Non-toxic, metallic-boron-containing, IR tracer compositions and IR tracer projectiles containing the same for generating a dim visibility IR trace

Abstract

A novel non-toxic IR tracer composition is provided herein which, when incorporated into an IR tracer projectile which is then fired, generates a dim visibility IR trace. Such IR tracer composition is a non-toxic, metallic-boron-containing, IR tracer composition comprising: from about 20 to about 30% by weight, or from about 45 to about 60% by weight, of at least one of potassium chlorate or sodium nitrate; from about 5 to about 16% by weight of a metallic fuel which consists of metallic boron; optionally, from about 15 to about 25% by weight, or from about 40 to about 50% by weight, of a non-metallic fuel which consists of sodium salicylate; from about 5 to about 20% by weight of a retardant which consists either of iron carbonate, or magnesium carbonate or calcium carbonate; from about 5 to about 15% by weight of a first binder which consists of calcium resinate; and up to about 7.5% by weight of a second synthetic resin binder which consists either of a copolymer of hexafluoropropylene and vinylidene fluoride or cellulose acetate butyrate, wherein the total percentage of such ingredients add up to 100%. A novel IR tracer projectile containing such IR tracer composition for generating a dim visibility IR trace is also provided.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.