Abstract: Propellant compositions containing cyclic nitramines that are susceptible to unintentional detonation are desensitized by the incorporation of a linear nitramine having a backbone containing one to three ethylene groups and one or two nitramine groups.

Abstract: A precursor composition of a reactive material that comprises a metal material and an energetic material, such as at least one oxidizer or at least one class 1.1 explosive. The metal material defines a continuous phase at a processing temperature of the precursor composition and the energetic material is dispersed therein. The metal material may be a fusible metal alloy having a melting point ranging from approximately 46° C. to approximately 250° C. The fusible metal alloy may include at least one metal selected from the group consisting of bismuth, lead, tin, cadmium, indium, mercury, antimony, copper, gold, silver, and zinc. The reactive composition may have a density of greater than approximately 2 g/cm3. The reactive composition may also include a polymer/plasticizer system.

Abstract: High fidelity, non-explosive training aids (simulants) which simulate the properties of the explosive composition 4 (C-4) are described. The materials of the training aid are formulated to simulate the appearance, manifest rheological properties (pliability, plasticity), density, and “feel” of the actual C-4 as well as simulate the combustion behavior of C-4 when subjected to the informal “flame test” used to identify the material in the field. Additionally, the materials give the same signature as actual C-4 when tested by portable detection equipment such as electronic trace detectors or color forming reagents. The materials also generate the same imagery as C-4 when subjected to X-ray analysis.

Abstract: An ionic liquid is disclosed. A precursor composition that comprises at least one ionic liquid and at least one energetic material is also disclosed, as is a method of synthesizing an ionic liquid and a method of desensitizing an explosive composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to the development of a low-density granular Oxidizing Agent (PAN), the ingredients of which do not segregate and are conferred with explosive properties through the simple mixture thereof with combustible ingredients, thereby producing a low density granular Blasting Agent (PANFO). PANFO has many applications in the mining industry, in both open-pit and underground operations, said agent being suitable for use alone in applications intended to control damage to the banks or mixed other explosives typically used in the industry. According to the invention the density of the mixture can be adjusted to the conditions of the rock to be blasted and, consequently, the fragmentation requirements can be maximised.

Abstract: A propellant for guns includes at least one energy carrier, nitrocellulose and cellulose acetate butyrate. At least part of the nitrocellulose is alcohol-soluble nitrocellulose. The nitrocellulose serves as a binder and for that purpose is present in a concentration of at least 15% by weight in the propellant. A process for producing a propellant is also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present subject matter provide an improved percussion primer composition and improved hot-wire igniter acceptor, wherein lead styphnate is replaced with a lead-free material, 4,6-dinitro-7-hydroxybenzofuroxan, potassium salt (KDNP). Embodiments of the percussion primer composition include KDNP, a sensitizer, an oxidizer, calcium silicide, a fuel, and a binder. Sensitizers may include tetracene. Oxidizers may include alkali or alkaline earth nitrates, oxides, or peroxides (such as barium nitrate). Fuel materials may include metals, metal sulfides, or other non-metallic materials. Common binders may include nitrocellulose based shellacs, gum arabic/poly vinyl alcohol mixtures, and guar gum/poly vinyl alcohol mixtures. Embodiments of the hot-wire igniter device include a bridgewire, an acceptor, and an output, where KDNP is the acceptor. Power supply may be in the form of constant current/voltage or current flow from a capacitor discharge.

Abstract: The invention relates to ignition sets comprising initial explosive substances selected from the group consisting of compounds, in particular compounds of lead, which are derived from trinitropolyphenols, such as trinitrophenol, trinitroresorcinol or hydrazoic acid, for example, in mixture with oxygen-generating substances, wherein further included are initial explosive substances made of alkali metal and/or alkaline-earth metal salts of dinitrobenzofuroxanes and oxygen-generating substances made from nitrates of ammonium, guanidine, aminoguanidine, triaminoguanidine, dicyanodiamidine and from the elements of sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, cerium and/or from multivalent metal oxides.

Abstract: A non-toxic, non-hydroscopic percussion primer composition and methods of preparing the same, including at least one explosive component that has been traditionally considered a moderately insensitive explosive or secondary explosive, and at least fuel particle component having a particle size of about 1.5 microns to about 12 microns, which allows the use of moderately active metal oxidizers. The sensitivity of the primer composition is created by the interaction between the moderately insensitive explosive and the fuel agent such that traditional primary explosives such as lead styphnate or DDNP are not needed. The primer composition also eliminates the risks and dangers associated with traditional nano-sized fuel particles.

Abstract: The invention relates to thermal pre-ignition agents and to their use as thermal fuses, in particular for use in gas generators of motor-vehicle safety systems.

Abstract: A highly-filled paste, and a method and device of de-aerating and injecting the paste, the paste including: (a) a solid filler; (b) an organic binder, and (c) a residual gas, wherein the paste contains at least 80 volume-% of the solid filler and has a viscosity exceeding 100 kilopascal·seconds, wherein the filler, binder, and residual gas are intimately mixed so as to form a substantially homogeneous paste, and wherein a composition of the solid filler, binder, and residual gas is selected such that the homogeneous paste has: an average density greater than 98.5% of a Theoretical Maximum Density (TMD).

Abstract: A method of adjusting the yield of a manufactured compound comprising primarily two energetic materials to yield a product comprising primarily one of the two energetic materials. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide a method of purifying a compound primarily comprising RDX and HMX to achieve a desired purity of RDX with an acceptable yield percentage. By adding sufficient acetonitrile (ACN) to the manufactured compound to dissolve it and form a solution; adding a pre-specified volume of water to the resultant solution and stirring sufficiently to precipitate at least the RDX; separating and drying the precipitate, a pre-specified purity and yield percentage of RDX may be obtained by varying the volume of water added. The process uses relatively environmentally benign recyclable solvents at ambient temperature and pressure reducing both environmental impact and energy costs.

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: 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 method of forming 2-nitroimino-5-nitrohexahydro-1,3,5-triazine is presented. The method contains the steps of mixing nitroguanidine, formaldehyde, tert-butyl amine, and water to form an aqueous-based mixture containing an intermediate reaction product; separating the intermediate reaction product from the aqueous-based mixture by filtering out the suspended intermediate reaction product; and mixing the intermediate reaction product within a multi-acid solution containing sulfuric acid and nitric acid. Ammonium chloride is then added, thereby forming 2-nitroimino-5-nitrohexahydro-1,3,5-triazine. A gas generating system 200 containing a gas generant formed in accordance with the present invention is also contemplated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pressable explosive compositions with enhanced sensitivity characteristics and processability. The explosive compositions are based on crystalline explosive crystals of 1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazacyclohexane (RDX) Type I alone or in combination with a smaller percentage of 1,3,5-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazacyclooctane (HMX) where the crystals are coated with a binder system consisting of a polyacrylic elastomer to which a plasticizer is added. These explosive compositions are produced in a so-called water-slurry process where the explosive crystals are washed in water whereupon a solution of the binder system is added. After the admixture the solvent is distilled off and the coated product is isolated by filtering.

Abstract: A propellant composition including, about 5 to about 30 weight % of a polymeric binder component having about 4 to about 10 weight % of at least one oxygen-rich pre-polymer, about 0.1 to about 2 weight % of at least one isocyanate curative, wherein the curative(s) react with alcohol groups on said pre-polymer(s) to formulate urethane linkages, about 1 to about 20 weight % of at least one plasticizer to improve processability and for oxygen balance of the composition, about 0.01 to about 1.0 weight % of at least one additive including cure catalyst(s) and stabilizer(s), about 1 to about 40 weight % of a mixture of high oxygen content insensitive gas generators in solid form, about 1 to about 50 weight % of at least one oxidizer, and wherein the composition is free of perchlorate.

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

Abstract: A highly-filled paste, and a method and device of de-aerating and injecting the paste, the paste including: (a) a solid filler; (b) an organic binder, and (c) a residual gas, wherein the paste contains at least 80 volume-% of the solid filler and has a viscosity exceeding 100 kilopascal·seconds, wherein the filler, binder, and residual gas are intimately mixed so as to form a substantially homogeneous paste, and wherein a composition of the solid filler, binder, and residual gas is selected such that the homogeneous paste has: an average density greater than 98.5% of a Theoretical Maximum Density (TMD).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for determining the sensitive or insensitive nature of a crystalline hexogen. Said process comprises: the formulation of said crystalline hexogen in a matrix; the analysis of a sample of said matrix charged with said crystalline hexogen by differential scanning calorimetry; said matrix consisting essentially of at least one liquid polymer that is suitable for the formulation of binders for energetic materials charged with nitro organic explosives; and of at least one adsorbent for the volatile organic compounds, which is stable at the operating temperature of the analysis and which has low affinity for water. The present invention also relates to the crystalline hexogen in such a matrix.

Abstract: Pyrotechnic priming charge (1) intended to be used preferably for starting up one or more ignition chains, comprising a coherent porous fuel structure (2) and at least one oxidizer (4). According to the invention, the primer also comprises a moisture inhibitor (5) applied to the surface of the primer with a view to increasing the safety of the primer and reducing the risk of unintentional ignition due to breakdown of the oxidizer under the influence of ambient moisture and temperature.

Abstract: A method of adjusting the yield of a manufactured compound comprising primarily two energetic materials to yield a product comprising primarily one of the two energetic materials. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide a method of purifying a compound primarily comprising RDX and HMX to achieve a desired purity of RDX with an acceptable yield percentage. By adding sufficient acetonitrile (ACN) to the manufactured compound to dissolve it and form a solution; adding a pre-specified volume of water to the resultant solution and stirring sufficiently to precipitate at least the RDX; separating and drying the precipitate, a pre-specified purity and yield percentage of RDX may be obtained by varying the volume of water added. The process uses relatively environmentally benign recyclable solvents at ambient temperature and pressure reducing both environmental impact and energy costs.

Abstract: A pressable explosive composition is provided. The composition includes at least 40 weight percent of substantially uncoated fuel particles, a nitramine mechanically blended with the substantially uncoated fuel particles, and a binder coating the nitramine. The binder constitutes about 1 to about 6 weight percent of the pressable explosive composition. Also provided are a pressed thermobaric explosive, weapons containing the pressed thermobaric explosive, and methods for making the composition and thermobaric explosive.

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: The invention provides a) a method for making improved ionic halide salts, e.g., 1-methyl-4-amino-1,2,4-triazolium iodide and b) a method for making energetic ionic salts, e.g., 1-methyl-4-amino-1,2,4-triazolium nitrate, in high yield and purity from triazolium precursors. Also provided are the resulting novel salts from the above methods.

Abstract: A subject matter of the present invention is: the compounds of formula (I): in which: and Het is an azolyl radical: nitroazolyl or tetrazolyl; with the exception of 3-nitro-4-(4-nitro-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)furazan; the preparation of said compounds; and the energetic compositions including at least one compound chosen from said compounds of formula (I) and 3-nitro-4-(4-nitro-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)furazan.

Abstract: A sensitized explosive that comprises an explosive precipitated onto a sensitizer. The explosive is CL-20, PETN, RDX, HMX, or mixtures thereof and the sensitizer is aluminum, titanium, zirconium, magnesium, melamine, styrene, lithium aluminum hydride, or mixtures thereof. The sensitized explosive is used in a percussion primer that includes a bismuth compound and a melt binder. The bismuth compound is bismuth oxide, bismuth subnitrate, bismuth tetroxide, bismuth sulfide, or mixtures thereof and the melt binder is a wax having a melting point above ambient temperature, trinitrotoluene, poly(3,3-bis(azidomethyl)oxetane), poly(3-azidomethyl-3-methyloxetane), ethyl-3,5-dinitrobenzoate, or mixtures thereof. A gun cartridge and other primer-containing ordnance assemblies employing the percussion primer are also disclosed. Methods of forming the sensitized explosive and the percussion primer are also disclosed.

Abstract: Hollow RX-08HD cylindrical charges were loaded with boron and PTFE, in the form of low-bulk density powders or powders dispersed in a rigid foam matrix. Each charge was initiated by a Comp B booster at one end, producing a detonation wave propagating down the length of the cylinder, crushing the foam or bulk powder and collapsing the void spaces. The PdV work done in crushing the material heated it to high temperatures, expelling it in a high velocity fluid jet. In the case of boron particles supported in foam, framing camera photos, temperature measurements, and aluminum witness plates suggest that the boron was completely vaporized by the crush wave and that the boron vapor turbulently mixed with and burned in the surrounding air.

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: To provide a gas generating composition for air bag which is low in toxicity, large in burning rate, and low in combustion temperature. Gas generating compositions comprising (a) melamine cyanurate or a mixture of melamine cyanurate and nitrogen-containing organic compound and (b) oxygen-containing oxidant, and gas generating compositions comprising (c) binder and (d) additive are provided.

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: 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: An explosive formulation including 2,4,8,10-tetranitro-5H-pyrido[3?,2?:4,5][1,2,3]triazolo[1,2-a]benzotriazol-6-ium, inner salt and a high temperature binder is disclosed together with a process of preparing 2,4,8,10-tetranitro-5H-pyrido[3?,2?:4,5][1,2,3]triazolo[1,2-a]benzotriazol-6-ium, inner salt.

Abstract: A downhole device having an explosive component includes a high temperature stable explosive having thermal stability greater than 200° C.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present subject matter provide an improved percussion primer composition and improved hot-wire igniter acceptor, wherein lead styphnate is replaced with a lead-free material, 4,6-dinitro-7-hydroxybenzofuroxan, potassium salt (KDNP). Embodiments of the percussion primer composition include KDNP, a sensitizer, an oxidizer, calcium silicide, a fuel, and a binder. Sensitizers may include tetracene. Oxidizers may include alkali or alkaline earth nitrates, oxides, or peroxides (such as barium nitrate). Fuel materials may include metals, metal sulfides, or other non-metallic materials. Common binders may include nitrocellulose based shellacs, gum arabic/poly vinyl alcohol mixtures, and guar gum/poly vinyl alcohol mixtures. Embodiments of the hot-wire igniter device include a bridgewire, an acceptor, and an output, where KDNP is the acceptor. Power supply may be in the form of constant current/voltage or current flow from a capacitor discharge.

Abstract: A nitrocellulose composition comprises an admixture comprising: from about 75 weight percent to about 85 weight percent nitrocellulose; and from about 15 weight percent to about 25 weight percent camphor, based upon the weight of the admixture; and from about 1 weight percent to about 5 weight percent of a stabilizer (based on the total weight of the composition), wherein the stabilizer is chosen from the group consisting of N,N-Diethyl-N,N?-diphenylurea, N,N?-Dimethyl-N,N?-diphenylurea, 1,1-Diphenylurea, N-methyl-N,N?-diphenylurea, 1-Ethyl-3,3?-diphenylurea, Diphenylamine, 2-Nitro-diphenylamine, 4-Nitro-diphenylamine; Triphenylamine; p-Nitro-N-methylaniline, p-Nitro-ethylaniline, soybean oil, castor oil, sodium silicate, lactic acid amide, and benzonate; and from about 1 weight percent to about 5 weight percent of azodicarbonic acid diamide, based on the total weight of the composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pyrotechnic agent containing at least one azotetrazolate as a component thereof.

Abstract: A method for producing particulate RDX is provided. RDX is dissolved and then precipitated with the precipitated RDX being separated from the mixture of solvent and anti-solvent and dried. The RDX has an increased insensitivity, i.e., it is more resistant to shock or impact stimuli and has a morphology characterized by a smooth surface and small particle size as formed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an explosive composition of substantially reduced sensitivity and low flammability, being definable as an extremely insensitive detonating substance (EIDS) according to UN Regulations for the Transport of Dangerous Goods and comprising one or more explosive material 42-58% vol., one or more fire retardant material 15-26% vol. and a binder 20-36% vol.

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 novel compound, used for example, as a gas generating fuel, is defined as a compound having the structural formula of wherein: R4 is a triazine ring; R1 is selected from the group consisting of a tetrazolyl group, CH3, OCH3, —CN, —C2H, NCO, —NHNH2, NO, NO2, OH, Cl, —NHCONH2, —OCOR, NHNO2, substituted tetrazoles, and substituted triazoles; R2 is selected from the group consisting of a tetrazolyl group, CH3, OCH3, —CN, —C2H, NCO, —NHNH2, NO, NO2, OH, Cl, —NHCONH2, —OCOR, NHNO2, substituted tetrazoles, and substituted triazoles; R3 is selected from the group consisting of a tetrazolyl group, CH3, OCH3, —CN, —C2H, NCO, —NHNH2, NO, NO2, OH, Cl, —NHCONH2, —OCOR, NHNO2, substituted tetrazoles, and substituted triazoles.

Abstract: Gas generant compositions contain the mono-ammonium salt of bis (1(2)H-tetrazol-5-yl)-amine, an oxidizer such as phase stabilized ammonium nitrate, and a first additive selected from fumed oxides such as fumed silica. Gas generators 10 and gas generating systems 200 incorporating the compositions are also contemplated.

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 composition containing a tetrazole amide as a fuel, 5-formamido-1H-tetrazole for example, and an oxidizer is provided. The gas generant is contained within a gas generator. The gas generator may be contained within a gas generating system such as an airbag inflator or seat belt assembly, or more broadly within a vehicle occupant protection system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a group of tertiary amine azides useful as hypergolic fuels for hypergolic bipropellant mixtures. The fuels provide higher density impulses than monomethyl hydrazine (MMH) but are less toxic and have lower vapor pressures that MMH. In addition, the fuels have shorter ignition delay times than dimethylaminoethylazide (DMAZ) and other potential reduced toxicity replacements for MMH.

Abstract: An explosive formulation including 2,4,8,10-tetranitro-5H-pyrido[3?,2?:4,5][1,2,3]triazolo[1,2-a]benzotriazol-6-ium, inner salt and a high temperature binder is disclosed together with a process of preparing 2,4,8,10-tetranitro-5H-pyrido[3?,2?:4,5][1,2,3]triazolo[1,2-a]benzotriazol-6-ium, inner salt.

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: A method of crystallizing an epsilon-polymorph of 2,4,6,8,10,12-hexanitro-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexaazatetracyclo[5.5.0.05,903,11]-dodecane (CL-20). The method comprises combining the CL-20, at least one organic solvent, and at least one nonsolvent to form a crystallization solution. The crystallization solution is saturated and heated to a temperature greater than about 60° C., such as from about 71° C. to about 94° C. The organic solvent is removed from the crystallization solution while retaining a sufficient amount of the nonsolvent to crystallize the CL-20 as the epsilon-polymorph. The nonsolvent is separated from the epsilon-polymorph of CL-20. A composition of CL-20 comprising the epsilon-polymorph having a particle density of 2.035 g/ml is also disclosed.