Abstract: Ammonium dinitramide based liquid monopropellants exhibiting stabilised combustion characteristics and improved storage life, containing ammonia, a base weaker than ammonia, or a base which is sterically hindered, added in an amount of 0.1 to 5% of the total weight of the other components of the propellant.

Abstract: Secondary crystalline high explosives are disclosed which are suitable for filling very small volume loading holes in micro-electric initiators for micro-electro-mechanical mechanisms (MEMS), used as safe and arm (S&A) devices. The explosives are prepared by adding the such a high explosive to an aqueous first volatile mobile phase, adding such a high explosive to a non-aqueous second volatile mobile phase, mixing the first and second volatile mobile phases and then loading the combined phases into the MEMS device and allowing the aqueous and non-aqueous solvents to evaporate depositing the high explosive. Enhanced adhesion between the deposited high explosive and enhanced rheological properties can be obtained by adding a polymeric binder to both mobile phases.

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: PBX compositions and methods for fabricating PBX compositions are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a PBX composition comprises a binder matrix comprising a thermoset resin and an oxidizer comprising octanitrocubane (ONC), the oxidizer homogeneously dispersed within the binder matrix. In another embodiment, a method for fabricating a PBX composition comprises providing an oxidizer comprising octanitrocubane (ONC) and blending the oxidizer with a prepolymer that, upon cure, forms a thermoset resin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lead- and barium-free ignition charge which does not contain any oxidant, and its use.

Abstract: A percussion primer composition including at least one explosive, at least one nano-size non-coated fuel particle having natural surface oxides thereon, at least one oxidizer, optionally at least one sensitizer, optionally at least one buffer, and to methods of preparing the same.

Abstract: A solvent-free process is used to make mouldable plastic explosives or mouldable plastic explosive simulant products.

Abstract: A primer composition with reduced toxicity suited for reduced-energy ammunition comprises bismuth (III) oxide as the principal oxidizer and contains a portion of propellant composition mixed therein. This composition may also be used in a cartridge which is otherwise substantially free of any other propellant compound and preferably produces a residue which is substantially free of toxic substances.

Abstract: A flexible dilute explosive device is provided that includes an explosive material, such as pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), combined with a non-reactive matrix material, such as light-weight polymer beads, and the combination is held in flexible packaging. The flexible packaging includes fabric, antistatic, evacuated and plastic housings. The flexible dilute explosive device can be applied to any contoured shape in the field. It has a total density that is typically between 5 to 10% greater than its explosive density and can be reliably detonated at lower explosive densities. By using different packaging methods, the flexible dilute explosive device can be made to have a fixed explosive density, or a field tailored explosive density using a variable volume housing. It can have a reduced explosive density by adding inert foam blocks to the combination, having an overall volumetric explosive density reduced to 2.5 lb/ft3 (0.04 g/cm3).

Abstract: An explosive composition comprising a high density hydrocarbon compound selected from the group consisting of xylitol, sucrose, mannitol, and mixtures thereof and at least one energetic material. The high density hydrocarbon compound and the at least one energetic material form a substantially homogeneous explosive composition. A method of producing an explosive composition that is insensitive to impact is also disclosed.

Abstract: Universal modifiers from the class of organic and inorganic acids and their salts of new power systems of driving force on the basis of complex complete or/and incomplete nitrates (nitroesters) monoatomic (alcohols, alkanes), diatomic (diols, glycols, alkanediols), triatomic (triols, glycerin), multinuclear (of absolute valence) alcohols, cellulose, as well as nitroamines (nitramines), azides (azoimides), nitro compounds and compositions (substances) with mixed groups and their mixes purposefully modifying their thermodynamic (thermochemical) parameters (characteristics), mechanical, physical, chemical, biochemical properties.

Abstract: High explosives suitable for filling very small volume loading holes in micro-electric initiators for micro-electro-mechanical mechanisms, used as safe and arm devices, are prepared from slurries of crystalline energetic materials including organic liquid and applied using various methods. These methods include swipe loading, pressure loading and syringe loading. The organic liquid serves as a volatile mobile phase in the slurry so as to partially dissolve the energetic material so that, upon evaporation of the mobile phase, the energetic material precipitates and adheres to the loading hole.

Abstract: A highly energy-producing compound which can be used, for example, as an explosive, propellant, oxidant and the like, and which includes an alkyne unit in which at least one hydrogen atom has been replaced by a trinitromethyl-C(NO2)3 group.

Abstract: A vehicle includes at least one polyoxymethylene structural support member. The polyoxymethylene structural support member includes a polyoxymethylene component that is a propellant that provides thrust to the vehicle upon pyrolysis or combustion of the polyoxymethylene component of the product of pyrolysis of the polyoxymethylene component. The vehicle can be a satellite or other type of spacecraft.

Abstract: Propellant compositions are provided herein for use in small arms cartridges. Such propellant compositions include from about 70 to about 90% by weight of a cellulose-based organic fuel, from about 5 to about 30% by weight of a non-azide, nitrogen-containing primary organic oxidizer and from about 0.5 to about 10.0% by weight of a secondary nitrate, perchlorate, chlorate of peroxide oxidizer. Preferably, such compositions are in the form of extruded shaped hollow cylindrical grains having a length in the range of 0.030 to 0.200 inch, a diameter in the range 0.040 to 0.070 inch, and having a coaxial opening there through having a wall grain thickness in the range 0.008 to 0.016 inch. Ignition grains are also provided for use alone or in a mixture with the propellant compositions. When used in a small caliber firearm or muzzleloader, the temperature of combustion is at a level that ensures substantially complete combustion of the fuel during firing so that the products of combustion are mostly gaseous.

Abstract: An energetic material suitable for high-energy, plastic-bonded, explosive charges, the material including an energetic plasticizer containing an energetic nitrobutyl formal, wherein a composition of the energetic plasticizer contains at least 50%, by weight, of the energetic nitrobutyl formal.

Abstract: The present invention includes a gas generator 10 that incorporates a gas generating composition 12 and a scavenging additive 16 in heterogeneous but vapor/gaseous communication with the gas generating composition 12. The scavenging additive retains moisture/contaminants typically evolving over time at relatively higher temperatures. The present invention further includes a gas generating system 180 incorporating the gas generator 10.

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: An infrared decoy flare composition for generating infrared radiation, including a fuel, an oxidizing agent and a binder, wherein the decoy flare composition contains no metals or metal-containing compounds and no halogens or halogen-containing compounds. Such an infrared decoy flare composition can be particularly advantageously used in aerial infrared decoy flares for civil aircraft.

Abstract: This thermoplastic elastomer is present in a substantially solid state suitable for use as a binder for a propellant, explosive, and/or gas generant of a supplemental restraint system. The thermoplastic elastomer is formed from a composition including A blocks which are crystalline at temperatures below about 75° C. and B blocks which are amorphous at temperatures above about ?20° C. The A blocks are derived from oxetane derivatives and the B blocks are derived from oxiranes and derivatives thereof. The A blocks and B-blocks are end-capped with a diisocyanate having a first isocyanate moiety that is substantially more reactive with the terminal groups of the blocks than the second isocyanate moiety, whereby the more reactive first isocyanate moiety is capable of reacting with the terminal groups of the blocks, leaving the less reactive second isocyanate moiety free and unreacted.

Abstract: The present invention is a modified HFPB polymer for use in propellants and explosives that is chemically degradable and also is compatible with commonly used energetic plasticizers. The HFPB polymer of the present invention contains ester linkages formed in the backbone of the polymer from a dicarboxylic acid containing either oxymeythylene or oxyethylene moeities. The ester and ether linkages change the polarity of the polybutadiene to make it compatible with polar energetic plasticizers. The ester linkages along with either oxymethylene or oxyethylene moeities make the polymer degradable to basic solutions while still maintaining the structural integrity necessary for a polybutadiene type binder.

Abstract: Solutions and process are described useful to produce coated HE powder granules in an aqueous slurry agglomeration process. A reaction mixture is made utilizing a lacquer stock solution comprising a binder material dissolved in a substantially aqueous-immiscible organic lacquer solvent, and an aqueous HE powder slurry solution comprising a non-aqueous soluble HE powder and an at least partially aqueous-miscible organic co-solvent. The co-solvent acts as an entrainer and improves the immiscible of the lacquer solvent in the water phase of the aqueous HE powder slurry solution, resulting in formation of HE powder agglomerates that remain stable as the solvents are removed from the reaction mixture during the agglomeration process. Further, the process is adjustable to substantially eliminate organic solvent contamination of the waste water stream.

Abstract: An energetic plascitizer comprising bis(2,2-dinitropropyl) formal, 2,2-dinitropropyl 2,2-dinitrobutyl formal and bis 2,2-dinitrobutyl) formal in a molar ratio of 20˜68%/28˜50%/4˜30% is, described. It is also provided a method for synthesizing the plasticizer comprising: dissolving 2,2-dinitropropanol and 2,2-dinitrobutanol into an organic solvent to form an organic solution, in which the molar ratio of 2,2-dinitropropanol to 2,2-dinitrobutanol is 3:1-6:1; adding to the organic solution a sulfuric acid solution where formaldehyde source was dissolved, wherein the temperature of reaction medium is maintained below 20° C.; and separating and purifying the product from the reaction mixture. The plascitizer according to the present invention has an excellent thermal and chemical properties while incurring a low production cost.

Abstract: The present invention provides an energetic plasticizer comprising bis(2,2-dinitropropyl) formal and a material that keeps bis(2,2-dinitropropyl) formal from crystallizing out, wherein the material that keeps bis(2,2-dinitropropyl) formal from crystallizing out is bis(2,2-dinitropropyl) diformal. In case where BDNPDF is used to prevent BDNPF from crystallizing out, BDNPF is not crystallized even though it stands at the temperature −20° C. for more than 6 months, while its thermal and chemical properties are similar to that of conventional plasticizers. Also, by using BDNPDF, that has been considered as a unfavorable side product, as an inhibitor of crystallization, no additional process is required to remove BDNPDF. Moreover, the cost involved is lower.

Abstract: A low-solids gas generating composition and a method of generating a gas with low solids by preparing and combusting the low-solids gas generating composition. The compositions of the invention include a mixture of a basic copper nitrate oxidizer and a fuel selected for the group consisting of 5-nitro-uracil, guanidine 5-nitro-uracil salt, ammonium 5-nitro-uracil salt, aminoguanidine 5-nitro-uracil salt, hydrazine 5-nitro-uracil salt, triamino 5-nitro-uracil salt, guanidine 5-nitro-barbituric acid salt, ammonium 5-nitro-barbituric acid salt, hydrazine 5-nitro-barbituric acid salt, aminoguanidine 5-nitro-barbituric acid salt, triaminoguanidine 5-nitro-barbituric acid salt, and mixtures thereof, wherein the oxidizer-fuel mixture is within about 4 percent of stoichiometric balance, and produces no more than about 0.06 cubic centimeters of solids per gram of gas generating composition on combustion.

Abstract: A pourable, plastic-bound explosive charge has a crystalline explosive substance embedded in a polymer matrix which includes a binder, a softener and a metal powder. The metal powder which is added in a proportion of 0.1 to 10 weight % has substantially spherical grains and is one or more of the following materials: vanadium, niobium, tantalum, chromium, molybdenum or tungsten.

Abstract: Cyclodextrin polymers are nitrated to provide novel nitrate esters of cyclodextrin polymers which are useful for encapsulating explosives to provides energetic compositions of reduced sensitivity; a new method for the preparation of cyclodextrin polymers is provided.

Abstract: A gas-generant-molded-article for air bags which is prepared by molding a gas generant composition into a cylindrical form containing an opening hole, wherein the relationship between the linear burning velocity r (mm/second) of said gas generant composition under a pressure of 70 kgf/cm2 and a thickness W (mm) of said molded article falls within a range represented by 0.005≦W/(2·r)≦0.3, with the linear burning velocity preferably falling within a range of from 1 to 12.5 mm/second.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) comprises a vehicle occupant protection device (14), and an actuator (10) for the vehicle occupant protection device (14). The actuator (10) includes a gas generating material (18) or both a gas generating material (18) and an autoignition material (66). The gas generating material (18), the autoignition material (66), or both the gas generating material (18) and the autoignition material (66) comprise a plasticized cyclodextrin nitrate ester. The plasticized cyclodextrin nitrate ester has an autoignition temperature in the range of about 150° C. to about 180° C. and is resistant to thermal decomposition at a temperature less than 150° C.

Abstract: 2,2-dinitro-1,3-propanediol-diformate is a novel low sensitivity, energetic plasticizer that is useful in explosive and propellant compositions. 2,2-dinitro-1,3-propanediol-diformate can be made by reacting 2,2-dinitro-1,3-propane diol with acetic formic anhydride in the presence of pyridine and at least one solvent.

Abstract: The present invention provides energetic thermoplastic elastomers which may be used as binders in propellant, explosive and pyrotechnic applications. The elastomers of the present invention are all hydrolyzable, allowing recycling of the elastomer's constituents and/or facilitating other constituents of the propellant, explosive or pyrotechnic. The elastomers of the present invention contain a first polymer, a second polymer having a repeating unit different from that of the first polymer, and a bridging group. Methods of preparing elastomers of the present invention include reaction of the first and second polymers with a dioic acid, or with an organic diisocyanate and a diol containing a formal linkage.

Abstract: A solid rocket propellant includes a hydroxy-terminated caprolactone ether binder and an oxidizer. The propellant may be disposed of by contacting it with an aqueous solution of 12 N NaOH or 6 N HCI at a temperature of about 140° F. for about 24 hours to decompose the binder. Solids remaining in the solution after the binder decomposes are removed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an energetic plasticizer comprising bis(2,2-dinitropropyl) formal and a material that keeps bis(2,2-dinitropropyl) formal from crystallizing out, wherein the material that keeps bis(2,2-dinitropropyl) formal from crystallizing out is bis(2,2-dinitropropyl) diformal. In case where BDNPDF is used to prevent BDNPF from crystallizing out, BDNPF is not crystallized even though it stands at the temperature −20° C. for more than 6 months, while its thermal and chemical properties are similar to that of conventional plasticizers. Also, by using BDNPDF, that has been considered as a unfavorable side product, as an inhibitor of crystallization, no additional process is required to remove BDNPDF. Moreover, the cost involved is lower.

Abstract: An energetic plascitizer comprising bis(2,2-dinitropropyl) formal, 2,2-dinitropropyl 2,2-dinitrobutyl formal and bis 2,2-dinitrobutyl) formal in a molar ratio of 20˜68%/28˜50%/4˜30% is, described. It is also provided a method for synthesizing the plasticizer comprising: dissolving 2,2-dinitropropanol and 2,2-dinitrobutanol into an organic solvent to form an organic solution, in which the molar ratio of 2,2-dinitropropanol to 2,2-dinitrobutanol is 3:1-6:1; adding to the organic solution a sulfuric acid solution where formaldehyde source was dissolved, wherein the temperature of reaction medium is maintained below 20° C.; and separating and purifying the product from the reaction mixture.

Abstract: A method of preparing propellants involves using &bgr;-octogen with a multimodal grain size distribution and an average grain size of less than 50 &mgr;m in a propellant composition containing other explosives, inert binders and active binders.

Abstract: In the development of new minimum signature ducted rocket technology, the U.S. Army MICOM Propulsion Directorate has conducted studies for the development of fuel-rich gas generators for ducted rockets. The propellant formulation goals of this study include increasing burning rate, pressure exponent, and combustion efficiency without significantly decreasing fuel value. Formulations described in this application contain an energetic nitramine-prepolymer, a range of curing agents, and zirconium hydride (ZrH2) fuel element and carbon (C) as an optional fuel element.

Abstract: A spontaneous firing explosive composition for use in a gas generator for an airbag containing a fuel, an oxidizer, a combustion modifier, and a binder.

Abstract: A dispersal agent for preventing agglomerating of at least one component of a material is provided. In one embodiment, the dispersal agent is part of a porosity producing material and the dispersal agent eliminates or substantially prevents agglomeration of the porosity producing material. In one embodiment, the porosity producing material is fibrous cellulous. Such fibrous cellulose may be part of a porosity producing material, which is part of a propellant composition. The propellant composition can be used in an inflator housed in a vehicle.

Abstract: ADN stabilizers of aromatic nitrogen-containing heterocyclic organic compounds, such as pyridines, pyrimidines, pyrazines, and triazines substituted with amino, hydroxy or other activating groups. The stabilizers being added to the ADN in an amount of from about 0.001 weight percent to about 5 weight percent of the ADN.

Abstract: A fire suppressant composition is provided which exhibits a low pressure and low flame temperature. The composition comprises ammonium nitrate and a guanidine salt or derivative which produces greater than 3 moles of inert gas per 100 grams of composition and alkali metal or alkaline earth salts for flame suppression. The composition may also include iron or iron oxide.

Abstract: An improved, liquid, explosive composition comprising nitromethane, a nitethane sensitizer and an energetic compound. The energetic compound is selected from the group consisting of 4,5-dihyro-3-nitroisoxazole, 1,3-dinitropropane, trans1,2-dinitrocyclopropane and 1,1-dinitroethane.

Abstract: A melt cast explosive containing bis(2,2-dinitropropyl)fumarate or 2,2-diropropyl-4,4-dinitropentanoate and a metal fuel such as aluminum, magnesium, boron, hafnium, zirconium or alloys or mixtures thereof. An inert thermoplastic elastomer diluent may be added to improve the strength of the explosive.

Abstract: Novel energetic compounds are provided comprising N,N'-azobis-nitroazoles or analogs thereof. The compounds are useful as igniter materials in a variety of energetic compositions, particularly gas-generating compositions for inflating automobile or aircraft occupant restraint devices. The compounds are also useful in solid rocket propellant compositions, and as primary explosives to be used as detonators, blasting caps, firearms, and the like. Methods for synthesizing the compounds and manufacturing energetic compositions herewith are provided as well.

Abstract: 2:2 mixed orthocarbonates of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.noteq.R' and wherein R and R' are --C(NO.sub.2).sub.3, --CF(NOb.2).sub.2, --CF.sub.2 (NO.sub.2), --C(NO.sub.2).sub.2 CH.sub.3, --CH(NO.sub.2)CH.sub.3, --CH(NO.sub.2)CH.sub.3, --CH.sub.2 (NO.sub.2), --CF.sub.3, or --CF.sub.2 CF.sub.3, and methods of preparation.Additionally, orthoformates of the formula ##STR2## wherein R is --C(NO.sub.2).sub.2 CH.sub.3, --CF.sub.2 (NO.sub.2), --CH(NO.sub.2)CH.sub.3, and --CH.sub.2 (NO.sub.2), and methods of preparation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a stabilized hydroxylammonium nitrate or hydroxylamine-containing composition comprising said hydroxylammonium nitrate or hydroxylamine and a pyridine or pyridone salt, or an acid thereof, said pyridine or pyridone salt, or acid thereof, being present in said composition in an amount of between about 0.0001% and about 2%, based upon the weight of said composition. Also disclosed is a process for preparing this composition.

Abstract: Hydroxy-terminated poly(2-fluoro-2,2-dinitroethyl) polynitroorthocarbonate repolymers of the formula ##STR1## which are prepared by reacting bis(2-fluoro-2,2-dinitroethyl)dichloroformal with a diol of the formula ##STR2## wherein n>1, and wherein W, X, Y, and Z vary independently and are F or NO.sub.2, and wherein A is --CH.sub.2 --, --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --, --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --, --CF.sub.2 --, --CF.sub.2 CF.sub.2 --, --CF.sub.2 CF.sub.2 CF.sub.2 --, --CF.sub.2 CF.sub.2 CF.sub.2 CF.sub.2 --, --CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.2 --, --CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.2 OCH.sub.2 --, --CH.sub.2 OCF.sub.2 OCH.sub.2 --, or --CH.sub.2 N(NO.sub.2)CH.sub.2 --. These prepolymers are reacted with curing agents (e.g., polyisocyanates) to form energetic polymeric binders.

Abstract: Hydroxy-terminated poly(2,2-dinitropropyl)polynitroorthocarbonate prepolys of the formula ##STR1## which are prepared by reacting bis(2,2-dinitropropyl)dichloroformal with a diol of the formula ##STR2## wherein n>1, and wherein W, X, Y, and Z vary independently and are F or NO.sub.2, and wherein --A-- is --CH.sub.2 --, --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --, --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --, --CF.sub.2 --, --CF.sub.2 CF.sub.2 --, --CF.sub.2 CF.sub.2 CF.sub.2 --, --CF.sub.2 CF.sub.2 CF.sub.2 CF.sub.2 --, --CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.2 --, --CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.2 OCH.sub.2 --, --CH.sub.2 OCF.sub.2 OCH.sub.2 --, or --CH.sub.2 N(NO.sub.2)CH.sub.2 --. These prepolymers are reacted with curing agents (e.g., polyisocyanates) to form energetic polymeric binders.

Abstract: Dichloroformals of the formula(RCH.sub.2 O).sub.2 CCl.sub.2wherein R is --C(NO.sub.2).sub.3, --CF(NO.sub.2).sub.2, --CF.sub.2 (NO.su), --CCl(NO.sub.2).sub.2, --C(NO.sub.2).sub.2 CH.sub.3, --CCl.sub.3, --CF.sub.3, or --CF.sub.2 CF.sub.3. These dichloroformals are prepared by reacting the corresponding thionocarbonate of the formula(RCH.sub.2 O).sub.2 C.dbd.S,wherein R is as defined above, with sulfuryl chloride in the presence of a Friedel-Craft catalyst (e.g., AlCl.sub.3 or TiCl.sub.4). Another method is to react the thionocarbonate with chlorine gas in the presence of a polar additive such as 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol or acetonitrile. These energetic dichloroformals are useful as explosive and propellant ingredients and as intermediates in the synthesis of other energetic explosive and propellant ingredients.

Abstract: Elastomers having a polyurethane binder are formed from a mixture including tetrastar polyethylene oxide polyol with a molecular weight of at least 16000 daltons and a plasticizer present in a ratio of at least five parts by weight to one part of the polyol and provide high tensile strength, extreme elongation, great flexibility, and absence of voids. Energetic elastomers use a nitrate ester plasticizer with a curative having a functionality of at least three and an NCO/OH equivalent ratio of about 2.5 and may include an energetic particulate filler. Inert elastomers use a non-volatile ester plasticizer, as dimethyl phthalate, with a curative having a functionality of two and an NCO/OH equivalent ratio not over 2.0.

Abstract: Clean burning, non-self extinguishing propellant compositions for use in hybrid automotive air bag systems are disclosed. The propellant compositions are based on a mixture of a crystalline nitramine propellant, an energetic or non-energetic binder and one or a combination of an oxidizing propellant and an energetic plasticizer.