Segmented Binder System for Pyrotechnic Composition Safety
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pyrotechnic mixing processes are hazardous and time-limited due to the rapid cross-linking of binder ingredients, limiting the storage and processing time of multi-part binder-based pyrotechnic compositions, which can result in disposal or production of suspect-quality end-items.
Innovation Solution
A two-part mixing process where the binder ingredients are pre-mixed separately with pyrotechnic fuels and oxidizers, respectively, creating non-explosive and safer pre-mixed compositions that can be stored and rapidly combined as needed, allowing for faster final processing and extended storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If binder ingredients are pre-mixed and added to fuel to coat it, then the fuel becomes less sensitive and safer to handle, but the overall process becomes time-limited due to cross-linking chemistry
Solution Approach 1:
The binder is divided into separate components (resin and curing agent) that are added at different stages. The resin is pre-mixed with fuel to provide coating and safety benefits, while the curing agent is added later to initiate cross-linking only when needed, thereby extending the usable time window.
Solution Approach 2:
The resin component is prepared and mixed with fuel in advance to provide protective coating and reduce sensitivity before the curing agent is introduced. This preliminary binding action occurs without immediate cross-linking, allowing extended preparation time.
2Manufacturing precision
If binder ingredients are added early in the process to coat all pyrotechnic ingredients, then coating is achieved, but the composition has limited storage time before curing begins
Solution Approach 1:
The binder system is segmented into resin (added early for coating) and curing agent (added later). This allows the coating function to be performed in advance with uniform distribution, while the curing function is delayed to extend storage time.
Solution Approach 2:
The resin is added and mixed with pyrotechnic ingredients in advance to achieve uniform coating coverage. The curing agent is then added at a later stage to initiate cross-linking, separating the coating action from the curing action in time.
3Productivity
If the mixed pyrotechnic composition is not processed into form factor within the time frame, then disposal or suspect-quality end-items result, but extending the time frame is limited by cross-linking chemistry
Solution Approach 1:
The resin is added and mixed with pyrotechnic ingredients in advance to achieve uniform coating coverage. The curing agent is then added at a later stage to initiate cross-linking, separating the coating action from the curing action in time.
Solution Approach 2:
The binder system transitions from a non-cross-linked state (allowing extended processing time) to a cross-linked state (providing mechanical strength). This dynamic transition is controlled by the timing of curing agent addition, allowing flexibility in processing schedule while ensuring final product quality.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables safe and efficient storage of partially processed pyrotechnic compositions, reducing the risk of hazardous handling and extending the 'pot life' for subsequent processing steps, while ensuring the quality of the final product.
Implementation Method 1
once the resin and curing agent portions of the binder come into contact, the overall process becomes time-limited because the cross-linking polymeric chemistry has a finite time before it cures and hardens
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to methods and processes to prepare pre-mixed compositions that can be combined to form pyrotechnic compositions in mixed multiple parts. In exemplary embodiments, a binder curing agent ingredient is premixed with pyrotechnic fuels and can also include other pyrotechnic additives and processing aides. Other binder ingredients such as a binder resin 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 much safer to handle and easier to store for extended shelf-life over a final pyrotechnic composition. Further, the pre-mixed mixtures can be stored in bulk until needed and rapidly combined to achieve the final pyrotechnic composition.