A pyrotechnic delayed-action composition and primer charge made of REACh-compliant components that are safe for humans and the environment. The delayed-action composition comprises at least one oxidant, at least one reducing agent, at least one filler and at least one mineral binder. The performance parameters thereof, in particular the burning time, can be set variably within a wide range. The composition clinkers on its own, thus preventing extinction at the front of the burning material even in dynamic conditions. The primer charge comprises at least one oxidant, at least one reducing agent, at least one filler and at least one mineral binder. It is easy to ignite and, due to its clinker structure, transfers its energy well to the compositions to be ignited. The delayed-action composition and the primer charge have the same structure and can easily be combined and adapted to each other in delayed-action units.

The instant application discloses, among other things, devices and techniques for using high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for detonation of explosives. In one embodiment, a device configured to hold small, disposable, ultrasonic transducer arrays suitable for disposal, detonation, or other manipulation of explosives and hazardous materials is provided.

Energetic materials that are photoactive or believed to be photoactive may include a conventional explosive (e.g. PETN, nitroglycerine) derivatized with an energetic UV-absorbing and/or VIS-absorbing chromophore such as 1,2,4,5-tetrazine or 1,3,5-triazine. Absorption of laser light having a suitably chosen wavelength may result in photodissociation, decomposition, and explosive release of energy. These materials may be used as ligands to form complexes. Coordination compounds include such complexes with counterions. Some having the formula M(L).sub.n.sup.2+ were synthesized, wherein M is a transition metal and L is a ligand and n is 2 or 3. These may be photoactive upon exposure to a laser light beam having an appropriate wavelength of UV light, near-IR and/or visible light. Photoactive materials also include coordination compounds bearing non-energetic ligands; in this case, the counterion may be an oxidant such as perchlorate.

An ignition formulation for an incendiary material is disclosed. The ignition formulation comprises an initiator capable of reacting exothermically with the incendiary material to an extent sufficient to generate a flame when contacted with the incendiary material and a non-aqueous inhibitor capable of slowing the rate of exothermic reaction between the incendiary material and the initiator, thereby providing a delay period between contact of the ignition formulation with the incendiary material and generation of the flame. The non-aqueous inhibitor may be a compound selected from a group comprising, for example, long chain (C5-C12) alcohols, alkanes, alkenes, cycloalkanes, ethers, esters, ketones, carboxylic acids, aromatic hydrocarbons, organonitrates, diesel, biodiesel, kerosene, modified kerosene and oils.

An ignition formulation for an incendiary material is disclosed. The ignition formulation comprises an initiator capable of reacting exothermically with the incendiary material to an extent sufficient to generate a flame when contacted with the incendiary material and a non-aqueous inhibitor capable of slowing the rate of exothermic reaction between the incendiary material and the initiator, thereby providing a delay period between contact of the ignition formulation with the incendiary material and generation of the flame. The non-aqueous inhibitor may be a compound selected from a group comprising, for example, long chain (C5-C12) alcohols, alkanes, alkenes, cycloalkanes, ethers, esters, ketones, carboxylic acids, aromatic hydrocarbons, organonitrates, diesel, biodiesel, kerosene, modified kerosene and oils.

A method and system for mapping fractures in a subterranean formation by generating micro-seismic events within fractures using energetic fracturing fluid. The micro-seismic events may be generated by injecting reactive particles and explosive particles into the fractures. A triggering event may occur that allows the reactive particles to come into contact with a fluid within the fractures, causing energetic reactions. The explosive particles may detonate from the energy generated by the reactions.

An energetic material comprising an elemental fuel, an oxidizer or other element, and a carbon nanofiller or carbon fiber rods, where the carbon nanofiller or carbon fiber rods are substantially homogeneously dispersed in the energetic material. Methods of tailoring the electrostatic discharge sensitivity of an energetic material are also disclosed. Energetic materials including the elemental fuel, the oxidizer or other element, and an additive are also disclosed, as are methods of reducing ignition sensitivity of the energetic material including the additive. The additive is combined with the elemental fuel and a metal oxide to form the energetic material. The energetic material is heated at a slow rate to render inert the energetic material to ignition while the energetic material remains ignitable when heated at a fast rate.

The invention relates to a thermal pre-ignition agent which contains as components 20 to 50 wt. % of dinitrobenzofuroxane and 50 to 80 wt. % of an oxidizing agent and a nitrogen-containing compound.

The invention relates to a thermal pre-ignition agent which contains as components 20 to 50 wt. % of dinitrobenzofuroxane and 50 to 80 wt. % of an oxidizing agent and a nitrogen-containing compound.

A high density, generally recognized as safe hybrid rocket motor is described which has a density-specific impulse similar to a solid rocket motor, with good performance approaching or equal to a liquid rocket motor. These high density hybrid motors resolve the packaging efficiency/effectiveness problems limiting the application of safe, low cost hybrid motor technology.