Abstract: A pyrotechnic grain or body of a gas generant having a consolidated or pressed-on, particulate inert burn inhibitor layer thereon. The inhibitor may be a metal oxide, metal sulfide, silica, silicate compound or mixtures thereof. The metal oxide is preferably iron oxide. The metal sulfide is preferably molybdenum disulfide. The preferred inhibitor is a silicate compound, most preferably bentonite. The inhibitor layer most preferably covers only one face or side of the generant body, though it may cover both faces or less than the entire area of one or both faces. The generant may be any conventional formulation which generates nitrogen-containing gas, preferably an azide, and most preferably sodium azide. The generant body may be any shape, preferably a washer-shaped disc. An automotive gas bag inflator may contain a plurality of the composite, inhibited generant bodies, preferably a stack or side by side assembly of such composite, inhibited wafers.

Abstract: Igniters for use in airbag inflators are disclosed. The igniters are fabricated of consumable materials which produce essentially no solid by-products. The igniters, or parts thereof, can be formed by molding or extrusion processes. The invention also provides a consumable auto-ignition cap as part of one of the embodiments of the igniter assembly.

Abstract: An inflation system for automotive airbags which comprises a pyrogenic solid grain with igniter strips provided in grooves on its external surface. Upon ignition, the solid grain burns from its external surface inwardly while allowing the generated gas to pass freely from its external surface. Preferably both the pyrogenic solid grain and the igniter strips are extrusions, providing a simplified, less expensive manufacture.

Abstract: In a gas generant composition for automotive airbag inflation, a gas generant composition comprises a fuel and an oxidizer the composition includes a metal oxide or metalloid oxide and a processing aid which is a mixture of mica and a salt of a fatty acid.