Fuel for energetic compositions comprising caramel color bodies

Abstract

A fuel composition is disclosed that comprises insoluble caramel color bodies produced by the thermal degradation of carbohydrates. The fuel composition may be prepared using a carbohydrate such as a sugar and using an acid catalyst, such as using oxalic acid or citric acid. The fuel composition may be prepared by dissolving the carbohydrate in water to form a solution, and heating the solution over time so that a portion of the carbohydrate is converted to an insoluble polymer. The solution is preferably heated until at least approximately 40% by weight of the carbohydrate is converted to an insoluble polymer and is more preferably heated until it least approximately 50% by weight of the carbohydrate is converted to an insoluble polymer. An explosive composition may be prepared by combining an oxidizer with caramel color bodies. The caramel color bodies are preferably non-hygroscopic, have a neutral pH, and have a high molecular weight.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.