Self-remediating projectile

Abstract

The invention provides a self-remediating projectile, i.e., an environmentally-remediating bullet, slug, shot, missile, or other ballistic projectile. An environmental remediation agent (e.g., a calcium or magnesium sulfide, phosphate, or similar material), preferably in combination with a water-soluble or biodegradable polymer, acts as a coating for a conventional projectile, rendering it less water soluble and, hence, less prone to corrosion. Also provided are a method of making a self-remediating projectile, an environmentally remediating target, and a method of remediating an area polluted with spent ammunition.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) [0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 525,253, filed Nov. 26, 2003, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 540,291, filed Jan. 29, 2004. The entire contents of both applications are incorporated by reference herein.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention is directed to ballistic projectiles and their environmental remediation, and related products and materials. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] The solubility of lead in water (plumbo-solvicity) is a known phenomenon. Pure lead in soft water will yield concentrations of soluble lead levels of above 0.75 mg / litre at pH 7.5 within days to weeks. (FIG. 1.) Lead-antimony alloys will dissolve at a much faster rate and achieve much higher levels of soluble lead owing to Redox reactions of the lead and antimony present in the alloy. (FIG. 2.) [0004] Lead-antimony alloys are extensively used for ballistics applications such as bullets ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0016] According to the invention, a self-remediating projectile is provided. In one aspect of the invention, a conventional metal bullet, shot, slug, shell, pellet, fiber, foil, missile, etc. is coated or otherwise treated, in whole or in part, with a remediation agent, preferably in a binder, i.e., a polymeric matrix. The binder is typically water-soluble and / or biodegradable. The remediation agent (sometimes called an environmental remediation agent) comprises one or more materials capable of reducing or preventing the water-solubility of the projectile metal(s), or containing it within the vicinity where it lands when fired, thereby preventing or diminishing the leaching of the metal(s) into the environment. A partial list of remediation agents includes calcium and magnesium sulfides, oxides, and phosphates. Through careful selection of the remediation agent(s), the invention offers the benefit of rendering all of the metals in a projectile—not just lead—self-remediating.

[0017] A method of making a self-remediating projectile is also provided and comprises coating or otherwise treating a metal projectile with an organic solvent solution (or other mixture) of a binder polymer and a remediation agent; and drying the coated article. A technique such as tumble rolling can be utilized. In one embodiment, the projectile is coated or treated with an excess of remediation agent, thereby providing the advantage of potentially “shooting clean” a contaminated area through repeated firing of self-remediating projectiles into the contaminated area.

Problems solved by technology

When bullets or shot are fired on ranges they can, under adverse conditions, give rise to significant pollution through the solublisation and corrosion of the lead-antimony alloy in a concentrated area.

The costs involved in the removal of this pollution are substantial.

The principal problem with that approach is that, when the ammunition projectile is fired, the acts of firing, barrel abrasion, collision with other projectiles, and impact with the target or ground cause breaches in the coating.

Thus, such barriers impart no environmental advantage.

Like lead projectiles, most other metal projectiles and / or their corrosion products are potentially harmful to people and the environment: Copper and its salts are frequently regarded as toxic, and certain compounds are SARA 313 Register materials.

Pure tin is usually deemed innocuous to humans.

However, it is toxic to microorganisms in the environment.

This phenomenon of pure tin could risk barrel blocking.

Furthermore, tungsten has been shown to be eco-toxic.

Antimony is a known toxic and regulated material.

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