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.

1 . A self-remediating metal projectile.  
   
   
       2 . A self-remediating metal projectile according to  claim 1 , comprising a bullet, shot, slug, shell, pellet, fiber, foil, or missile.  
   
   
       3 . A self-remediating metal projectile according to  claim 1 , wherein the metal projectile is comprised of one or more metals, alloys, or composites.  
   
   
       4 . A self-remediating metal projectile according to  claim 1 , wherein the metal projectile comprises one or more metals from the group consisting of lead, antimony, bismuth, chromium, cobalt, copper, nickel, tin, tungsten, tantalum, uranium, iron, or one or more alloys or composites thereof.  
   
   
       5 . A self-remediating metal projectile according to  claim 1 , comprising a metal projectile coated with an environmental remediation agent comprising one or more components of capable of reducing the aqueous solubility of the metal projectile.  
   
   
       6 . A self-remediating metal projectile according to  claim 1 , comprising a metal projectile and a passivating coating formed thereon after the projectile is fired.  
   
   
       7 . A self-remediating metal projectile according to  claim 1 , comprising a metal projectile coated with an integrated fixation system.  
   
   
       8 . A self-remediating metal projectile according to  claim 7 , wherein the integrated fixation system is at least as flexible as the metal forming the metal projectile.  
   
   
       9 . A self-remediating metal projectile according to  claim 1 , comprising a metal projectile having an integrated fixation system coated thereon, wherein the metal projectile has a surface adapted to facilitate strong adherence between the integrated fixation system and the metal projectile.  
   
   
       10 . A method for manufacturing a self-remediating projectile, comprising: 
 tumble rolling a metal projectile in a mixture of organic solvent, remediation agent, and water-soluble and/or biodegradable polymer; and    drying the projectile.    
   
   
       11 . A method according to  claim 10 , wherein the organic solvent comprises a mixture of ethyl acetate and propanol.  
   
   
       12 . A method according to  claim 10 , wherein the polymer comprises a tris-capped copolymer of methyl acrylate and acrylic acid.  
   
   
       13 . A method according to  claim 10 , wherein the remediation agent comprises a 3:2:1 weight-to-weight mixture of calcium sulfide, calcium carbonate, and calcium phosphate.  
   
   
       14 . A method according to  claim 10 , wherein the remediation agent comprises one or more of calcium or magnesium sulfide, phosphate, hydroxide, carbonate, oxide, or apatite;, di-calcium hydrogen phosphate; calcium di-hydrogen phosphate; triple super phosphate; dolomite; phosphoric acid; and/or mixed calcium-magnesium adducts thereof.  
   
   
       15 . A method of remediating an area contaminated with spent ammunition, comprising: shooting clean the area with self-remediating ammunition.  
   
   
       16 . A method according to  claim 15 , wherein the self-remediating ammunition contains an excess of one or more remediation agents.  
   
   
       17 . A method according to  claim 15 , further comprising utilizing clay sporting pigeons coated or treated with one or more remediation agents.  
   
   
       18 . An environmentally remediating target, comprising: 
 a clay sporting pigeon coated or otherwise treated with at least one environmental remediation agent.    
   
   
       19 . An environmentally remediating target according to  claim 18 , wherein the at least one environmental remediation agent is contained in a polymer binder.  
   
   
       20 . A method of remediating an area contaminated with spent ammunition, comprising: 
 shooting clean the area using self-remediating ammunition and clay sporting pigeons treated with at least one environmental remediation agent.