Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fuel blend comprising a hydrocarbon based fuel; and particles that comprise magnesium and boron. Disclosed herein too is a method comprising blending a composition comprising a hydrocarbon based fuel and particles that comprise magnesium and boron to form a fuel blend.

Abstract: Enhanced oil recovery techniques include introduction of alkali metal silicides into subterranean reservoirs to generate hydrogen gas, heat, and alkali metal silicate solutions in situ upon contact with water. The alkali metal silicides, such as sodium silicide, are used to recover hydrocarbons, including heavier crudes where viscosity and low reservoir pressure are limiting factors. Hydrogen, which is miscible with the crude oil and can beneficiate the heavier fractions into lighter fractions naturally or with addition of catalytic materials, is generated in-situ. It. Heat is also generated at the reaction site to reduce viscosity and promote crude beneficiation. The resulting alkaline silicate solution saponifies acidic crude components to form surfactants which emulsify the crude to improve mobility toward a production well. The silicate promotes profile modification passively via consumptive reactions or actively via addition of acidic gelling agents.

Abstract: This invention relates to organoaluminum compounds, to organoaluminum activator systems, preferably supported, to polymerization catalyst systems containing these activator systems and to polymerization processes utilizing the same. In particular, this invention relates to catalyst systems comprising an ion-exchange layered silicate, an organoaluminum compound, and a metallocene.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for explosively dispersing particles of reactive metals into the atmosphere to form a fuel-air explosive. Also, this invention relates to a composition, which enhances the performance of metal augmented charge (MAC) devices. The metal augmented charge (MAC) includes flaked aluminum powder and polytetrafluorethylene. The MAC is pressed into solid billets. A preferred embodiment of the present invention involves a system with heavy-walled warhead, which comprises a canister and a cylinder of MAC disposed in the canister, so that said cylinder is in contact with the interior wall of the canister. Further, a high explosive is disposed in the cylinder with a fuze in direct contact with the high explosive, in such a way that the fuze detonates the high explosive.

Abstract: The invention provides mechanically activated metal fuels for energetic material applications. An exemplary embodiment involves mechanically treating micrometer-sized particles of at least one metal with particles of at least one fluorocarbon to form composite particles containing the at least one metal and the at least one fluorocarbon.

Abstract: A primer composition that includes stabilized, encapsulated red phosphorus, at least one oxidizer, at least one secondary explosive composition, at least one light metal, and at least one acid resistant binder. The stabilized, encapsulated red phosphorus may include particles of red phosphorus, a metal oxide coating, and a polymer layer. The metal oxide coating may be a coating of aluminum hydroxide, bismuth hydroxide, cadmium hydroxide, cerium hydroxide, chromium hydroxide, germanium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, manganese hydroxide, niobium hydroxide, silicon hydroxide, tin hydroxide, titanium hydroxide, zinc hydroxide, zirconium hydroxide, or mixtures thereof. The polymer layer may be a layer of epoxy resin, melamine resin, phenol formaldehyde resin, polyurethane resin, or mixtures thereof. A percussion cap primer that includes the primer composition, a tertiary explosive composition, and a cup is also disclosed, as are ordnance devices including the primer composition.

Abstract: A method, and a related material, for utilizing high performance solid rocket propellants, which are molding powders. A propellant molding powder are selected to have a design burning rate and a tailored compaction profile. A morphology of a center-port of a rocket is selected for the design burn rate and a spin-rate. The molding powder is compacted isostatically around a core through application of triaxial pressure therein forming a solid rocket propellant charge with the selected center-port shape. The solid rocket propellant charge is placed in a cartridge or a case. The cartridge is selected from various types of cartridges and specialty charges. The solid rocket propellant molding powders are highly filled with metallic fuels, and have a binder in the range of 4% to 18%, which at least partially coats the surface of the molding powder.

Abstract: The original image composed of pixels representing a sample of the alloy, the hydrides being represented by groupings of pixels (21), the method comprises steps of processing the image (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) to obtain the skeleton of the groupings of pixels (21?) contained in the image, the skeletonization step (5) being followed by a step (6, 10) of analysis pertaining to the groupings thus skeletonised. The analysis step allows the determination of the hydrogen content as well as the morphological study of the hydrides so as to determine their danger.

Abstract: A laminated energetic device is disclosed. The laminated energetic device includes a low-gas generating energetic mixture, a core on which the low-gas generating energetic mixture is located, and a protective film for sealing the low-gas generating energetic mixture between the core and the protective film.

Abstract: A method for creating a pyrophoric material according to one embodiment includes thermally activating a carbon foam for creating micropores therein; contacting the activated carbon foam with a liquid solution comprising a metal salt for depositing metal ions in the carbon foam; and reducing the metal ions in the foam to metal particles. A pyrophoric material in yet another embodiment includes a pyrophoric metal-carbon foam composite comprising a carbon foam having micropores and mesopores and a surface area of greater than or equal to about 2000 m2/g, and metal particles in the pores of the carbon foam. Additional methods and materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: A laminated energetic device is disclosed. The laminated energetic device includes a low-gas generating energetic mixture, a first film on which the low-gas generating energetic mixture is located, and a second film for sealing the low-gas generating energetic mixture between the first and second films.

Abstract: A nanoparticle of a decomposition product of a transition metal aluminum hydride compound, a transition metal borohydride compound, or a transition metal gallium hydride compound. A process of: reacting a transition metal salt with an aluminum hydride compound, a borohydride compound, or a gallium hydride compound to produce one or more of the nanoparticles. The reaction occurs in solution while being sonicated at a temperature at which the metal hydride compound decomposes. A process of: reacting a nanoparticle with a compound containing at least two hydroxyl groups to form a coating having multi-dentate metal-alkoxides.

Abstract: A method of generating power uses a nanoenergetic material. The nanoenergetic material comprising thermite is obtained and deposited on a substrate. An igniter is placed on the nanoenergetic material. When power is desired, the nanoenergetic material is ignited. A transducer receives thermal, sonic, magnetic, optic and/or mechanical energy from combustion of the nanoenergetic material and converts it into electrical energy. Preferably, the transducer is a thermoelectric, piezoelectric or magneto device. Preferably, multiple transducers are integrated in one power generators to maximize the power from nanoenergetic thermites.

Abstract: A nanocomposite thermite ink for use in inkjet, screen, and gravure printing. Embodiments of this invention do not require separation of the fuel and oxidizer constituents prior to application of the ink to the printed substrate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a tracer composition for tracer bullets and other projectiles. One preferred formula of the tracer composition generally includes about 58 parts by weight of magnesium, about 38 parts by weight of polytetraflouroethylene, about 4 parts by weight of acrylic rubber, and a burn rate stabilizer such as about 1.5 parts by weight of carbon black or graphite. Tracer bullets including the tracer composition of the invention tend to exhibit a projectile path that is almost unnoticeable to the naked eye but quite visible through the use of equipment detecting energy in the near infrared range.

Abstract: A flash powder formulation for use in flash grenades that produces reduced smoke containing from about 10 percent by weight to about 60 percent by weight of zirconium hydride, from about 40 percent by weight to about 90 percent by weight CAN, and from zero percent by weight to about 5 percent by weight of a binder material.

Abstract: Surface-modified metal fuels, which improve the stability in storage of pyrotechnics and methods for manufacturing such fuels, are provided. Improved storage stability is conferred either by alloying the precursor metal prior to the powder production process, or by forming an enhanced stability coating on the surface of the metal powders during the powder production process.

Abstract: A shaped, flexible fuel and energetic system is presented. The shaped, flexible fuel comprises at least one polymeric binding material and porous silicon particles dispersed throughout the polymeric binding material. The porous silicon particles are prepared from a metallurgical grade silicon powder. The shaped, flexible fuel preferably includes shapes such as: an article, a film, a wire and a tape. The energetic system comprises the shaped, flexible fuel portion used alone or in combination with at least one oxidizer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas generating composition comprising a fuel and an oxidizing agent and further a copper powder.

Abstract: A primer composition that includes stabilized, encapsulated red phosphorus, at least one oxidizer, at least one secondary explosive composition, at least one light metal, and at least one acid resistant binder. The stabilized, encapsulated red phosphorus may include particles of red phosphorus, a metal oxide coating, and a polymer layer. The metal oxide coating may be a coating of aluminum hydroxide, bismuth hydroxide, cadmium hydroxide, cerium hydroxide, chromium hydroxide, germanium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, manganese hydroxide, niobium hydroxide, silicon hydroxide, tin hydroxide, titanium hydroxide, zinc hydroxide, zirconium hydroxide, or mixtures thereof. The polymer layer may be a layer of epoxy resin, melamine resin, phenol formaldehyde resin, polyurethane resin, or mixtures thereof. A percussion cap primer that includes the primer composition, a tertiary explosive composition, and a cup is also disclosed, as are ordnance devices including the primer composition.

Abstract: This invention relates to granules comprising a homogenous mixture of metal flakes and/or metal powder and metal oxide powder, and a binder. The invention also relates to a process for producing such granules. The process includes the step of forming a mixture of metal flakes and/or metal powder and metal oxide powder, forming the mixture into a homogenous blend, adding the blend, together with a binder, to a granulator to form granules, and drying the granules. Granules so formed containing aluminum, aluminum oxide and iron oxide find particular use as sensitizers and energizers in explosives compositions.

Abstract: A thermobaric explosive composition is provided that includes coated fuel particle, a nitramine, and binder. The coated fuel particles preferably have a magnesium core and an aluminum coating. Upon detonation, the nitramine disperses the coated fuel particles over a blast area during a first overpressure stage. The aluminum coating of the fuel particles has a thickness selected to provide an amount of aluminum that is stoichiometrically less than an amount of ambient-air oxygen available in the blast area for aerobic combustion with the aluminum during the first overpressure stage. Once exposed, the magnesium cores may combust to increase the impulse generated in the first overpressure stage. Also provided are articles of manufacture and related methods.

Abstract: A method to substantially desensitize a metastable intermolecular composite material to electrostatic discharge and friction comprising mixing the composite material with an organic diluent and removing enough organic diluent from the mixture to form a mixture with a substantially putty-like consistency, as well as a concomitant method of recovering the metastable intermolecular composite material.

Abstract: An oil and gas well shaped charge perforator capable of providing an exothermic reaction after detonation is provided, comprising a housing, a high explosive, and a reactive liner where the high explosive is positioned between the reactive liner and the housing. The reactive liner is produced from a composition which is capable of sustaining an exothermic reaction during the formation of the cutting jet. The composition may be selected from any known formulation which is suitable for use in an oil and gas well perforator, typically the composition will comprise at least two metals such as to form a inter-metallic as classified by Hume-Rothery electron compounds and at least one further metal, which is not capable of an exothermic reaction with the reactive composition which is present in an amount greater than 10% w/w of the liner. Typically at least one of the metals which undergoes an exothermic reaction may be selected from Al, Ce, Li, Mg, Mo, Ni, Fe, Co, Nb, Pb, Pd, Ta, Ti, Zn or Zr.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for preparing metastable nanoenergetic composites (MNC) and for wet loading those MNCs into percussion primer cups. The method involves dispersing nanosize reactants in an inert liquid or, alternatively, making a nanosize reactant surface modification for improvement of reactant's chemical inertness towards water, followed by application of additives supporting a solid reactant particle dispersion in water or water solution prior to mixing. After mixing of the reactants, one maintains the presence of liquid water together within an energetic material in order to enhance safety during pre-loading of the primer mixture into the primer cups and during the final drying.

Abstract: A method for chemically neutralizing a nitroarene explosive uses a nitroarene hypergol having an ?,?-amine and an accelerant that is applied to the explosive composition to cause ignition of the explosive composition. The method may be used to neutralize active mines.

Abstract: A percussion primer composition including at least one explosive, at least fuel particle having a particle size of about 1500 nm or less, at least one oxidizer, optionally at least one sensitizer, optionally at least one buffer, and to methods of preparing the same.

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 gas generating process, which is for the continuous production of energy and hydrogen for rocket and other propulsion and is also for the continuous production of hydrogen, utilizes the reaction of metallic materials, particularly aluminum, with organic materials, particularly hydrocarbons provided as jet fuel, and with water or an oxidizer which is predominantly water. In comparison with related reactions, the reaction produces hot gases containing more hydrogen and the products have a lower temperature for the same specific impulse. The process incorporates organic liquids with metallic powders to produce desirable, lower molecular weight exhaust gas products; and the increased hydrogen is desirable for use with a fuel cell and in connection with propulsion of a super-cavitating underwater device. The process is advantageous in that a metal, in powdered form, and a hydrocarbon liquid may be provided together as a slurry or gel for effective metering.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic active material for producing IR-radiation is proposed. An active material according to the invention contains fuel (preferably magnesium) which combines with fluorine in a strongly exergonic reaction (for example Li, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ti, Zr, Hf, B, Al and alloys thereof) and poly-(carbon monofluoride) ((—CFx—)n) (x=0.6-1.2) as an oxidation agent. Compositions according to the invention further contain VITON® as a polymeric binding agent and graphite for reduction of the electrostatic sensitivity. A process for producing those compositions is also provided.

Abstract: Preferred embodiments of the present invention relate to rocket fuels comprising metal hydrides and poly-dicyclopentadiene (“poly-DCPD”). Although poly-DCPD also has physical and chemical properties that are compatible with being used as a rocket fuel in its own right, its primary function is as a binder for the metal hydride. Illustrative examples of metal hydrides include but are not limited to as aluminum hydrides, lithium hydrides, and lithium aluminum hydrides.

Abstract: Preferred embodiments of the present invention relate to rocket fuels comprising metal hydrides and poly-dicyclopentadiene (“poly-DCPD”). Although poly-DCPD also has physical and chemical properties that are compatible with being used as a rocket fuel in its own right, its primary function is as a binder for the metal hydride. Illustrative examples of metal hydrides include but are not limited to as aluminum hydrides, lithium hydrides, and lithium aluminum hydrides.

Abstract: The present invention features methods for preparing stabilized &agr;-AlH3 and &agr;′-AlH3, compositions containing these alane polymorphs, e.g., energetic compositions such as rocket propellants, and methods for using the novel polymorphs as chemical reducing agents, polymerization catalysts, and as a hydrogen source in fuel cells and batteries. The method produces stabilized alane by treating &agr;-AlH3 with an acidic solution that optionally contains a stabilizing agent such as an electron donor, an electron acceptor, or a compound which coordinates the Al3+ ion.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic fuel material for a booster in a pyrotechnic system having an adjacent igniter. In one embodiment, a powdered BaAl.sub.4 compound is used as the booster pyrotechnic fuel. In another embodiment, a powdered zirconium/nickel alloy is used as the booster pyrotechnic fuel. Both the powdered BaAl.sub.4 compound and the powdered zirconium/nickel alloy exhibit ignition sensitivity thresholds on the order of millijoules, thereby allowing for increased safety in manufacturing and handling over elemental powdered metal pyrotechnic fuels normally used for the entire pyrotechnic system.

Abstract: A process for preparing energetic materials by (1) dissolving a vinylidenuoride-hexafluoropropylene copolymer in a ketone that is acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, or mixtures thereof, (2) adding polytetrafluoroethylene particles and reactive metal (magnesium, aluminum, or their alloys) particles to form a slurry, (3) adding CO.sub.2 to the slurry to precipitate out the copolymer which then coats the polytetrafluoroethylene and reactive metal particles, and (4) separating the copolymer-coated particles from the ketone and CO.sub.2.

Abstract: This invention relates to flares; more particularly it relates to flares ch are good emitters of infra-red radiation and which are adapted to be attached to rockets for tracking purposes.

Abstract: Energetic compositions and the process for obtaining same for use as the itable composition in infrared-emitting decoy flares, for high-temperature ignition compositions, and the like, are disclosed. These compositions are attained by combining a fluorinated hydrocarbon, either in a liquid state or as a water emulsion, with a powdered metal fuel such as aluminum, magnesium, titanium or zirconium to yield volatile solvent free energetic compositions.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is an explicit procedure for initiating a charcoal fire and afterward building the fire, including a plan for effective support of the fire by air after the fire has been built. Arrangements to direct the afterward flow of air to the same charcoal briquets which are on fire at the end of the firebuilding process are featured. Directing and concentrating the hot oxygen to establish a concentration of the fire (a nest of coals) is featured. The container of the oxidizing agent serves two purposes, the support of the oxidizing agent during the firebuilding activity, and, initially by combustion of a portion of itself, the provision of a hot oxygen mixture to effectively initiate the fire before a firebuilding feedback process begins. A better way to achieve tabletted form of the chemically active ingredients has been discovered, comprizing the use of a composition of matter in which all the ingredients are active in supplying oxygen.

Abstract: Energetic compositions and the process for obtaining same for use as the itable composition in infrared-emitting decoy flares, for high-temperature ignition compositions, and the like, are disclosed. These compositions are attained by combining a fluorinated hydrocarbon, either in a liquid state or as a water emulsion, with a powdered metal fuel such as aluminum, magnesium, titanium or zirconium to yield volatile solvent free energetic compositions.

Abstract: A composition generating an IR-opaque smoke in the form of a compact which has a density in the range from 0.9 to 1.5 g/cm.sup.3 is described, comprising from 10 to 25 percent by weight of magnesium powder, from 5 to 35 percent by weight of a fluorinated organic poller, from 5 to 15 percent by weight of chloroparaffin and from 35 to 65 percent by weight of an aromatic compound of the formula I ##STR1## wherein A and B are independently selected from ##STR2## R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are independently selected from OH, X or alkyl having one to four carbon atoms,m and n is an integer from 0 to 2, andX is halogen,or an aromatic compound of formula II ##STR3## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 X m and n are defined as above and D and E are independently selected from ##STR4## or phtalic anhydride, 2-benzoyl pyridine, fluorene, dibenzosuberenone or diphenylenesulphide or the derivatives thereof substituted by R.sup.1.sub.m and/or R.sup.2 .sub.m.

Abstract: The present invention relates to metal filaments for use as fuel additives for rocket propellants, explosives, and other pyrotechnic devices. Preferred filaments are those such as zirconium, niobium and titanium (and alloys thereof) which have very high heat of combustion.

Abstract: A ramjet solid fuel composed of Hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene aluminum, agnesium, and boron carbide is described. The high volumetric heating value fuel of the present invention significantly increases the distance range of missiles.

Abstract: A fuel for use independently of atmospheric air by reaction with an oxidizer, has a metal hydride as a solid fuel component mixed into an inert liquid fuel component and 1.5 to 5.0 weight percent of a stearate as part of the solid fuel component. The liquid fuel component is preferably an easy flowing paraffin into which the stearate and the solid fuel component are mixed to form a liquified fuel that will react with a liquid oxidizer. The mixing is preferably performed at a temperature above 100.degree. C. and at a reduced pressure less than 10.sup.5 Pa.

Abstract: A smoke forming composition is provided suitable for being explosively dirsed in projectiles, bombs, grenades and the like munitions which is composed of a mixture of finely divided solid particles of smoke forming material and a liquid component in an amount sufficient to densify the solid particles of smoke forming materials to increase the bulk density thereof as well as reducing the danger of ignition or "flashing" of the smoke forming materials when explosively dispersed.

Abstract: In a gas-generating chemical reaction carried out in a borehole that is largely filled with water, substantial pressure increases can be generated. This pressure can be used to fracture rocks around the borehole and, hence, stimulate water, oil or gas wells in tight rock formations. This pressure increase can also be used to fracture coal seams for enhanced in-situ gasification or methane recovery. This invention discloses the use of a new, novel system, based on the homogeneous reaction of aluminum alkyls with water, to create a controlled pressure increase. The most appropriate reaction mixture, as characterized by the rise of time of the generated pressure pulse and the energy content per unit length of borehole charge, is disclosed in this new invention.

Abstract: A composition for producing smoke from phosphorus vapor for use in search and rescue markers and a method of producing such composition. The composition comprises a blended mixture of the following ingredients in the following weight percentage ranges:red phosphorus--55% to 80%;oxidizing agent (sodium nitrate or ammonium nitrate)--10% to 30%;metal fuel--5% to 10%;acid absorber--1% to 5%; andsynthetic rubber binder--1% to 8%.Such a composition tends to be more stable and reliable than previous compositions used for this purpose, as well as less hazardous to manufacture. In addition, it permits an increase in the proportion of red phosphorus used, with a resultant increase in burn time and/or flame and smoke emission.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a smoke-producing pyrotechnical composition which is designed for the production of a smoke screen that prohibits the transmission of infrared radiance from a target to a pick-up.It includes a compound which generates, through thermal decomposing, carbon particles of which the size is included between about 1 and 14 .mu.m, and an oxidoreducing system which reacts at a temperature that exceeds 1000 degrees C. and a binding agent. The compound which generates carbon particles can be hexachloroethane, hexachlorobenzene, naphtalene, anthracene, or their mixture; the reducing agent can be a metal powder (magnesium) and the oxidizer hexachlorobenzene and/or hexachloroethane.An application to the execution of smoke-producing devices.

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: An improved device for a smoke obscuration munition includes a thin-walled erosol can body. A sealed central burster tube is affixed to and extends into the sealed payload within the device. The payload consists of a slurry contained in the annular space outside the burster which includes a highly volatile, low density, low surface tension hydrocarbon liquid and a obscuration agent as the payload.