Abstract: A method of folding a gas bag for a vehicle occupant restraint system comprises the following steps: first, the gas bag is unfolded between a base and an opposing surface. A spacing is provided between the base and the opposing surface, which corresponds to a height of a housing into which the gas bag is to be inserted after folding. Then, a folding funnel is provided which comprises one end having a large cross-section and one end having a small cross-section, the large cross-section being larger than or equal to a cross-section of the gas bag when unfolded between the base and the opposing surface, and the small cross-section corresponding to a cross-section of the housing; beginning with its large cross-section. Finally, the folding funnel is placed over the unfolded gas bag and moved relative thereto such that the gas bag is pushed together on the base by the folding funnel to the small cross-section.

Abstract: The present invention is a propellant composition comprising from about 2 percent to about 46 percent, by weight, boron particles having a diameter of less than about 500 nanometers. Liquid or gel embodiments of the invention may also include adding the boron particles to a liquid fuel in order to form a liquid fuel system. Examples of such liquid fuels include ethyl ammonium nitrate (EAN), triethyl amine nitrate (TEAN), Cyclotetramethylenetetranitramine (HMX), trinitrotoluene (TNT), jet fuel formula (JP-10), kerosene, RJ-4, or other hydrocarbon based fuels. These liquid fuel systems can be part of bipropellants wherein the liquid fuel system is stored separately from an oxidizing agent and the two are mixed during operation. Examples of oxidizing agents may include nitrogen tetroxide, oxygen, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl ammonium perchlorate (HAP), hydoxyl ammonium nitrate (HAN), ammonium perchlorate, ammonium nitrate, ammonium dinitramide (ADN), or a combination of said chemicals.

Abstract: An igniter composition such as for a gas generant material used in pressure activated restraint system devices such as micro-gas generator applications such as seat belt pretensioners is provided. The igniter composition includes a fuel component containing at least about 3 composition weight percent and less than 15 composition weight percent of boron and an oxidizer component, wherein the fuel component and the oxidizer component are present in stoichiometrically balanced amounts. Associated methods of gas generation are also provided.

Abstract: An automatically ignitable enhancer agent composition comprising: (a) 5-aminotetrazole, (b) a metal powder, (c) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of potassium nitrate, sodium nitrate and strontium nitrate, and (d) molybdenum trioxide, and having a heating value of 4500 J/g or more. Further, the above composition which has an ability to generate gases in an amount of 0.5 mol to 2.0 mol per 100 g of the composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: A new fuel composition useful for catalytic fuel cells is made up of at least two components. The primary fuel component is a surface-active compound, such as methanol, that is a source of and acts to prevent unwanted decomposition of the auxiliary fuel. The auxiliary fuel is a hydrogen-containing inorganic compound with a high reduction potential, such as NaBH4, which acts as a highly reactive source of energy and serves to catalyze the catalytic oxidation of the primary fuel.

Abstract: The invention relates to solid compositions that can decompose generating hydrogen in a self-sustaining combustion reaction after this reaction has been initiated by an appropriate heat source. These compositions comprise an alkali metal borohydride and an oxidizing mineral ammonium salt of formula NH4Y, in which Y represents a group consisting only of nitrogen and oxygen. The ratio of the weight content of alkali metal borohydride to the weight content of the salt of general formula NH4Y is between 1 and 4. Thus, high hydrogen mass yields are obtained, of around 8 to 14%, thereby making it possible to reduce the size and the weight of the hydrogen generators used in certain systems, especially in proton exchange membrane fuel cells.

Abstract: A low burning rate, high temperature incendiary composition having a reactive material of titanium, a second reactive material of boron, an oxidizer of polytetrafluoroethylene in an amount of from about 20 weight percent or greater of the composition and a binder of paraffin wax in an amount of from about 5 weight percent to about 20 weight percent. The composition is safe to handle, ignites readily, burns at a low and controlled rate and produces a very high flame temperature.

Abstract: A high temperature incendiary composition having a reactive material of titanium, a second reactive material of boron, an oxidizer of polytetrafluoroethylene in an amount of from about 10 weight percent or less of the composition and a binder of carboxyl-terminated polybutadiene acrylonitrile in an amount of from about 5 weight percent or more. The composition is safe to handle, ignites readily, burns at a low and controlled rate and produces a very high flame temperature.

Abstract: A gas generating material (16) comprises a polymeric amine. The polymeric amine has a polymer backbone that includes units of wherein R is a nitrogen containing organic radical of a nitrogen containing organic fuel that includes a primary amino group.

Abstract: A high temperature incendiary composition having a reactive material of titanium, a second reactive material of boron, an oxidizer of polytetrafluoroethylene in an amount of from about 20 weight percent or greater of the composition and a binder of CTBN in an amount of from about 10 weight percent or less. The composition is safe to handle, ignites readily, produces low slag, burns at a low and controlled rate and produces a very high flame temperature.

Abstract: Thermally stable gas generant compositions incorporate a combination of nitroguanidine, one or more nonazide high-nitrogen fuels, and phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate or a similar nonmetallic oxidizer that, upon combustion, result in a greater yield of gaseous products per mass unit of gas generant, a reduced yield of solid combustion products, and acceptable burn rates, thermal stability, and ballistic properties. These compositions are especially suitable for inflating air bags in passenger-restraint devices.

Abstract: Compositions are provided which, when burned, produce significant levels of infrared radiation, but only limited levels of visible radiation. The basic components of the compositions include a binder, an oxidizer, and a fuel, where the binder also acts the fuel. Preferred oxidizers include those compounds which produce large quantities of infrared radiation when the flare composition is burned. Such oxidizers include potassium nitrate, cesium nitrate, rubidium nitrate, and combinations of these compounds. Selection of the binder is important in order to provide the composition with the desirable characteristics identified above. The binder of the present invention does not produce significant soot. At the same time, the binder serves to form a composition which is processible, avoids chunking, and is compatible with the oxidizers used. It has been found that polymer binders which include relatively short carbon chains (1-6 continuous carbon atoms) are preferred.

Abstract: Gas generant compositions are disclosed that generally include an a fuel source including a compound having a fuel portion and a fuel oxidizing portion, a fuel oxidizer, and a borohydride catalyst of the oxidation of said fuel portion by said fuel oxidizing portion and said fuel oxidizer to produce gaseous reaction products. In preferred compositions the fuel source is comprised of the elements nitrogen, carbon, hydrogen and water and combusted to produce N.sub.2, CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2 O as the primary reaction products. Preferably, the fuel oxidizer is a metal nitrate, and particularly potassium nitrate, because the potassium will generally be included in solid products and not in the form of a potentially harmful gas. It is also preferred that the combustion reaction be catalyzed using borohydrides. Potassium borohydrides, such as K.sub.2 B.sub.12 H.sub.12 and K.sub.2 B.sub.10 H.sub.10, are particularly preferred.

Abstract: An igniter composition for a gas generant and related methods of gas generation are provided in which, in addition to a boron fuel component and an oxidizer component, the igniter composition additionally includes a gas-producing fuel component.

Abstract: Compositions are provided which, when burned, produce significant levels of infrared radiation, but only limited levels of visible radiation. The basic components of the compositions include a binder, an oxidizer, and a fuel, where the binder also acts the fuel. Preferred oxidizers include those compounds which produce large quantities of infrared radiation when the flare composition is burned. Such oxidizers include potassium nitrate, cesium nitrate, rubidium nitrate, and combinations of these compounds. Selection of the binder is important in order to provide the composition with the desirable characteristics identified above. The binder of the present invention does not produce significant soot. At the same time, the binder serves to form a composition which is processible, avoids chunking, and is compatible with the oxidizers used. It has been found that polymer binders which include relatively short carbon chains (1-6 continuous carbon atoms) are preferred.

Abstract: An inflatable system which uses a fast-burning propellant material distributed within the inflatable component of the system to generate the gas inflating the system. The invention preferably includes a distributed fast-burning igniter material, which may be enhanced with additional gas-generating materials to increase the quantities of gas generated, an optional layer, coating, or sheath of supplemental gas-generating material, an environmentally-sealed sheath to protect the enclosed materials from contamination and to improve the burn rates and efficiencies of the propellant and ignition materials, and an electronic squib used to actuate the igniter material upon a signal from the electronic sensor.

Abstract: A method of stabilizing borane-tetrahydrofuran complex comprises the step of maintaining the temperature of the borane-tetrahydrofuran complex at or below 20.degree. C. A method of reacting a borane reagent with a substrate comprises the steps of heating the borane reagent and the substrate in a reaction vessel and preventing escape of evolved diborane from the reaction vessel. Preferably, a reaction vessel containing a borane reagent and a substrate is maintained under at greater than atmospheric pressure with back-pressure regulation.

Abstract: Nonazide gas generant compositions, useful for inflating passenger restraint gas inflator bags, comprise a multimetallic coordination complex oxidizer selected from coordination complexes comprised of anionic nitro and nitrito ligands coordinated with a transitional metal template, and a cationic component comprised of two or more different metals. The gas generant compositions generate relatively more gas and are significantly less toxic than known azide gas generant compositions, and furthermore, generate solids that are readily filterable.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for neutralizing pentaborane. A high-capacity pentaborane processing system is disclosed that may be employed at a variety of sites where pentaborane may be stored. Remote monitoring and worker interface with the pentaboraneis limited to placement of a target cylinder into an airtight chamber and connection of process piping to each cylinder valve. Hydrolysis of the pentaborane is achieved in the system by rapid and extensive physical mixing of the pentaborane with water, which yields gaseous elemental hydrogen and residual boric acid. Sodium hydroxide may be provided to neutralize boric acid and form borax, which may be later precipitated out of the waste stream. Continuous monitoring through various pH and ORP sensors give operators information needed to maintain correct chemical balance throughout the reaction process. A cylinder or other container filled with pentaborane may be connected to an airtight system.

Abstract: Compositions are provided which, when burned, produce significant levels of infrared radiation, but only limited levels of visible radiation. The basic components of the compositions include a binder, an oxidizer, and an organic fuel. Preferred oxidizers include those compounds which produce large quantities of infrared radiation when the flare composition is burned. Such oxidizers include potassium nitrate, cesium nitrate, rubidium nitrate, and combinations of these compounds. The composition preferably includes significant quantities of cesium nitrate as an oxidizer. Selection of the binder is important in order to provide the composition with the desirable characteristics identified above. The binder of the present invention does not produce significant soot when burned. At the same time, the binder serves to form a composition which is processible, avoids chunking, and is compatible with the oxidizers used.

Abstract: Multicomponent pyrotechnic gas generating compositions are provided which comprise a single or multiple nonazide fuel. The single and multiple fuels are selected from guanidine, azole, and other high nitrogen aliphatic, aromatic, and/or heterocyclic compounds. The fuels are blended with single and multiple oxidizers. Other materials are added to the compositions for processing, aiding ignition, enhancing ballistics, reducing particulates, and scavenging undesirable gaseous decomposition products. A significant amount of nontoxic gas is formed at acceptable flame temperatures when these compositions are combusted, which allow their use in automotive air bag safety systems.

Abstract: A method, device and composition for achieving ignition and sustained combustion using a solid consumable catalytic bed (CCB) is described. The CCB accomplishes this by decomposition of an injected fluid. Initially this reaction is catalytic or hypergolic in nature, eventually becoming entirely thermal as the CCB is consumed in the reaction generated. The CCB may be placed in a hybrid motor system such that the decomposed injected fluid will undergo combustion with the solid grain. When the injected fluid is high concentration hydrogen peroxide the catalytic materials of construction for the CCB are selected from the metallic hydride family, the manganese oxide family and the cuprocyanide family.

Abstract: Complex generating compositions and methods for their use are provided. Metal complexes are used as gas generating compositions. These complexes are comprised of a cationic metal template, sufficient oxidizing anion to balance the charge of the complex, and a neutral ligand containing hydrogen and nitrogen. Hyradzine complexes are formulated such that when the complex combusts nitrogen gas and water vapor is produced. Specific examples of such complexes include metal nitrite ammine, metal nitrate ammine, and metal perchlorate ammine complexes, as well as hydrazine complexes. Such complexes are adaptable for use in gas generating devices such as automobile air bags.

Abstract: A priming mixture containing no toxic materials, in particular no Pb, Ba or Sb compounds, and presenting at least one primary explosive, an oxidizing agent, a reducing agent, and an inert friction agent; the oxidizing agent consisting essentially of stannic oxide, SnO.sub.2. The central-fire or rimfire percussion primer presents a casing containing the priming mixture, and, in the case of the central-fire primer, also an anvil.

Abstract: A gas generator contains hydrazodicarbonamide serving as a reducing agent, oxoacid salt serving as an oxidizing agent, and a combustion controller which is catalytic or combustible. As a combustible combustion controller, boron, and zirconium are preferred. The gas generator includes a flame coolant containing at least one compound selected from the group consisting of hydrates of metal sulfates, hydrates of metal nitrates, hydrates of metal carbonates, metal hydroxides, and hydrates of metal hydroxides in which the metal moieties are selected from the III, IV, V, and VI Period metal of the Periodic Table. As a flame coolant, magnesium hydroxide is preferred.

Abstract: A gas generator propellant formulation suitable for use in an air turbo ret (ATR) which employs an air breathing system that uses fuel gases produced by a gas generator propellant to operate the engine's turbine is provided which can also be used with other airbreathing propulsion systems that require a high gravimetric heating value (GHV). The basic fuel gas generator propellant formulation comprises in weight percent a tetraalkylammonium borohydride 50-100; lithium nitrate 0-50; and optional additives of hydroxy proply cellulose 0-20 and silica or silicon 0-20. The basic fuel gas propellant formulation can also employ an encapsulated tetraalkylammonium borohydride which employs an encapsulation polymer selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, and ethyl cellulose. When employing an encapsulated tetraalkylammonium borohydride a binder is employed selected from the group consisting of polybutadiene and polyether cured with 0.

Abstract: A nontoxic primer mix for use in a percussive primer, especially of the Boxer type which principally comprises diazodinitrophenol, iron oxide and boron. The composition may also contain a nitrate ester as a fuel, and tetrazene as a secondary explosive.

Abstract: An improved non-toxic primer which is devoid of metallic oxidizing compounds and of hygroscopic compounds and is comprised of 30-75% by weight of at least two percussion-sensitive compounds selected from a group consisting of a diazo, a triazole, and a tetrazole compound mixed with approximately 10-30% by weight of a suitable propellant, and a frictionator comprised preferably of approximately 12% by weight of calcium silicide and 8% by weight of fine particles of glass. The glass preferably has a particle size of dimensions less than 0.0021". The primer provides improved propellant ignition, non-toxic ignition products, improved ballistic data, and greatly minimizes misfires.

Abstract: A non-toxic primer composition comprising a dinitrobenzofuroxan salt, oxidizer and a relatively high proportion of friction agent. A typical set of components are KDNBF with KNO.sub.3 and ground glass.

Abstract: A propellant composition comprising an admixture of a first hydrogen rich material and a second metal material which is capable of reacting exothermically with the first material. The ratio of the first material to the second material is selected such that the exothermic reaction forms a solid phase and a gas phase which contains substantial amounts of hydrogen. Preferably, the first hydrogen rich material comprises a material capable of providing nitrogen upon decomposition thereof, and the second metal material comprises a material capable of reacting exothermically with the nitrogen generated by the decomposition of the first material such that the solid phase comprises a solid nitride of the second metal material. In a preferred embodiment, the first material comprises ammonium azide, and the second material comprises boron, titanium, titanium hydride, or mixture thereof.

Abstract: A combination of a first and a second composition provide an adjustable spectrally balanced infrared flare usable to decoy missiles. The first composition includes boron, aluminum, ammonium perchlorate, potassium nitrate and Viton.RTM. A fluoroelastomer. The second composition includes magnesium, polytetrafluoroethylene and Viton.RTM. A fluoroelastomer. Adjusting the ratios between the compositions matches any particular aircraft's spectral signature.

Abstract: To a gas generant composition comprising a fuel component which includes a triazole compound and/or tetrazole compound with an acidic hydrogen and an oxidizer component which includes a transition metal oxide, is added a chelating agent, such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) to provide long-term stability to the gas generant composition.

Abstract: Tetrazoles of improved physical properties as produced by converting them into their amine salts represented by the following chemical formula (1): ##STR1## wherein R represents hydrogen, alkyl, phenyl, benzyl or phenethyl group, which may be substituted by an alkyl with carbon number 1-3, chlorine, hydroxyl, carboxyl, methoxy, aceto, nitro or other group, and wherein R may also be tetrazolyl group, which may be substituted via diazo or triazo group, and wherein Z is an amine.The tetrazole amine salts are useful as gas-generating agents for air-bags or as foaming agents for high polymers.

Abstract: A sodium-azide-free gas-generating composition includes an oxidizable inorganic fuel, such as a metal, and an oxidizing agent containing oxygen and a metal. The fuel and the oxidizing agent are selected such that water vapor is produced upon reaction between the inorganic fuel and the oxidizing agent. Although a number of inorganic fuels can be employed, a suitable fuel can be a transition metal, another element such as silicon, boron, aluminum, magnesium, an intermetallic compound, hydrides of these metals and mixtures thereof. The oxidizing agent comprises a metal hydroxide, a metal hydrous oxide, a metal oxide hydrate, a metal oxide hydroxide, or mixtures thereof. The fuel and oxidizing agent are selected such that essentially no gases other than water vapor are produced.

Abstract: A sodium-azide-free gas-generating composition includes an oxidizable inorganic fuel, such as a metal, and an oxidizing agent containing oxygen and a metal. The fuel and the oxidizing agent are selected such that water vapor is produced upon reaction between the inorganic fuel and the oxidizing agent. Although a number of inorganic fuels can be employed, a suitable fuel can be a transition metal, another element such as silicon, boron, aluminum, magnesium, an intermetallic compound, hydrides of these metals and mixtures thereof. Suitable oxidizing agents are selected from basic metal carbonates and basic metal nitrates. The fuel and oxidizing agent are selected such that substantially nontoxic gases are produced such as mixtures of water vapor and either carbon dioxide or nitrogen.

Abstract: A sodium-azide-free gas-generating composition includes an oxidizable borohydride fuel and an oxidizing agent containing oxygen and a metal. The fuel and the oxidizing agent are selected such that water vapor is produced upon reaction between the borohydride fuel and the oxidizing agent. Suitable oxidizing agents contain a metal and oxygen and are selected from a metal oxide, a metal oxide hydrate, a metal oxide hydroxide, a metal hydrous oxide, a metal hydroxide, or mixtures thereof. The fuel and oxidizing agent are selected such that water vapor is the major gaseous combustion product.

Abstract: Autoigniting compositions containing a hydrazine salt of 3-nitro-1,2,4-triazole-5-one for the gas generator of a vehicle occupant restraint system result in rapid autoignition at temperatures from approximately 150.degree. C. (302.degree. F.) to 220.degree. C. (428.degree. F.) thereby allowing the gas generator to operate at lower temperatures to facilitate use of an aluminum canister. The autoignition compositions of the present invention are relatively insensitive to shock or impact, are safe to manufacture and handle, and are advantageously classified as Class B materials.

Abstract: A stable chlorine-free solid rocket propellant composition containing a low energy binder component having an HEX value not exceeding about 0 cal/gm and comprising, in combination, a nitrate salt and/or phase stabilized nitrate salt as oxidizer component, a Mg/Al alloy of limited Mg content as a fuel component, at least one energetic plasticizer component, and a burn rate catalyst.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for contacting a hot reaction mass with water to initiate an explosive reaction. The reaction mass comprises a ceramic or intermetallic material that is produced by exothermically reacting a mixture of reactive elements. Suitable reaction masses include borides and/or carbides that are formed by reacting a mixture comprising B and/or C in combination with an element selected from Ti, V, Cr, Zr, Nb, Mo, Hf, Ta and W. Additional metals such as Al, Li, Mg, Zn, Cu, Be, Na, K, Ca, Rb, Y, U and Cs may also be present in the reactive mixture. In operation, the hot reaction mass is contacted with water to initiate an explosive water reaction and to produce large volumes of hydrogen containing gas.

Abstract: A nontoxic primer mix for use in a percussive primer, especially of the Boxer type which principally comprises diazodinitrophenol and boron. The composition may also contain calcium carbonate or strontium nitrate as an oxidizer, a nitrate ester as a fuel, and tetrazene as a secondary explosive.

Abstract: A composite solid propellant with a stable burning rate comprising an oxidizer, a binder system of telomeric polybutadiene or copolymers of butadiene and acrylonitrile with terminal functional groups or functional groups distributed statistically along the chain, which are hardened by means of corresponding hardeners into rubber-elastic binders, finely pulverized, readily oxidizable metals and optionally plasticizers and burning rate moderators, wherein one or more of said metals is admixed with inorganic fluorides and incorporated into the composite solid propellant, preferably said metals and said inorganic fluorides are admixed in the form of an agglomerate having a particle size of between 100 .mu.m and 2,000 .mu.m.

Abstract: A composite solid propellant with a stable burning rate comprising ammonium perchlorate, a binder system of telomeric polybutadiene or copolymers of butadiene and acrylonitrile with terminal functional groups or functional groups distributed statistically along the chain, which are hardened by means of corresponding hardeners into rubber-elastic binders, finely pulverized, readily oxidizable metals and, optionally, inorganic fluorides, plasticizers and burning rate moderators, wherein ammonium perchlorate together with one or more of said finely pulverized metals, as well as, optionally, said inorganic fluorides are present as an agglomerate of larger particles having a particle size of between 100 .mu.m and 2,000 .mu.m.

Abstract: An autoigniting composition for the gas generator of a vehicle occupant restraint system that is thermally stable at temperatures up to 110.degree. C., will not autoignite at 150.degree. C., but when heated to approximately 177.degree. C. will undergo rapid autoignition.

Abstract: Propellant grain consisting essentially of:A. from about 50% to about 75% by weight of an oxidizer consisting essentially of ammonium nitrate;B. from about 1% to about 20% by weight of a cured polymeric binder;C. from 0% to about 30% by weight of a nitrate ester plasticizer;D. from about 3.5% to about 8% by weight of boron in free elemental form; andE. from 0% to about 3% by weight of aluminum metal.The grain has a pressure exponent not exceeding about 0.30 at a combustion pressure between about 2500 and about 7000 pounds per square inch (between about 1700 and about 4800 N/cm.sup.2). Also, an uncured pourable slurry having the formula stated above, except that the binder is uncured. Also, a method for forming a propellant grain having the formula stated above, comprising the steps of providing the uncured pourable slurry defined above, pouring the slurry into a casing, and curing the slurry in situ to form a cured propellant grain having a pressure exponent not exceeding about 0.

Abstract: An infrared illuminant composition and flares produced therefrom having increased burn rate and increased infrared intensity while maintaining low visible light intensity. The composition comprises potassium nitrate, cesium nitrate, hexamine, boron, silicon, ferric oxide and a binder. A process to produce infrared illuminant flares prevents or substantially eliminates chunking out of burning pieces of the illuminant at pressing increments in the flares.

Abstract: A gas generating grain has a water-based particulate booster coating thereon. The coating comprises an alkali metal azide, a water-soluble inorganic oxidizer in approximately a stoichiometric proportion of oxidizer to azide, and a nucleating amount of a small particle size metal oxide, preferably selected from the group consisting of iron oxide, nickel oxide and aluminum oxide. The coating is applied to said grain from a water slurry and dried, and when dried has an average particle size of less than about 50 microns.

Abstract: An electric primer has an intrinsically conductive pyrotechnic mixture consisting of a metal powder fuel, an alkaline oxidizer, and a sensitizing fuel. The primer mixture preferably consists of about 27% titanium metal powder, about 68% potassium chlorate, and 5% boron as the sensitizing fuel. Lead thiocyanate may also be added as a further sensitizing fuel. The primer is advantageously adapted for use in airbag inflators in an automobile passive restraint system.

Abstract: The invention provides a pyrotechnic composite and process for preparing the same, wherein the pyrotechnic composite comprises a mixture of an alkaline earth metal sulfate, particulate boron and at least one additional particulate metal which is capable of exothermically reacting with boron. The exothermic reaction between the components of the pyrotechnic composite releases a thermal radiation of at least about 300 W/cm.sup.2 -Steradian and a visible light energy of at least about 1.0.times.10.sup.4 LUX.

Abstract: Alloy complexes which are composed of (1) lithium (Li, (2) Boron (B), and ) one or more of the following elements: sodium (Na), potassium (K), rubidium (Rb), and cesium (Ce). These alloy complexes in powder form react spontaneously with air upon contact to produce large amounts of heat.

Abstract: A solid high-performance propellant for a rocket engine is described. The propellant is constituted by a combination of polyglycidylazide (GAP) ([C.sub.3 H.sub.5 N.sub.3 O].sub.n) or poly-3,3-bis(azidomethyl)oxetane (BAMO) ([C.sub.4 H.sub.6 N.sub.6 O].sub.n) with boron, aluminum, or aluminum hydride (AlH.sub.3) and a compound selected from the group consisting of hydrazinium nitroformate (N.sub.2 H.sub.5 C(NO.sub.2).sub.3), nitronium perchlorate (NO.sub.2 ClO.sub.4), or ammonium perchlorate (NH.sub.4 ClO.sub.4), together with other conventional additives.