas generation for an automobile passenger restraint bag. The propellant is about 1/4 anhydrous nickel formate and 3/4 potassium chlorate. The dry powders are blended and mixed with about 12 to 15% of liquid comprising water and up to 50% methanol. The blended mixture is granulated and dehydrated.