Abstract: The present invention is directed to a continuous process for producing a foamable celluloid product by introducing a solid component (comprising nitrocellulose, chemical blowing agent (CBA), stabilizer and alcohol) and a liquid component (comprising camphor and acetone) into a mixer/devolatilizer machine where the chamber is under atmospheric pressure and having significant overhead space. The chamber is comprised of two zones wherein the first zone has a temperature that is less than the second zone and at least one rotor comprising hollow, temperature-controlled arms having a tilted angle affixed to the rotors. The rotors of the mixer/devolatilizer machine act to mix the solid and liquid components under lower shearing forces, lower mechanical stress and longer residence times than those used by twin-screw extruders.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a range of particulate energetic materials with tailored particle sizes and extremely narrow particle size distributions. The use of membrane emulsification apparatus provides a means of formulating explosives with a selectable particle size, without the use of milling techniques to physically reduce the size of the particulates.

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: An economical, low residue, mortar increment propellant container manufactured of foamed celluloid, which is composed of 50 to 84% nitrocellulose, having a nitrogen content of from about 10.5 to about 13.5%, and about 15 to about 50% camphor. The burn rate of the foamed celluloid can be enhanced by the addition of energetic additives, such as energetic plasticizers.

Abstract: By using generally known chemically, physically, or a combination thereof, means to foam celluloid, a foamed celluloid material is invented with a density of less than about 1.25 gm/cm3, which material is relatively low cost, very fast burning, very low residue, easily moldable, and which material exhibits good mechanical strength, and provides a good water barrier. These characteristics make this foamed celluloid a preferred choice for military artillery propellant charge bags, military mortar and civilian fireworks increment charges, combustible cartridges, flare housings, igniter tubes, as well as, closure disks, combustible enclosures and components thereof, among other applications.

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: 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: 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 powdery pyrotechnic mixture is proposed that comprises a binary or ternary inorganic oxidizing agent mixture composed of one or two metal oxides, a nitrate totaling 50.0% by weight to 85.0% by weight, an elementary inorganic fuel or a mixture of elementary inorganic fuels totaling 15.0% by weight to 40.0% by weight, a stabilized nitrocellulose or a nitrocellulose-based propellant powder from 0.0% by weight to 25.0% by weight, graphite from 0.0% by weight to 5.0% by weight as well as. Optionally. a further processing aid from 0.0% by weight to 5.0% by weight. The powdery pyrotechnic mixture excels in that it contains no chlorate-containing compound and/or perchlorate-containing compound as an oxidizing agent and no sulfur or a sulfur-containing compound as fuel. The proposed pyrotechnic mixture is used in pyrotechnic objects and ammunition for the production of a bang-effect and/or flash effect.

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: 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: 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: 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: 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 provides an infra-red decoy flare comprising a pyrotechnic composition which comprises an extrudable and energetic binder in an amount in the range of from 4-35 wt %, which binder comprises a nitrocellulose, an oxidator in an amount in the range of from 40-80 wt %, a pyrotechnic fuel in an amount in the range of from 15-35 wt %, and a carbon source in an amount of up to and including 10 wt %, all amounts based on total pyrotechnic composition. The invention further provides a process for preparing said infra-red decoy flare.

Abstract: A process for producing compacted free-flowing nitrocellulose based lacquer raw materials is described. The process involves pressing a nitrocellulose based lacquer feed material, which is moistened with alcohol or water, through the holes of a die. The pressing step may be performed by means of at least one circulating breaker. The process optionally comprises shearing off the compacted lacquer raw material into pieces of selected length, below the die. The compacted nitrocellulose based lacquer raw materials prepared by the process of the present invention are free flowing and have a moisture content of at least 25%.

Abstract: This disclosure considers the use of specifically-sized Nitrocellulose particles of 75 ml fineness, free of other chemicals, as a flame enhancer in a Diazodinitrophenol primer mixture that is free of heavy metal constituents.

Abstract: Explosive or propellant compositions containing at least one nitrocellulose contain an additive including at least one substituted tetrazine in amounts effective to increase the burning rate of the composition. A preferred additive is 3,6-dihydrazino-s-tetrazine.

Abstract: METHOD FOR PRODUCTION OF NITROCELLULOSE BASE FOR CONSOLIDATED CHARGES includes nitrating fine-fiber cellulose stuff to obtain predetermined concentration of nitrogen in the prepared nitrocellulose, removing impurities and excess of moisture from the nitrocellulose pulp, grinding the fibers and transferring the disperse stock to production of consolidated charges In order to reduce risks in production of non-plasticized nitrocellulose base and obtain porous consolidated charges having felt structure the nitrocellulose pulp is dried prior to grinding, then grinded to obtaining polydisperse mixture of fibrous particles of which mixture consolidated charges are formed.

Abstract: When a vehicle is involved in a fire, the airbag inflator is subjected to extreme temperatures, which may lead to the housing of the inflator rupturing. The use of autoignition material will minimize the risk of the housing rupturing during a fire by causing the combustion of the gas generant to occur at a desired safe temperature. According to the present invention, the autoignition material contains nitrocellulose material and an inert plasticizer. The plasticizer creates an autoignition material that is thermally stable and that does not need to undergo preassembly or packaging before being placed in a gas inflator.

Abstract: The present invention shows a munitions propellant. The propellant has a nitrocellulose component is about fifty-two percent (52.0%) of the propellant. This is either a nitrocellulose having twelve and six-tenths percent (12.6%) nitrogen, or a combination of a nitrocellulose having twelve and six-tenths percent (12.6%) nitrogen and a nitrocellulose having thirteen and thirty-five one hundredths percent (13.35%) nitrogen, and in which the average nitrogen proportion is thirteen and five one-hundredths percent (13.05%). The propellant also has a nitroester-based plasticizer and a non-nitroester-based plasticizer. The nitroester-based plasticizer comprises about thirty-four percent (34.0%) of the propellant by weight, and comprises diethylene glycol dinitrate (DEGDN). The non-nitroester-based plastizier comprises from about three percent (3.0%) to about four percent (4.0%) by weight and comprises di-normal propyl adipate (DNPA). In addition, about seven percent (7.

Abstract: Molecular sieve zeolites are incorporated in the inflator device to assist in the inflation of airbags in passenger vehicles. The pre-loading of the molecular sieve zeolites with gases such as air or nitrogen or carbon dioxide provides for rapid airbag inflation and following inflation, additionally provides the remediation of at least a portion of the toxic waste gases generated by the exploding inflator device. Molecular sieve zeolites, particularly zeolites X, having been exchanged with lithium or calcium, provide high-capacity gas storage and enhanced toxic waste gas adsorption. The use of molecular sieve zeolites reduces risk of injury to occupants of vehicles from exposure to hot, toxic waste gases following airbag deployment.

Abstract: Molecular sieve zeolites are incorporated in the inflator device to assist in the inflation of airbags in passenger vehicles. The pre-loading of the molecular sieve zeolites with gases such as air or nitrogen or carbon dioxide provides for rapid airbag inflation and following inflation, additionally provides the remediation of at least a portion of the toxic waste gases generated by the exploding inflator device. Molecular sieve zeolites, particularly zeolites X, having been exchanged with lithium or calcium, provide high-capacity gas storage and enhanced toxic waste gas adsorption. The use of molecular sieve zeolites reduces risk of injury to occupants of vehicles from exposure to hot, toxic waste gases following airbag deployment.

Abstract: A pyrotechnical object is made by compressing a pyrotechnical mass, and introducing into the mass an ignition and combustion accelerator in the form of a propellant powder. The propellant powder could be mixed with the mass prior to compression. Alternatively, the propellant powder could be pressed into an ignition surface of the mass after the pressing. The propellant powder may comprise basic cellulose and/or nitro-cellulose.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a propellant composition made from a lacquer, the lacquer comprising: (a) from about 15 to about 70 wt % of an organic solvent; (b) from about 0.1 to about 2.5 wt % of a stabilizer; (c) optionally, from about 0% to about 40 wt % of an energetic plasticizer; (d) optionally, from about 0 to about 10 wt % of a nonenergetic plasticizer; (e) optionally, from about 0 to about 10 wt % water; (f) optionally, from about 0 to about 15 wt % of additional additives; and balance being nitrocellulose; all weight percents based on the total weight of the composition, and wherein the lacquer has a viscosity of less than 10 million centipoise when processed. The present invention is also directed to an efficient and safe method of making perforated propellant grains using the above lacquer composition, as well as propellant grains having ellipsoidal cross sections or outwardly extending ridges.

Abstract: A pyrotechnical object is made by compressing a pyrotechnical mass, and introducing into the mass an ignition and combustion accelerator in the form of a propellant powder. The propellant powder could be mixed with the mass prior to compression. Alternatively, the propellant powder could be pressed into an ignition surface of the mass after the pressing. The propellant powder may comprise basic cellulose and/or nitro-cellulose.

Abstract: A body of gas generating material for a vehicle occupant protection device comprises about 40 to about 85 weight percent ammonium nitrate. The body of gas generating material also comprises an amount of a glycidyl azide polymer (GAP). The GAP is cured with a polyfunctional acrylate. The acrylate cured GAP can be used as a binder in the gas generating composition or as an energetic coating on tablets prepared from the composition. The acrylate cured GAP can also function as the sole fuel component in the gas generating composition, the composition being essentially free of an added fuel component. The acrylate cured GAP improves the burn and/or ignition rates of the ammonium nitrate based gas generating composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of protecting the occupants of a motor vehicle by an inflatable airbag.The invention relates to a process consisting in inflating an airbag (1) by a pyrotechnic generator (2) containing a double-composition charge (9) formed around a main charge having a linear burning rate V.sub.1 and at least part of the ignition faces of which are covered with a skin of moderate pyrotechnic composition having a linear burning rate V.sub.2 satisfying the relationship:0.05 V.sub.1 .ltoreq.V.sub.2 .ltoreq.0.5 V.sub.1.The invention thus makes it possible to inflate the airbag gradually during the first milliseconds of deployment of the latter.

Abstract: A high-performance minimum smoke propellant composition comprising an oxidizer and a lead salt which reduces the amount of smoke produced and enables the composition to sustain combustion at low pressure. The propellant is useful for various purposes, such as propelling man-rated, shoulder-launched rockets.

Abstract: A high-performance minimum smoke propellant composition comprising a high energy plasticizer blend and a lead salt which reduces the amount of smoke produced and enables the composition to sustain combustion at low pressure. The propellant is useful for various purposes, such as propelling man-rated, shoulder-launched rockets.

Abstract: A caseless propellant charge structure and sensitizer structure for safe ignition and cleaner gas generation. The sensitizer structure is comprised of a sensitizer material which is encapsulated in a protective binder material. The protective binder layer is broken during desired ignition in the combustion chamber. Meanwhile the propellant structure comprises an oxidizer rich layer which also contains fuel and a propellant layer. The oxidizer rich layer is adjacent the sensitizer structure in the strip assembly. The oxidizer rich layer allows ignition while foregoing the need for high concentration of oxidizer throughout the propellant structure thus reducing the mass of solids generated from the oxidizer combustion.

Abstract: Castable propellant formulations are provided including reduced toxicity ballistic modifiers that do not adversely increase the sensitivity of the propellant to shock detonation. Failure to adequately control the propellant burn rate often results in unacceptable performance of the propellant. Carbon can act as an effective ballistic, but not to the extent of metal compounds. It has been found that pasting a ballistic modifier, including ballistic modifiers containing lead, in an inert polymer modifies the burn rate of propellants while allowing the use of a reduced amount of modifier to achieve the same desired burn rate modification as the prior art, and therefore creating reduced shortcomings associated with the ballistic modifiers.

Abstract: Double base propellants having a mixture of bismuth and copper salts of hydroxy-substituted benzoic acids added as burning rate (ballistic) modifiers.

Abstract: A lead-free rim-fire primer mix which utilizes cupric azide, a highly sensitive chemical, as the primary explosive in lieu of lead styphnate. The cupric azide is mixed with carefully selected proportions of nitrocellulose, tetracene, fine particles of ground glass and a binder, typically gum tragacanth. When mixed in the proper proportions, this mix has the required sensitivity, stability, and non-hygroscopicity for regular commercial rim-fire ammunition. The tetracene is not required as a sensitizer, but is used as an ignition aid. The preferred range of percentages are 10-36% by weight of cupric azide, 5-10% by weight of tetracene, 15-30% by weight of nitrocellulose, 20-50% by weight of glass, and 1-2% by weight of a suitable gum.

Abstract: The present invention provides a propellant for electrothermal-chemical guns comprising a dispersion of one or more energetic solids in an energetic liquid phase. The energetic solid is preferably a nitramine such as cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX) and the energetic liquid component is preferably a homogeneous liquid that is either aqueous or non-aqueous. Aqueous liquid phases suitable for use in the present invention include concentrated solutions containing at least one nitrate salt. Non-aqueous liquid phases suitable for use include those that contain nitrate ester, nitramine, nitro or azido compounds or mixtures thereof.These propellants provide a high level of energy density because of the use of energetic ingredients and the high loading density allowed with a liquid propellant. The presence of a dispersed solid phase within the continuous liquid phase also permits control of the burning behavior of the propellant by variation of the interfacial area between phases.

Abstract: An explosive composition is derived from a non-aqueous emulsion of a solution of a self-explosive dispersed as the discontinuous phase (D-phase) throughout a continuous phase (C-phase) which is substantially immiscible with the D-phase. The emulsion is prepared by dropping the solution of self-explosive into a dispersion of surfactant or emulsifier in fuel, at a temperature high enough to prevent precipitation of the self-explosive from solution. Upon cooling and aging, the emulsion becomes a pourable or pumpable mass which gradually is destabilized. Upon destabilization and recrystallization in a cavity, a mass of crystals of self-explosive becomes shaped to the cavity.

Abstract: This invention record describes the production of a low vulnerability propellant (LOVA) ingredients utilizing mixtures of alkyl nitratoethyl nitramines (alkyl NENAs) and/or bis (2-nitroxyethyl) nitramine (DINA) with nitrocellulose. Described compositions provide lower freezing points and decreases sensitivity while maintaining or surpassing output realized with currently used nitroglycerins/nitrocellulose mixtures. A process to provide for the production of desired mixtures of alkyl NENAs with each other or with DINA in a safe, cost-effective co-nitration process is disclosed. The process involves mixing together predetermined amounts of precursors for each of alkyl NENAs and/or DINA to be present in the final mix. Nitrating the precursors followed by a catalyst reaction, wash and neutralization step.

Abstract: A non-toxic primer composition for center-fire cartridges which provides improved ballistic data and is void of metallic oxidizing compounds. It is comprised of a mixture of about 10-30% by weight of nitrocellulose and/or a double based propellant such as Hercules Fines, approximately 30-75% by weight of two percussion-sensitive compounds such as DDNP and tetracene, and approximately 10-30% by weight of calcium silicide. The mixture provides improved propellant ignition and non-toxic ignition products, and minimizes misfires in that it contains no hygroscopic compounds.

Abstract: Nitrocellulose propellant compositions are provided comprising as ballistic modifier a copper II complex of a C.sub.6 -C.sub.12 chain aliphatic carboxylic acid, advantageously in conjunction with one or more conventional ballistic modifiers for example, lead or copper compounds such as lead stearate, lead acetophthalate, lead .beta.-resorcylate and basic copper salicylate. The preferred complex is copper II caproate. The propellant compositions exhibit good quality plateau or mesa burning over a useful pressure range for a wide range of energy and burning rates. The copper II complexes are especially advantageous in cast double base propellants particularly because their solubility in the organic solvents used facilitates their incorporation into these compositions.

Abstract: Nitrocellulose propellant compositions are provided comprising zinc oxide as ballistic modifier, advantageously in conjunction with one or more conventional ballistic modifiers for example, lead or copper compounds such as lead stearate, lead acetophthalate, lead B-resorcylate and basic copper salicylate. The propellant compositions exhibit good quality plateau burning over a useful pressure range for a wide range of burning rates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to modified propellant compositions of either single or multiple based type which are obtained by resolvating a conventional, previously solvated nitrocellulose-based granular propellant with a solvent such as methyl ethyl ketone followed by the addition of glycerine to replasticize the composition and create a slurry. Upon evaporation of the solvent, a waterproof and self-supporting explosive composition is produced which is extremely stable and resistant to impact, friction and static discharge.

Abstract: An energetic plasticizer for double base propellants comprising (1) a mixe of sorbitol tetra-,penta-, and hexa-nitrate (MSN) and (2) a polyolpolynitrate selected from the group consisting of diethyleneglycoldinitrate (DEGDN), triethyleneglycoldinitrate (TEGDN), nitroglycerin (NG) and mixtures thereof. Also included are compound formulations for double base, modified double base, and composite modified double base propellants incorporating the above energetic plasticizer.

Abstract: Lead fluoride acts as a densifying and stabilizing ingredient for a propent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of propellent charges for small and medium calibre arms.The invention relates to a process for the manufacture of fragmentable propellent charges, which consists in a first stage in coating powder particles with a mixture of dinitropolystyrene and of a compound of the polyvinyl nitrate and/or polyvinyl acetate type and, in a second stage, in compressing at between 100.degree. C. and 140.degree. C. the powder particles thus obtained.The invention also relates to the fragmentable charges obtained by the process and to the coated particulate powders obtained at the end of the first stage of the process.The fragmentable charges according to the invention exhibit a temperature behaviour which is superior to that of traditional fragmentable charges and are suitable for cartridgeless ammunition intended for arms with a high rate of fire.

Abstract: Use of 5-oxo-3-nitro-1,2,4-triazole in gunpowder and propellant compositions are disclosed. Such compositions include triple base gunpowders further containing nitrocellulose and a liquid nitric ester such as nitroglycerine. Lowered flame temperatures of the gunpowder and reduced firearm barrel erosion is achieved thereby. The solid propellants include gas-generating compound propellants, less hygroscopic than a propellant contaning ammonium nitrate.

Abstract: A stabilized high energy explosive, e.g. hexogen (RDX), octogen (HMX) or the like, as a component of NC or plastic-bound propellant charge powders (Lova-TLP) or plastic-bound explosives (PBX) has a particle size up to 5 .mu.m and a stabilizer incorporated into the explosive particles. In order to produce such an explosive, it is proposed that the explosive in the dissolved form and with the stabilizer in the liquid phase is mixed with a proportion of up to approximately 6% and the mixture is brought by flash drying into the solid phase with a particle size of up to 5 .mu.m.

Abstract: The present invention relates to water-in-oil emulsion explosive compositions comprising a discontinuous aqueous phase, a continuous water-immiscible organic phase, and an emulsifier content being at least 45% by weight of the emulsified fuel phase which decreases precompression or dead pressing.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a formable homogeneous propellant composition and to a process employing same for production of a self-supporting formed propellant charge. The propellant composition comprises a mixture of propellant grains and solvent-filled microcapsules in proportions suitable for consolidation under pressure to form the self-supporting formed propellant charge. The solvent-filled microcapsules comprise solvent suitable for partially solvating the propellant grains. The mixture of propellant grains and solvent-filled microcapsules are placed in a forming mold under sufficient pressure to rupture at least a substantial portion of the microcapsules. Pressure is maintained for a time sufficient to form the self-supporting formed propellant charge, after which the propellant charge can be removed from the forming mold and cured by exposure to drying heat.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nitrocellulose single-base propellent powders which exhibit good resistance to aging and to moisture. The powders according to the invention characteristically contain zinc carbonate whose particle size distribution is between 2 and 50 micrometers as an additive. The zinc carbonate is incorporated in the powder during the blending. The powders according to the invention find their preferred applications as propellent powders for ammunition intended for warships or for aircraft or as powders intended for gas generators for pyrotechnic devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of combustible ammunition and relates chiefly to the manufacture of bottoms or covers for combustible cases.According to the invention, a combustible article is manufactured by pressing in a die 10 at least one sheet 21 of combustible paper containing nitrocellulose and having the shape of a disc, by virtue of a rigid movable punch 20 exerting a compressive force on a deformable flexible punch 22 arranged inside the said die 10 between the sheets 21 and the said movable punch 20. The flexible punch 22 is in the shape of a substantially cylindrical thick disc, consists of neoprene or a silicone resin and has a hardness of between 55 and 65 Shore at 20.degree. C. The pressing operation is accompanied by a thermoforming operation carried out at approximately 115.degree. C.The process is particularly suitable for the production of bottoms of combustible cases bearing studs or grooves on their side faces.