Abstract: Gas generant compositions contain the mono-ammonium salt of bis (1(2)H-tetrazol-5-yl)-amine, an oxidizer such as phase stabilized ammonium nitrate, and a first additive selected from fumed oxides such as fumed silica. Gas generators 10 and gas generating systems 200 incorporating the compositions are also contemplated.

Abstract: An ionic liquid is disclosed A precursor composition that comprises at least one ionic liquid and at least one energetic material is also disclosed, as is a method of synthesizing an ionic liquid and a method of desensitizing an explosive composition.

Abstract: Glycerin-containing explosive compositions comprising at least an oxidizer and glycerin are provided. The explosive compositions may comprise a glycerin, such as impure or crude glycerin, modified crude glycerin, substantially pure glycerin or pure glycerin. The explosive compositions may comprise other combustible fuels such as fuel oil or carbonaceous material(s). The explosive compositions may be prepared on site, loaded in bulk on mobile platforms, and/or prepared and packaged in suitable containers.

Abstract: A substantially anhydrous solid or liquid chemical adduct formed by reacting hydrogen peroxide, and a compound selected from the group consisting of sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, ammonium nitrate, ammonium dinitramide and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A novel compound, used for example, as a gas generating fuel, is defined as a compound having the structural formula of R3—R1—R2, wherein R1 is a urea group, R2 is a tetrazolyl group with a C—N bond to the urea group, and R3 may be defined as a non-tetrazolyl, triazolyl, heterocyclic, heterocyclic amine, aliphatic, aliphatic amine, aryl, alkyl, hydrogen, or nitrogen group linked to the free nitrogen on the urea group. A method of making the compound is also provided. A gas generating composition 12 containing the novel compound as a fuel, and an oxidizer is also provided. The novel compound may be contained within a gas generant composition 12, within a gas generator 10. The gas generator 10 may be contained within a gas generating system such as an airbag inflator 10 or seat belt assembly 150, or more broadly within a vehicle occupant protection system 180.

Abstract: A novel compound, used for example, as a gas generating fuel, is defined as a compound having the structural formula of R3-R1-R2, wherein R1 is a benzene ring with nitro substitution, R2 is a tetrazolyl group with a C—C bond to the benzene ring, and R3 is a tetrazolyl group with a C—C bond to the benzene ring. A method of making the compound is also provided. A gas generating composition containing the novel compound as a fuel, and an oxidizer is also provided. The novel compound is contained within a gas generant composition, within a gas generator. The gas generator may be contained within a gas generating system such as an airbag inflator or seat belt assembly, or more broadly within a vehicle occupant protection system.

Abstract: The invention relates to thermal pre-ignition agents and to their use as thermal fuses, in particular for use in gas generators of motor-vehicle safety systems.

Abstract: A method of making pelletized nitrocellulose (PNC) includes preparing a lacquer, the lacquer comprising nitrocellulose (NC), ethyl acetate and ethyl centralite, the NC having a nitrogen content of at least about 12.2%; mixing the lacquer with an antisolvent to thereby emulsify the lacquer and form PNC; drowning the PNC with the antisolvent; and separating the antisolvent and ethyl acetate from the PNC.

Abstract: An oxidizer package for use in a solid fuel propellant system. The oxidizer package comprises a solid oxidizer in the form of discrete pellets of predetermined geometric shape. The pellets are arranged in an array with spaces amongst the pellets. A holder is provided for maintaining the pellets in the array for receipt of a binder introduced to spaces amongst the array of pellets. Preferred propellants include hydrazinium nitroformate and nitronium perchlorate. This arrangement for the pellets can achieve loadings as high as 85% by weight for the pellets.

Abstract: The subject of the present invention is lead- and barium-free propellant charges with primary explosives mixed with oxygen-supplying substances, characterized in that the primary explosives are selected from alkali metal and/or alkaline earth metal salts of dinitrobenzofuroxanes and the oxygen-supplying substances are chosen from metal peroxides, nitrates of ammonium, guanidine, aminoguanidine, triaminoguanidine, dicyanodiamidine, and the elements sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, cerium, and/or multivalent metal oxides. The propellant charges according to the invention exhibit increased stability with respect to known propellant charges that are free of harmful substances.

Abstract: Gas generating compositions and methods for their use are provided. Metal complexes are used as gas-generating compositions. These complexes are comprised of a metal cation template, a neutral ligand containing hydrogen and nitrogen, and sufficient oxidizing anion to balance the charge of the complex. The 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. A binder and co-oxidizer can be combined with the metal complexes to improve crush strength of the gas-generating compositions and to permit efficient combustion of the binder. Such gas-generating compositions are adaptable for use in gas-generating devices, such as automobile air bags.

Abstract: Provided is a gas generating composition having a low combustion temperature and having a low produced amount of toxic carbon monoxide, ammonia and nitrogen oxides at the time of combustion. The gas generating composition includes the following components (a), (b) and (c) and optionally the component (d) and/or the component (e): (a) an organic compound as fuel; (b) an oxygen-containing oxidizing agent; (c) aluminum hydroxide; (d) a binder; and (e) an additive selected from metal oxides and metal carbide.

Abstract: A novel family of amine azides having a cyclic structure therein is disclosed. These compounds have attractive properties as rocket propellants.

Abstract: A material for a pyrotechnic composition and related pyrotechnic compositions are provided in which the material includes a substituted basic metal nitrate including a reaction product of an acidic organic compound and a basic metal nitrate. A method for enhancing a burn rate of a gas generant composition and a burn rate enhanced gas generant composition including a reaction product of basic metal nitrate and tetrazoles, tetrazole derivatives, and combinations thereof, and a nitrogen-containing co-fuel such as guanidine nitrate are also disclosed. The burn rate enhance gas generant composition may optionally include an additional oxidizer such as basic copper nitrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas generant composition comprising a nitrogen-containing organic compound, an oxidizing agent and an additive, wherein a calorific value per mol of gas generated by the combustion of the gas generant is not more than 125 KJ. Also, the present invention provides a gas generator using the said gas generant composition of the present invention. In the gas generant composition that burns at a suitable combustion speed for the gas generator, a calorific value per mol of gas generated by the combustion of the gas generant is suppressed to a specific value as noted above, whereby reduction in size and weight of the gas generator is achieved.

Abstract: Addition of an aminosulfonate product to an inorganic nitrogen-containing salt provides a composition of matter with improved properties. In particular, 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid and its derivatives can be added to ammonium nitrate to provide improved prills.

Abstract: An inflator for an air bag has, in a housing having a gas discharging port, a combustion chamber accommodating a molded article of a gas generating composition which is burnt to generate gas and ignition means to ignite the molded article of a gas generating composition. The molded article contains a metal component and meets the requirement: (A) the (theoretical) combustion flame temperature of the molded article of the gas generating composition is 2000° C. or less, and part or the whole of the metal or metal oxide after combustion of the molded article of the gas generating composition has a melting point not lower than the combustion flame temperature; and (B) bulk combustion residues remain in the combustion chamber at the time of combustion of the molded article of the gas generating composition.

Abstract: A propellant composition including a fuel, an oxidizer, and a latex binder and method of making, wherein the method of making eliminates the need for the large amounts of volatile, flammable solvents that are typically associated with the traditional process.

Abstract: A propellant for gas generators, especially for lifesaving systems, contains one or several tetrazole derivative(s) or respectively one or several compounds from the groups of (A) cyanic acid derivatives and their salts, (B) triazine and triazine derivatives, (C) urea, its salts, derivatives, and compounds evolved therefrom and their salts, wherein the aforementioned compounds can also be present as mixtures; and an oxidizing agent from the group of peroxides of zinc, calcium, strontium or magnesium or such peroxides with nitrates of ammonium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium and iron, wherein it is possible to add further gas generating components, coolants, reducing agents, catalysts and/or porosity-producing media.

Abstract: A material for a pyrotechnic composition and related pyrotechnic compositions are provided in which the material includes a substituted basic metal nitrate including a reaction product of an acidic organic compound and a basic metal nitrate. A method for enhancing a burn rate of a gas generant composition and a burn rate enhanced gas generant composition including a reaction product of basic metal nitrate and tetrazoles, tetrazole derivatives, and combinations thereof, and a nitrogen-containing co-fuel such as guanidine nitrate are also disclosed. The burn rate enhance gas generant composition may optionally include an additional oxidizer such as basic copper nitrate.

Abstract: A gas generating composition is obtained in which an amount of a combustion residue based on a unit amount of a gas generated is reduced. A gas generating composition comprising nitroguanidine, guanidine nitrate or a mixture thereof as a fuel and further an oxidizing agent. The oxidizing agent is a perchloric acid salt, a nitric acid salt or a mixture thereof, and when the oxidizing agent is ammonium perchlorate, a chlorine neutralizer is further incorporated.

Abstract: The present invention makes it possible to transfer thin film devices such as integrated semiconductor and optical components from a first substrate onto a second substrate through a thermal process at high temperature, without degradation of device performance. Other devices can be fabricated thereafter on the other side of the second substrate. Since the semiconductor and optical components can be transferred onto the second substrate in a single-step thermal process, in comparison with prior art the number of transfer substrates needed in the fabrication process can be effectively reduced, thus simplifying the fabrication process and realizing cost reduction.

Abstract: A gas generating composition which can prevent formation of mist is provided. A gas generating composition comprising (a) glass powder, (b) aluminum hydroxide and/or magnesium hydroxide, (c) an organic compound as fuel, and (d) an oxygen-containing oxidizing agent. By the action of the component (a), combustion residues can be solidified to form a slag, thus preventing formation of mist.

Abstract: Pyrotechnic compositions which include a fuel material of cobalt III nitrate complex with ammonia or water ligands, a burn rate catalyst of copper bis ethylenediamine dinitrate, and an oxidizer of basic copper nitrate are provided to result in relatively high gas outputs and burn rates. Also provided are corresponding or associated gas generating devices and inflatable vehicle occupant safety restraint systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pyrotechnical composition which is intended both for a hybrid gas-generating material and for a purely pyrotechnical gas-generating material for use in gas-actuated car safety devices, and which comprises a first obligatory constituent in the form of 5-95 wt % of guanyl urea dinitramide and a second obligatory constituent in the form of 5-50 wt % of an oxidizing agent (calculated on the total amount of solids), together with—if it is necessary to increase the rate of burning—a combustion moderator in the form of 0-90 wt % of guanidine dinitramide or up to 10 wt % of finely divided metallic boron, as well as up to 10 wt % of a binder. The pyrotechnical composition according to the invention is characterized e.g. by a low pollutant emission, low smoke formation, and the fact that its rate of burning can be adjusted to suit any type of car safety device by varying the ratio between the constituents within the limits specified in the invention.

Abstract: Provided is a gas generating composition having a low combustion temperature and having a low produced amount of toxic carbon monoxide, ammonia and nitrogen oxides at the time of combustion. The gas generating composition includes the following components (a), (b) and (c) and optionally the component (d) and/or the component (e): (a) an organic compound as fuel; (b) an oxygen-containing oxidizing agent; (c) aluminum hydroxide; (d) a binder; and (e) an additive selected from metal oxides and metal carbide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a low temperature autoignition composition for safely initiating combustion of a main pyrotechnic charge in a gas generator or pyrotechnic device exposed to flame or a high temperature environment.

Abstract: The invention relates to solid gas generator fuel compositions (gas producing mixtures), comprising: (A) nitroguanidine or nitroguanidine stabilised with 0.1 to 0.5% nitroguanidinium hydrogen sulphate and nitroguanidinium nitrate as fuel; (B) an oxidising agent selected from the group comprising alkali and earth alkali nitrates, chlorates and perchlorates, ammonium nitrate and perchlorate, copper compounds with oxidising properties and mixtures thereof; (C) a stabiliser selected from the group comprising hydrophobic SiO2, inorganic and organic acids and mixtures thereof; and optionally (D) a combustion stabiliser or moderator and ash former or trap and mixtures thereof. The above gas generator fuel compositions comprise an improved shelf-life under hot storage conditions at 110° C.

Abstract: A propellant is disclosed, comprising, as binder, an ethylene copolymer especially ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer. The binder may be silane-grafted and moisture curable. A solid propellant composition may contain a plasticizer that is solid or semi-solid at 20° C., and an additive to increase one or more of elongation, adhesion and tack. Examples of the solid or semi-solid plasticizer are selected from microcrystalline wax, macrocrystalline wax, an oxidized hydrocarbon polyolefin and a polyketone wax. Examples of the additive are selected from an aliphatic hydrocarbon, an aromatic, a hydrogenated hydrocarbon resin and a derivative of a rosin. Preferably, the binder composition contains 10-30% by weight of liquid plasticizer, 0-30% by weight of solid or semi-solid plasticizer and 20-40% by weight of at least one said additive. The propellant is particularly useful as a rocket propellant. A method of manufacture is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for increasing the burn rate of a gas generant formulation is provided involving the addition of a quantity of at least one transition metal complex of diammonium bitetrazole to the gas generant formulation.

Abstract: Gas generant compositions which include at least one transition metal complex of ethylenediamine 5,5′-bitetrazole are provided to produce or results in compositions having relatively high burn rates. Also provided are corresponding or associated gas generating devices and inflatable vehicle occupant safety restraint systems and methods of gas generation.

Abstract: A gas generating composition for use in a pretensioner, which generates less CO gases and chlorine-containing gases after combustion and is superior in thermal stability and in producing and processing, is obtained. The gas generating composition for use in a pretensioner comprises a highly thermal stabilized binder, an oxidizing agent, and, if required, a chlorine-neutralizing agent as major ingredients. The gas generating composition can improve thermal stability of a gas generating agent, can reduce the amount of CO gases, is excellent in producing and processing, and can reduce chlorine-containing gases if required.

Abstract: Gas generant compositions exhibit low autoignition temperatures. In preferred forms, the gas generant compositions include azobisformamidine dinitrate (AZODN) and a eutectic mixture (comelt) of silver nitrate and potassium nitrate. The comelt of silver nitrate and potassium nitrate is most preferably present in the formulations of the invention in an amount to achieve a low autoignition temperature of between about 140° C. (284° F.) to about 160° C. (320° F.). The compositions of the invention may include a variety of auxiliary components typically employed in conventional gas generant compositions for their intended purpose. For example, especially preferred formulations of the present invention will include a powdered metal or metal oxide as a combustion catalyst to speed the decomposition reaction and also as a combustion aid to facilitate the ignition of the primary propellant or gas generant.

Abstract: Gas generating compositions containing or including a sufficient quantity of a non-nitrate containing ammonia source whereby, upon reaction of the gas generating composition, NOx products are present in the product gas in a reduced amount as compared to reaction product gas resulting from reaction of the same composition without said quantity of non-nitrate containing ammonia source. Also disclosed are associated methods of reducing NOx products present in an effluent of a gas generating composition that upon combustion forms gas useful for inflating a vehicle occupant safety restraint device.

Abstract: A gas generating material (52) for use in a vehicle occupant protection apparatus (10) comprises a particulate oxidizer, a hydroxy terminated polybutadiene, a diisocyanate cross-linking agent, and a plasticizer. The diisocyanate cross-linking agent cross-links the hydroxy terminated polybutadiene to form an elastomeric binder that contains the particulate oxidizer. The ratio of hydroxyl groups of the hydroxy terminated polybutadiene to isocyanate groups of the diisocyanate cross-linking agent is at least about 0.95.

Abstract: A gas generant composition used in pressure activated restraint system devices such as micro-gas generator applications such as seat belt pretensioners is provided. The gas generant composition includes a potassium perchlorate gas generant additive in addition to a non-azide nitrogen-containing gas generating fuel, a metal ammine nitrate oxidizer, and a metal oxide burn rate enhancing and slag formation additive. The gas generant composition desirably has improved ignitability as compared to a similar composition without the potassium perchlorate gas generant additive. The gas generant composition also desirably produces or results in effluents having either or both reduced carbon monoxide and NOx contents as compared to the effluent produced or resulting from a similar composition but without the inclusion of the potassium perchlorate gas generant additive.

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: The autoignition compositions of the present invention ignites in the temperature range of 120° C. to 160° C. The autoignition compositions are thermally stable at 107° C. for 400 hours and are thermally stable during thermal cycling. The preferred composition for the autoignition composition comprises equal weight percentages of the following chemicals: nitroguanidine, Sb2S3, and AgNO3. An ignition temperature adjuster selected from the group consisting of teflon powder, graphite powder, ammonium perchlorate, MoS2, and FeS can be added to the preferred autoignition composition.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a vehicle occupant protection device and a gas generating material, which, when ignited, produces gas to actuate the vehicle occupant protection device. The gas generating material comprises a cubane compound having the general formula: wherein R is selected from the group consisting of H and NO2.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device comprises a container (12) for storing a supply of gas. A gas (26) is stored in the container (12) at an elevated pressure. The gas comprises an oxygen rich oxidizer gas. A gas generating material (84) is stored in the container (12) and is exposed to the oxidizer gas at the elevated pressure. The gas generating material (84) comprises a cellulose based binder blended with an anti-oxidant material. An igniter (52) is provided for igniting the gas generating material (84).

Abstract: The autoignition compositions of the present invention ignites in the temperature range of 120° C. to 160° C. The autoignition compositions are thermally stable at 107° C. for 400 hours and are thermally stable during thermal cycling. The preferred composition for the autoignition composition comprises equal weight percentages of the following chemicals: nitroguanidine, Sb2S3, and AgNO3. An ignition temperature adjuster selected from the group consisting of teflon powder, graphite powder, ammonium perchlorate, MoS2, and FeS can be added to the preferred autoignition composition.

Abstract: Known gas generant compositions, absent elastomeric binders, are coated with silicone thereby providing a composition that exhibits enhanced moisture protection, ballistic performance, combustion properties, and gas production.

Abstract: This invention relates to energetic compositions, which offer increased performance in conjunction with a total absence of hydrogen chloride in the combustion products. The formulation avoid the use of halogen based oxidizers to prevent the formation of halogen based byproducts. The formulations disclosed herein use ammonium dinitramide as a primary oxidizer, which is a more energetic molecule than ammonium perchlorate. The solid propellant formulations disclosed herein comprise about 5.0 to about 10.0 weight % of at least one energetic binder; about 20.0 to about 35.0 weight % of an energetic plasticizer; about 25.0 to about 45.0 weight % of ammonium dinitramide as a primary oxidizer; about 0.0 to about 20.0 weight % of particulate aluminum having a particle size of about 1 &mgr;m to about 60 &mgr;m; and about 0.0 to about 20.0 weight % of ultrafine aluminum having a particle size of less than 1 &mgr;m.

Abstract: The present invention shows a munitions propellant. The propellant has a nitrocellulose component is about fifty-two percent (52.0%) of the propellant. This is either a nitrocellulose having twelve and six-tenths percent (12.6%) nitrogen, or a combination of a nitrocellulose having twelve and six-tenths percent (12.6%) nitrogen and a nitrocellulose having thirteen and thirty-five one hundredths percent (13.35%) nitrogen, and in which the average nitrogen proportion is thirteen and five one-hundredths percent (13.05%). The propellant also has a nitroester-based plasticizer and a non-nitroester-based plasticizer. The nitroester-based plasticizer comprises about thirty-four percent (34.0%) of the propellant by weight, and comprises diethylene glycol dinitrate (DEGDN). The non-nitroester-based plastizier comprises from about three percent (3.0%) to about four percent (4.0%) by weight and comprises di-normal propyl adipate (DNPA). In addition, about seven percent (7.

Abstract: Gas generant compositions are provided which compositions react to produce nitrogen gas and which compositions include at least one complex of guanylurea nitrate with at least one metal element having an atomic number of 21-30 and 39-50 and sufficient oxidizer such that, upon combustion reaction initiation of the gas generating composition, reaction products including a quantity of nitrogen gas are produced. Also, related methods of making a gas generating composition and associate methods of gas generation are provided.

Abstract: Gas generant compositions and methods of gas generation are provided whereby desired gas generation can be realized without requiring the presence and use a charge or coating of an associated igniter composition.

Abstract: An electrically actuatable igniter (24) comprises a pair of electrodes (40) and (42). A heating element (44) is electrically connected between the electrodes (40) and (42). An ignition material (48) is in contact with the heating element (44). The ignition material (48) includes an energetic composition. The energetic composition comprises, by weight of the energetic composition, about 60% to about 90% basic copper nitrate, up to about 20% supplemental oxidizer, about 5% to about 20% charcoal, and up to about 10% supplemental fuel.

Abstract: A low-solids gas generating composition and a method of generating a gas with low solids by preparing and combusting the low-solids gas generating composition. The compositions of the invention include a mixture of a basic copper nitrate oxidizer and a fuel selected for the group consisting of 5-nitro-uracil, guanidine 5-nitro-uracil salt, ammonium 5-nitro-uracil salt, aminoguanidine 5-nitro-uracil salt, hydrazine 5-nitro-uracil salt, triamino 5-nitro-uracil salt, guanidine 5-nitro-barbituric acid salt, ammonium 5-nitro-barbituric acid salt, hydrazine 5-nitro-barbituric acid salt, aminoguanidine 5-nitro-barbituric acid salt, triaminoguanidine 5-nitro-barbituric acid salt, and mixtures thereof, wherein the oxidizer-fuel mixture is within about 4 percent of stoichiometric balance, and produces no more than about 0.06 cubic centimeters of solids per gram of gas generating composition on combustion.

Abstract: A low-solids gas generating composition and a method of generating a gas with low solids by preparing and combusting the low-solids gas generating composition. The compositions of the invention include a mixture of a basic copper nitrate oxidizer and a fuel selected for the group consisting of 5-nitro-uracil, guanidine 5-nitro-uracil salt, ammonium 5-nitro-uracil salt, aminoguanidine 5-nitro-uracil salt, hydrazine 5-nitro-uracil salt, triamino 5-nitro-uracil salt, guanidine 5-nitro-barbituric acid salt, ammonium 5-nitro-barbituric acid salt, hydrazine 5-nitro-barbituric acid salt, aminoguanidine 5-nitro-barbituric acid salt, triaminoguanidine 5-nitro-barbituric acid salt, and mixtures thereof, wherein the oxidizer-fuel mixture is within about 4 percent of stoichiometric balance, and produces no more than about 0.06 cubic centimeters of solids per gram of gas generating composition on combustion.

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.