Non-toxic, metallic-metal free zinc peroxide-containing, IR tracer compositions and IR tracer projectiles containing same for generating a dim visibility IR trace

Abstract

Novel non-toxic, metallic-metal free, zinc peroxide-containing, IR tracer compositions are provided herein, which, when incorporated into a medium caliber IR tracer projectile and fired, produce a dim visibility IR trace. Such IR tracer compositions comprise from about 26 to about 30% by weight, or from about 65 to about 80% by weight, of zinc peroxide; from about 40 to about 47% by weight of potassium nitrate; from about 10 to about 25% by weight of a non-metallic fuel which consists of sodium salicylate; from about 5 to about 26% by weight of a retardant which consists of either iron carbonate or magnesium carbonate or calcium carbonate; and from about 5 to about 10% by weight of at least one binder which is either calcium resinate, or a synthetic resin binder which consists of a copolymer of hexafluoropropylene and vinylidene fluoride, or from about 5 to about 7.5% by weight of cellulose acetate butyrate. The total percentage of the ingredients adds up to 100%. Medium caliber, i.e., 0.50 caliber, IR tracer projectiles containing such IR tracer compositions are also provided.

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