Nothing beats the excitement of fireworks on July 4th, an activity that relies heavily on spectator and handler safety precautions.

Safety is also a major concern for military munitions handlers, which led the U.S. Army to develop a unique technology that improves the safety of armaments and fireworks. For years, propellants have been packaged in paper-derived materials such as kraft board, pasteboard or paper, and plain celluloid (a plastic-like, moldable material used in ping-pong balls and photographic film). These materials leave debris behind when burned, and are subject to weather-caused moisture penetration and brittleness, making their operation sensitive and less predictable. This is especially serious for Army munitions, which are used in many climates and often stored for years with minimal weather protection. The U.S. Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC) has the principal responsibility in the Department of Defense for these munitions.

For years, propellants have been packaged in paper-derived materials such as kraft board, pasteboard or paper, and plain celluloid (a plastic-like, moldable material used in ping-pong balls and photographic film).

Through a series of research contracts, a new class of material technology, foamed celluloid, was developed by ARDEC and the Polymer Processing Institute (PPI) to address these shortcomings. Realizing the commercial potential of this new material, ARDEC licensed the technology to PPI. This commercialization strategy includes a three-way Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) among ARDEC (making use of the lab’s specialized equipment), PPI (using PPI’s foamed version of plain celluloid), and Pyrotechnique by Grucci (offering its expertise as a worldwide leading developer of products used in the fireworks industry).

The new casing technology provides more complete and predictable combustion, greater moisture resistance, and improved long-term stability, which result in better safety and performance. The manufacturing process is also simplified (through the use of commercially available equipment) and capable of increasing product uniformity, resulting in lower costs.

The technology is also greener, replacing harmful wastewater related to paper processing with a reusable solvent. The intellectual property is owned by the U.S. Government, which in February 2011 granted PPI an exclusive license to commercialize the technology.