Abstract: Gas generating compositions are formed from a fuel, one or more oxidizers and mica. The gas generant composition of this invention yields solid combustion products and inflating gases having a reduced content of undesirable gases such as NO.sub.x and CO.

Abstract: Gas generating compositions contain a non-azide fuel, phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) and silicon. These gas generant compositions yield inflation gases having a reduced content of undesirable gases such as NO.sub.x and CO. The gas generanting compositions preferably contain 5-aminotetrazole at a concentration of 15-30 wt. % as the fuel, an oxidizer system at a concentration of 35-80 wt. % which comprises phase stabilized ammonium nitrate, at least 0.5 wt. % silicon, about 1 wt. % iron oxide and at least one material selected from binders and processing aids. The gas generating compositions are useful for inflating vehicle occupant restraint devices and for pyrotechnically operated fire suppression devices. The high level of gases produced by the compositions of the invention allow for smaller inflators which reduce the costs of production and the saving of weight.

Abstract: Liquid nitromalonate polyesters and methods for their preparation are disclosed. Solid propellants are provided which employ as the binder a nitromalonate polyester. These propellants are resistant to plasticizer syneresis and crystallization and provide an increase in the specific impulse of the propellant.

Abstract: Liquid nitromalonate polyesters and methods for their preparation are disclosed. Solid propellants are provided which employ as the binder a nitromalonate polyester. These propellants are resistant to plasticizer syneresis and crystallization and provide an increase in the specific impulse of the propellant.

Abstract: An airbag inflators employ gas generating compositions formed from a fuel, one or more oxidizers and mica. The gas generant composition employed in the airbag inflators yields solid combustion products and inflating gases having a reduced content of undesirable gases such as NO.sub.x and CO.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing an encased propellant which comprises overwrapping at least one charge of propellant with an elastomeric coating composition to produce the desired encased propellant. The process is suitably effected by molding, casting, dipping, or otherwise applying the coating composition to the charge of propellant. The process and composition of the present invention is expected to be useful in the production of encased tank ammunition, and the like.

Abstract: A rapid burning propellant charge for applications including igniters, launch eject motors, and gas generators for automobile air bags. The propellant charge comprises a reticulated substrate having a quantity of interconnected ligaments and a coating of solid propellant material on the ligaments. In order to provide a large amount of surface area for a fast burn time, interstices are between coated ligaments to define propellant surface area for combustion. In applications where minimum smoke is desired, the reticulated substrate is preferably composed of carbon, graphite, or a non-combustible material, and the solid propellant material is preferably a minimum smoke type.

Abstract: A rapid burning propellant charge for applications including igniters, launch eject motor, and gas generators for automobile air bags. The propellant charge comprises a reticulated substrate having a quantity of interconnected ligaments and a coating of solid propellant material on the ligaments. In order to provide a large amount of surface area for a fast burn time, interstices are between coated ligaments to define propellant surface area for combustion. In applications where minimum smoke is desired, the reticulated substrate is preferably composed of carbon, graphite, or a non-combustible material, and the solid propellant material is preferably a minimum smoke type.

Abstract: Method for producing novel deterred granular nitrocellulose propellant powder compositions having a stable burn rate gradient. The invention comprises coating nitrocellulose propellant granules with a minor amount by weight of a polycaprolactone polymer which is soluble in nitrocellulose under conditions which cause the polymer to be gradually dissolved into the granules to produce maximum burn deterrence at the surface of the granules which gradually decreases inwardly therefrom to produce a desired burn rate gradient in the granules.

Abstract: A high energy solid explosive or propellant composition having low vulnerability to unplanned stimuli and desired mechanical properties, including a desired degree of hardness. Also claimed is a process for producing this composition.

Abstract: A high energy explosive or propellant composition having low vulnerability to unplanned stimuli and containing a polyurethane polyacetal elastomer binder. Also claimed is a process for producing this composition.

Abstract: A rapid burning propellant charge for applications including igniters, launch eject motors, and gas generators for automobile air gags. The propellant charge comprises a reticulated substrate having a quantity of interconnected ligaments and a coating of solid propellant material on the ligaments. In order to provide a large amount of surface area for a fast burn time, interstices are between coated ligaments to define propellant surface area for combustion. In applications where minimum smoke is desired, the reticulated substrate is preferably composed of carbon, graphite, or a non-combustible material, and the solid propellant material is preferably a minimum smoke type.