Abstract: A slurry explosive composition comprising an inorganic oxidizing acid salt, water, a combustible material, a thickener, a nitroparaffin and an amide is very sensitive and stable, and can be detonated at low temperature without the use of primer.

Abstract: A process for the rapid production of a substantial volume of non-toxic gas at a moderate temperature, comprises:A. effecting combustion of a pyrotechnic charge consisting of a composite solid propellant having a high content of inorganic oxidant, in excess of 80 percent and a low content of a carbonaceous, non-nitrogenous binder, not in excess of 17 percent in a combustion chamber to produce a substantial volume of combustion gases at an elevated temperatureB. a first cooling phase in which the hot combustion gases are diluted with oxygen obtained by the thermal decomposition of an oxygen-containing inorganic compound which has a low thermal stability and liberates, in gaseous form, only oxygen, whereby the combustion gases are cooled to a temperature of from 225.degree. to 700.degree.C, andC. a second cooling phase in which the gas mixture from the first cooling phase is cooled by contact with cooling means to the temperature of utilization.

Abstract: A flame-explosion couple is disclosed which upon ignition burns for a period of time in a relatively stable manner and thereafter explodes to produce fragments which continue to burn for a further period of time. The composition may comprise from 40 to 89 percent by weight of a volatile liquid fuel, from 10 to 50 percent by weight of a secondary explosive or strong metal salt oxidizer and from 0.5 to 5 percent by weight of an explosive primer. It is usually desirable to incorporate a gellant in the composition to give it a jellylike consistency of a desired viscosity. The composition may optionally contain combustible metal powders and combustible polymers.

Abstract: A propellant including a binder, a curative for the binder (whenever necessary), an oxidizer and a fuel additive are provided. The oxidizer has a relatively high value of specific gravity or density and is stable even at relatively high temperatures and is capable of supplying relatively high amounts of oxygen to the fuel additives or the reducing agents in the propulsion material. The propellant provides density-impulses greater than the density-impulses provided by the propellants of the prior art.

Abstract: A stable, gelled, water-bearing explosive composition and a process for making same. The composition comprises at least one water-soluble inorganic oxygen releasing salt; at least one fuel; water; and at least one gum selected from the group consisting of galactomannans and xanthans crosslinked in situ with a crosslinking agent comprising a redox system which system comprises at least one arsenious compound.