Abstract: The present invention relates to pyrotechnic compositions generating nontoxic gases intended to inflate, in the event of an accident, the protective cushions for the occupants of a motor vehicle.The compositions according to the invention contain an azide, an inorganic oxidising agent and, characteristically, between 5% and 40% by weight of an inorganic binder which is the product of an inorganic polycondensation reaction of mixtures based on alkali metal silicoaluminates. The binder is preferably the product of polymerisation of a silicoaluminate of formula (Si.sub.2 O.sub.5.Al.sub.2 O.sub.2) and of silica SiO.sub.2 in the presence of aqueous sodium hydroxide and/or of aqueous potassium hydroxide.After the various constituents of the composition have been mixed and formed, the polymerisation of the said binder is ensured in a first stage by heating in a leakproof closed vessel and the drying of the composition is ensured in a second stage.

Abstract: Multiple processes and apparatuses for improving the prior system of making gas generant pellets or tablets made of sodium azide, molybdenum disulfide and sulfur wherein powdered ingredients thereof are slurried in water, subjected to wet grinding, spray dried to a powdered material which is molded into pellets or tablets which find use in vehicle crash bags or inflators.The first improvement to the old process and apparatus involves adjusting the basicity of the water to a pH of greater than 8.0 up to about 12.5 via the addition of sodium hydroxide, followed by the addition of sulfur and molybdenum disulfide and finally the sodium azide whereby azide addition is made to a basic mixture of the other ingredients thereby keeping hydrazoic acid concentration levels below about 3.times.10EXP(-3) moles per liter.

Abstract: Disclosed in this invention is a gas generating composition for air bags for automobiles, comprising sodium azide, aluminum sulfate, one of silicon dioxide, alumina and aluminum silicate, and preferably a lubricant and/or a binder. This composition has the advantages such as adequate speed of gas generation and small amount of heat and harmful substances produced when the gas is generated from the composition.

Abstract: Gas generating compositions or propellants are provided which comprise a fuel and a novel oxidizer therefor comprising an inorganic compound having a poly(nitrito) transition metal complex anion. The inorganic oxidant compounds are generically represented by the formula:M.sub.x.sup.1 M.sub.y.sup.2 (NO.sub.2).sub.zwherein (1) M.sup.1 is a metal selected from the (a) Group IA alkali metals, (b) Group IIA alkaline earth metals, preferably strontium, (c) Group IB metals, preferably copper, and (d) Group IIB metals, preferably zinc, of the Periodic Table, (2) M.sup.2 is a metal selected from the transition metals of Groups IVA-IIB of the Periodic Table, (3) x=1, 2, 3, or 4; y=1 or 2, and z=4 or 6 as determined by the required stoichiometry of the metals of the complex, and (4) the M.sup.1 and M.sup.2 metals selected are different metals. M.sup.1 is preferably the Group IA alkali metals, more preferably sodium and potassium, and most preferably potassium. M.sup.

Abstract: Gas generant pyrotechnic compositions especially suitable for inflating vehicle occupant restraint systems with nitrogen gas are described. The compositions are comprised (in wt. %) of about 65-74% of an azide, preferably sodium azide; about 17-25% of iron oxide, preferably ferric oxide; and about 3.5-6% metal nitrite or nitrate co-oxidizer, preferably sodium nitrate; to which base composition is added about 2.5-8% silica, alumina, titania or mixtures thereof, up to 6% bentonite and up to 4% molybdenum disulfide. Preferred driver and passenger side formulations are disclosed.The compositions burn from about 1.0 to 1.5 inches per second, have excellent slag and clinker properties, as well as excellent aging and mechanical strength characteristics when formed into cylindrical pellets or wafers.The formulation ingredients are amenable to water slurry mixing, spray drying and machine pressing into cylindrical pellets or wafers for insertion into a suitable gas generating device.

Abstract: Particles of glass or silica type material are added to pellets of gas generating material as the gas generating material is being loaded into the combustion chamber of a gas generator or inflator. When the inflator is fired, the liquids and gases produced by the resulting rapid combustion process are cooled and condensed by the particles of glass or silica type material to a solid inside the combustion chamber near the exit ports or outlet holes thereof. This dramatically reduces the amount of combustible particle residue or particulates that leave the inflator.

Abstract: In a low energy fuse, the reactive composition on the inner wall of the tubing is substantially free of a metal fuel or quasi metal fuel and comprises a particulate secondary high explosive and a gas generating non-explosive particulate solid selected from barium peroxide, barium nitrate, potassium permanganate, potassium chloride or sodium azide. The gas generating solid renders the fuse safer for use in an inflammable or incendive atmosphere such as a coal mine.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is a gas generating composition suitable for use in air bag systems. The gas generating composition is comprised of a solid metal azide as a fuel, an alkali nitrate as an oxidizer, and diatomaceous earth as an additive.

Abstract: A process for making a body of gas generating material comprising the steps of preparing a slurry of the ingredients of said gas generating material; extruding said slurry into a plurality of extrudate; forming the extrudate into spherical granules; and pressing a plurality of granules to form a unitary body.

Abstract: A gas generating composition comprises an azide of an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal, and manganese dioxide for oxidizing the azide. The composition further includes a clay material containing at least 37% by weight of silicon dioxide and having a mixing ratio of at least 5.5% by weight. This composition can allow burning to be conducted at low temperature to ensure the generation of the desired gas. The strength of a pellet of the composition can be improved without generating a toxic gas or reducing the burning rate or reducing the working efficiency in producing the pellet.

Abstract: A gas generating mass, particularly for inflating airbags for occupant protection systems in motor vehicles, consists of an alkali azide or alkaline earth azide, sulfur in at least an amount that is stoichiometric with respect to the oxidation of the alkali metal or alkaline earth metal of the alkali azide or the alkaline earth azide, as well as, if required, a slag forming agent.

Abstract: A family of ultra high-energy gun propellant systems based upon a nitrocellulose binder matrix, and containing a variety of azide components to provide a formulation having reduced isochoric flame temperatures and ultra-high mass impetus.

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 ratio of oxidizer to azide, and a nucleating amount of a small particle size metal oxide. The inorganic oxidizer is potassium perchlorate. A preferred metal oxide is selected from the group consisting of iron oxide, nickel oxide and aluminum oxide. The coating is applied to the grain from a water slurry and dried.

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: Multiple processes and apparatuses for improving the prior system of making gas generant pellets or tablets made of sodium azide, molybdenum disulfide and sulfur wherein powdered ingredients thereof are slurried in water, subjected to wet grinding, spray dried to a powdered material which is molded into pellets or tablets which find use in vehicle crash bags or inflators.The first improvement to the old process and apparatus involves adjusting the basicity of the water to a pH of greater than 8.0 up to about 12.5 via the addition of sodium hydroxide, followed by the addition of sulfur and molybdenum disulfide and finally the sodium azide whereby azide addition is made to a basic mixture of the other ingredients thereby keeping hydrazoic acid concentration levels below about 3.times.10EXP(-3) moles per liter.

Abstract: A wet mixture of a metal azide having a predetermined average particle size and a metal oxide is prepared. The wet mixture is ground to reduce at least the average particle size of the metal azide. Thereafter, the wet mixture is directed through a chamber containing grinding media. The grinding media is agitated as the mixture flows through the chamber to further reduce the average particle size of the metal azide to a desired particle size.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a gas generating material includes preparing a wet mixture of a metal azide and a metal oxide without prior mixing of the metal azide and metal oxide in dry form. The metal azide content of the gas generating material is controlled and the possibility of forming hazardous hydrazoic acid fumes is minimized by maintaining the temperature of the wet mixture of gas generating material between 20.degree. C. and 30.degree. C. The possibility of forming hydrazoic acid fumes is further reduced by maintaining the pH of the wet mixture of gas generating materials at or above 10.5. Excess liquid is removed from the wet mixture of gas generating materials so that the wet mixture has a moisture content of approximately 9%. The excess liquid from the wet mixture is recycled and used the formation of additional gas generating material.

Abstract: The present invention concerns propellant compositions for the generation of nontoxic gases which are utilized, for example, in airbag generators. These compositions contain, as a gas-yielding component, at least one alkali azide. According to the invention, the compositions are stabilized against the effects of moisture and carbon dioxide by the addition of talc and/or magnesium oxide. These additives are included in amounts of from 3 to 10% by weight. The additive acts so that the propellant compositions do not release hydrazoic acid even under the action of moisture and/or carbon dioxide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new pyrotechnic compositions generating nontoxic cold gases.The compositions according to the invention contain between 55% and 71% by weight of alkali or alkaline-earth metal azide, between 25% and 40% by weight of molybdenum sulphide and between 3% and 6% by weight of a binder consisting of the product of reaction of a polyglycidyl azide containing hydroxyl ends with at least one polyisocyanate. A preferred composition comprises 35% by weight of molybdenum sulphide, 60% by weight of sodium azide and 5% by weight of a binder obtained by reaction of a polyglycidyl azide containing OH hydroxyl ends of mass 2000 with the hexamethylene diisocyanate biuret trimer.The compositions according to the invention are much less sensitive to external attacks, and especially to moisture, than the conventional compositions based on azide and molybdenum sulphide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the manufacture of charges for generators of nontoxic cold gases based on alkali metal or alkaline-earth metal azide, molybdenum sulphide and sulphur.After being formed, the charges are heated to a temperature of between 120.degree. C. and 130.degree. C. for 5 to 20 minutes.After cooling, the charges thus treated exhibit mechanical properties which are greatly superior to those of the charges of identical nature which have not undergone the heat treatment according to the invention.The charges according to the invention find their preferred application in gas generators intended for motor car safety.

Abstract: Gas generating compositions containing an inorganic metal azide, a primary metal oxide oxidizing compound and a secondary oxidizing compound in combination with clay as a means of controlling the burn rate. Metal nitrates are preferred as the secondary oxidizing compound.

Abstract: A propellant composition and method for limiting the corrosive properties of by-products from initiated crash bag propellant compositions comprising a 1(a) or 2(a) group metal azide salt, an oxidizer in the form of an oxide of a non-toxic transition metal element, and an effective amount of a modifier component of the formulaMe.sub.x (An).sub.owhereinMe is a metal cation selected from iron, copper, cobalt, nickel, and molybdenum;An is an anion group which is chemically compatible with and capable of reacting with the metal of the azide salt to form nitrogen gas and non-toxic by-products less corrosive than the corresponding hydroxide of the azide metal would be; andx and o are individually defined as a positive number not exceeding about 4, the sum of which does not exceed about 5.

Abstract: A propellant composition and method for limiting the corrosive properties of by-products from initiated crash bag propellant compositions comprising a 1(a) or 2(a) group metal azide salt, an oxidizer in the form of an oxide of a non-toxic transition metal element, and an effective amount of a modifier component of the formulaMe.sub.x (An).sub.owhereinMe is a metal cation selected from iron, copper, cobalt, nickel, and molybdenum;An is an anion group which is chemically compatible with and capable of reacting with the metal of the azide salt to form nitrogen gas and non-toxic by-products less corrosive than the corresponding hydroxide of the azide metal would be; andx and o are individually defined as positive numbers appropriate to indicate the correct chemical formula.

Abstract: A gas generant composition especially adapted for inflating automotive airbags in the event of a vehicle collision to protect the occupants of the vehicle from injury. The composition consists essentially of 65-74% alkali metal azide; 10-28% ferric oxide; 6-16% sodium nitrate; 0.1-2% fumed silica; and 0-2% molybdenum disulfide. The composition burns at from about 1.2 to about 1.7 inches per second (about 3.0 to about 4.3 cm/sec).

Abstract: Provided herein is a gas-generating composition which forms combustion residues that can be easily captured. The gas-generating composition is composed of an azide of alkali metal or alkaline earth metal, oxidizer, and 0.1 to 10 wt % of one or two kinds of solder glass represented by BaO. SiO.sub.2. PbO. Alkali or B.sub.2 O.sub.3. TiO.sub.2. SiO.sub.2. Na.sub.2 O. The incorporation of solder glass reduces the weight of the filter to capture combustion residues by 5 to 30 wt %.

Abstract: A nitrogen-generating composition useful for inflating air bags as protection for occupants of motor vehicles is disclosed which is composed of an alkali and alkaline earth metal azide, an oxidizing agent which is an alkali or alkaline earth metal salt and an nitride, and optionally silicon dioxide. The nitride or combination of nitride and silicon dioxide are present in an amount effective to bind all of the alkali and alkaline earth metal as slag.

Abstract: Structure for generating nitrogen gas for inflating an air bag vehicle occupant resistant comprises a grain made of an azide based material which generates gas upon combustion. The grain has an ignition enhancing coating thereon consisting essentially of 30 to 50% by weight of an alkali metal azide, 40 to 60% by weight of sodium nitrate or potassium perchlorate, 5 to 15% by weight of boron, and 1 to 15% by weight of sodium silicate. The coating may also include 1 to 6% by weight of graphite fibers as a roughening agent.

Abstract: Electronically excited nitrogen fluoride, NF*, is generated by dissociating fluoride azide, FN.sub.3. In a preferred embodiment, the FN.sub.3 is reacted with vibrationally excited molecules such as hydrogen halide, deuterium halide, carbon dioxide, or nitrogen. In second and third embodiments, the FN.sub.3 is dissociated by laser pumping or by detonation. The NF* can provide a short wavelength laser by pumping the NF(b-X) transition in a resonant chamber or by the addition of an emitting species such as BiF to convert the stored energy of the NF* to photons from the emitting species.

Abstract: A process for preparing a porous propellant grain which comprises blending at least two combustible materials to form a homogeneous mixture, adding a predetermined amount of a liquid dispersant to said mixture to form a slurry, and flash drying the slurry in order to form a porous, single grain propellant having a greatly increased burning surface. A single grain propellant is produced having a flat, torroidal shape with a central cylindrical core and honeycombed with a plurality of porous channels extending entirely through the grain to increase the burning surface thereof.

Abstract: A crash bag propellant composition and method for generating non-toxic nitrogen gas comprising an azide salt and an oxidant component in which metal oxides are substantially replaced with one or more bi-metallic complexes containing copper or iron in combination with chromium, molybdenum or tungsten.

Abstract: Structure for generating nitrogen gas for inflating an air bag vehicle occupant restraint comprises a grain made of an azide based material which generates gas upon combustion. The grain has an ignition enhancing coating thereon consisting essentially of 20 to 50% by weight of an alkali metal azide, 25 to 35% by weight of an inorganic oxidizer, 10 to 15% by weight of a fluoroelastomer binder, 15 to 25% by weight of magnesium, and 1 to 3% by weight of fumed silicon dioxide. The coating may also include 1 to 6% by weight of graphite as a roughening agent.

Abstract: Structure for generating nitrogen gas for inflating an air bag vehicle occupant restraint comprises a grain made of an azide based material which generates gas upon combustion. The grain is made of a gas generating material which includes 61-68% by weight of sodium azide, 0-5% by weight of sodium nitrate, 0-5% by weight of bentonite, 23-28% by weight of iron oxide, 1-2% by weight of fumed silica, and from about 2 to about 6% by weight of graphite fibers having a diameter of 3-15 microns and an average length of 40 to 125 thousandths of an inch.

Abstract: A gas generating composition is disclosed for generating nitrogen gas free from noxious and toxic impurities consisting of an alkali metal azide, at least a stoichiometric amount of a metal oxide or a mixture of metal oxides and an ammonium perchlorate burn rate enhancer. The nitrogen gas can be used to inflate an impact protection air cushion of an automotive restraint system.

Abstract: An azidonitrate energetic composition i.e. cellulose azidonitrate and a pess of making the same from nitrocellulose and sodium or lithium azide.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there are provided gas generating compositions comprising sodium azide, silicon dioxide, potassium nitrate, molybdenum disulfide and sulfur.

Abstract: A pelletized propellant particularly suitable for crash restraint device inflation apparatus comprising an alkali metal azide, an oxidizing agent, and a metal oxide formed by dehydrating a hydrated oxide formed in situ, the burn time and sensitivity of the composition being adjusted to produce the necessary properties for crash restraint device inflators.

Abstract: A high energy propellant or explosive charge is prepared by compacting a normally pulverulent secondary high explosive, such as HMX or RDX, and retaining the pulverulent material packed as a coherent mass by means of a bridging agent capable of hydrogen bonding with the secondary explosive. The bridging agents used in this invention are characterized in their ability to hydrogen bond to the secondary explosive, their comparatively high intrinsic density, their solubility in a polar solvent, and their stereo compatibility with the secondary high explosive. The bridging agents are also characterized by the presence of at least two sites for hydrogen bonding comprised of hydroxyl or, carboxyl groups.

Abstract: A solid propellant gas generator for producing greater than 50-weight percent pure nitrogen gas comprising a stoichiometric blend of sodium azide, NaN.sub.3, and sodium sulfate, Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4, and ballistic modifiers.

Abstract: A mixture of about from 60 to 40 percent amorphous boron and about from 94 to 60 percent ferric oxide, useful as an ignition composition for electrically actuated blasting caps and squibs, has outstanding thermal stability, i.e., up to about 500.degree. C. making it especially suitable for use in blasting caps in oil wells that are deep and hot, e.g., in the liquid-disabled cap described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 469,954. Bridgewire-sensitive compositions containing about from 10 to 20 percent boron are preferred. The compositions can be self-grained, or they may be grained preferably with a water-soluble polymeric binder.

Abstract: A method of producing a priming composition comprising reacting components to produce a primary explosive and a by-product which remains in the composition.

Abstract: An improved gas generating composition for generating nitrogen gas made by coating pellets of a pyrotechnic alkali metal azide composition with an energetic lacquer coating.

Abstract: An improved nitrogen gas generating pyrotechnic composition is provided which consist of a stoichiometric mixture of an alkali metal azide or alkaline earth metal axide fuel and an oxidant consisting of a mixture of at least two metal oxides selected from the oxides of iron, silicon, manganese, tantalum, niobium and tin. The mixed metal oxides provide a synergistic effect and result in a composition having improved ignition delay time, burn rate and gas pressure as well as a reduction in toxic by-products and dust.

Abstract: An improved gas generating composition for generating nitrogen gas made by coating pellets of a pyrotechnic alkali metal azide composition with an energetic lacquer coating.

Abstract: A novel solid composition and method for generating fluorine and gaseous orine components comprising fluorine rich inorganic oxidizing salts such as tetrafluoro ammonium tetrafluoroborate borofluoride and a high energy fuel selected from the group consisting of metals and metal nitrides together with a complexing agent capable of reacting with and trapping the boron trifluoride combustion by-product.

Abstract: An ignition enhancer coating composition for alkali metal azide pyrotechnic propellant compositions comprised of about 2 to 15 weight percent of an oxygen-containing polymeric compound; about 20 to 50 weight percent of an alkali metal azide; and about 40 to 80 weight percent of an inorganic oxidizer. This invention also relates to a pyrotechnic propellant coated with said ignition enhancer composition.

Abstract: A nitrogen gas generating composition is provided which consists of a stoichiometric mixture of an alkali metal azide or an alkali earth metal azide and a doped iron oxide of high chemical reactivity. The doped iron oxide contains up to 1.0% by weight of another metal oxide impregnated into its particle lattice. The resulting composition has improved properties of ignition delay time, total burn time, filter-ability and reduced toxic by-products.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic gas generating composition comprising a fuel and an oxidizer, the composition upon combustion generating a gas and a non-gaseous composition comprising a metallic salt or oxide, the metallic salt or oxide being a highly flowable liquid at the flame temperature of the composition upon combustion, and a viscosity modifier which is present in an amount to render the liquid substantially non-flowable at the flame temperature. Also disclosed is a method of inflating an inflatable device, such as a vehicle safety restraint, comprising the step of substantially completely inflating the device with the gaseous composition products of combustion of the pyrotechnic composition, whereby the metallic salt or oxide is substantially prevented from entering the device.

Abstract: Mixtures of alkali metal azides, metal and metalloid oxides, molybdenum disulfide and optionally sulfur are easily pressed into pellets, are rapid, stable and cool burners and give high purity cool nitrogen gas. The compositions are useful in applications such as automotive crash bag inflators and the like.

Abstract: Electronically excited nitrogen fluoride is formed by reacting fluorine atoms with azide radicals according to the reaction:F+N.sub.3 .fwdarw.NF*+N.sub.2.in a preferred embodiment, the azide radical is provided by using HN.sub.3, and the atomic F is formed by discharging microwaves through either F.sub.2 or CF.sub.4, or by thermally decomposing F.sub.2.

Abstract: A gas generating composition is disclosed wherein the combustible reactants are an alkali metal azide and a metal oxide which upon thermal initiation react to produce alkali metal oxide, metal and pure nitrogen gas which can be used to inflate an impact protection air cushion of an automotive restraint system.