The present invention comprises formulations and method for additive manufacturing comprising: a pot-stable photo-curable polymer; one or more fillers; and one or more additives, wherein the formulation cures into a polymer in six hours or less upon exposure to light. In certain examples, the additive manufacturing is a moldless method of additive manufacturing by preparing a formulation comprising: a pot-stable photo-curable polymer, one or more fillers, and one or more additives, and exposing the formulation to light in an amount that substantially cures the polymer in 6 hours or less.

A combustible solid propellant composition is disclosed that includes an oxidizer of the reaction product under vacuum of potassium periodate and isocyanate, a polymer binder, a plasticizer, and a fuel.

Stabilized, amorphous high energetic compositions having crystallization inhibiting polymers dispersed throughout the solid composition. The compositions disclosed herein are an improvement over crystalline high energetic compositions in that such disclosed compositions are stable and possess physical properties desirable in propellant and high explosive applications.

An energetic composite comprises a metal powder; poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF); and poly(lactic acid) (PLA). The metal powder comprises micrometer- or nanometer-sized particles, and the ratio of PVDF to PLA is between about 1:3 to 3:1. The metal powder comprises between about 4-32% wt of the energetic composite, and the metal powder consists of aluminum (Al), magnesium (Mg), or boron (B). A method of making an energetic composite material, comprises melt-blending a metal powder with poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA).

A gas generator is provided, the gas generator having a propellant cushion that prevents movement of propellant wafers, tablets, or grains by providing a bias thereagainst. Furthermore, the cushion may be formed from a polyurethane-based foam material and if desired, a known oxidizer combined within the foam. Channels inherent within the polyurethane-based foam enhance the combustion of the main gas generant. Alternatively, the substituted polyurethane polymer combined with an oxidizer may be formed as a monolithic grain that provides autoignition and gas generant function in lieu of a primary gas generant or in lieu of an igniter composition, for example.

The invention relates to a cast explosive composition, particularly to a pre-cure castable explosive composition comprising an explosive material, a polymerisable binder, a microencapsulated cross linking reagent, said microencapsulated cross linking reagent, comprising a cross linking agent encapsulated in a microcapsule. Providing a process for formulating a homogenous crosslinked polymer bonded explosive composition comprising the steps of: i) forming an admixture of pre-cure castable explosive composition, said composition comprising an explosive material, a polymerisable binder, a microencapsulated cross linking reagent, said microencapsulated cross linking reagent, comprising a cross linking reagent encapsulated in a microcapsule; wherein the microcapsule, comprises at least one shell wall polymer, wherein the microcapsule's shell wall polymer comprises at least one resonant acoustic stimulus labile linkage, ii) applying resonant acoustic stimulus to the admixture, causing the microcapsule to rupture and release said cross linking reagent, to cause the cure process to start.

The invention relates to a cast explosive composition.

A process for formulating a homogenous crosslinked polymer bonded explosive composition comprising the steps of: i) forming an admixture of precure castable explosive composition, comprising an explosive material, a polymerisable binder, and a cross linking reagent which comprises at least two reactive groups each of which is protected by a labile blocking group, wherein the labile blocking groups, comprise at least one resonant acoustic mixing stimulus labile linkage, ii) applying resonant acoustic mixing stimulus to the admixture, causing the at least one resonant acoustic mixing stimulus labile linkage to be removed and release said cross linking reagent, to cause the cure process to start.

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A system is used for additively manufacturing propellant elements, such as for rocket motors, includes partially curing a propellant mixture before extruding or otherwise dispensing the material, such that the extruded propellant material is deposited on the element in a partially-cured state. The curing process for the partially-cured extruded material may be completed shortly after the material is put into place, for example by the material being heated at or above its cure temperature, such that it finishes curing before it fully cools. The propellant material may be prepared by first mixing together, a fuel, an oxidizer, and a binder, such as in an acoustic mixer. After that mixing a curative may be added to the mixture. The propellant mixture may then be directed to an extruder (or other dispenser), in which the mixture is heated to or above a cure temperature prior to the deposition, and then deposited.

Disclosed herein are electrically operated propellants and methods of making and use thereof. The electrically operated propellants comprise a thermoplastic ionomer and a carbonaceous material. The electrically operated propellants are air stable and are configured to ignite at an ignition condition, wherein the ignition condition is that a physical defect is introduced and an electrical input is applied after the introduction of the physical defect, to thereby ignite the electrically operated propellant.

The present invention relates to methods of preparing pre-mixed compositions that can be combined to form pyrotechnic compositions. In exemplary embodiments, a binder ingredient is premixed with the pyrotechnic fuels and can also include other pyrotechnic additives and processing aides. Other binder ingredients can be premixed with the pyrotechnic oxidizers and can also include other pyrotechnic additives and processing aides. The resulting mixtures are not explosive and are therefore easier to store and much safer to handle. These pre-mixed mixtures can be stored in bulk until needed and rapidly combined to achieve final composition.