Convert infrared tracer compositions are provided. The compositions are formed using peroxide such as strontium peroxide and barium peroxide. Added to these materials is a burn rate catalyst such as boron, iron oxide, cupric oxide, manganese dioxide, carbon, silicon, graphite fibrils, amorphous silica, copper oxide, potassium dodecaborate, the dipotassium salt of bitetrazole amine, and the potassium salt of dilituric acid. The composition also includes alkali metal compounds in order to enhance the infrared emissions. The compositions are bound together using a binder such that the composition results in a granular material having a mean particle size in the range of from about 500μ to about 800μ.

Infrared tracer compositions

An illuminating pyrotechnic composition comprising a stable inorganic combustion-supporting agent, a nitrated carbohydrate as a high energy binder, at least one non-volatile organic combustible compound whose combustion is exothermic overall and, optionally, a metallic constituent. Such a composition is readily ignitable and combustible and is particularly useful in block form in a signal flare or firework.

Illuminating pyrotechnic composition which generates gases

Compositions are provided which, when burned, produce significant levels of infrared radiation, but only limited levels of visible radiation. The basic components of the compositions include a binder, an oxidizer, and a fuel, where the binder also acts as the fuel. Preferred oxidizers include those compounds which produce large quantities of infrared radiation when the flare composition is burned. Such oxidizers include potassium nitrate, cesium nitrate, rubidium nitrate, and combinations of these compounds. Selection of the binder is important in order to provide the composition with the desirable characteristics identified above. The binder of the present invention does not produce significant soot. At the same time, the binder serves to form a composition which is processible, avoids chunking, and is compatible with the oxidizers used. It has been found that polymer binders which include relatively short carbon chains (1-6 continuous carbon atoms) are preferred. Examples of such polymers include polyesters, polyethers, polyamides and polyamines.

Castable infrared illuminant compositions

An infrared illuminant composition and flares produced therefrom having increased burn rate and increased infrared intensity while maintaining low visible light intensity. The composition comprises potassium nitrate, cesium nitrate, hexamine, boron, silicon, ferric oxide and a binder. A process to produce infrared illuminant flares prevents or substantially eliminates chunking out of burning pieces of the illuminant at pressing increments in the flares.

Infrared illuminant and pressing method

Infrared illuminant compositions are disclosed which produce significant quantities of infrared radiation when burned but which produce very little visible light. The infrared illuminant compositions provide specific illumination in the spectral range visible with night vision devices. The disclosed infrared illuminant compositions include ammonium nitrate as the main oxidizer, an infrared generator such as cesium nitrate, rubidium nitrate, or mixtures thereof, and a fuel. By eliminating potassium and its direct and indirect visible light contributions, from the illuminant compositions, improved concealment indexes are obtained. Other additives, including conventional binders and burn rate modifiers may be used as to tailor the performance and physical characteristics of the infrared illuminant composition.

Infrared illuminating composition

AN ILLUMINATING COMPOSITION WHICH, UPON BURNING, PRODUCES INFRARED RADIATION IN THE 0.74-1.2 MICRON REGION OF THE SPECTRUM. THE PRODUCED RADIATION CAN BE UTILIZED TO PRODUCE IRRADIATION UPON A TARGET TO IMPROVE THE RANGE AND RESOLUTION OF A NIGHT VIEWING DEVICE. THE COMPOSITION IS COMPRISED OF SILICON, HEXAMETHYLENETETRAMINE, AN EPOXY BINDER, AND AN ALKALI METAL NITRATE SELECTED FROM THE GROUP CONSISTING OF POTASSIUM NITRATE, CESIUM NITRATE AND RUBIDIUM NITRATE.

Near infrared illuminating composition

An illuminating round having propulsion means and a flare composition, and means for deploying a parachute upon ignition of the flare composition. The forward end of the round is configured for low drag and means are provided for attaching an auxiliary part which provides for high drag during propulsion of the round.

C Lohkamp

Papers

Near infrared illuminating composition

Illuminating round having dual range capability