Abstract: A eutectic solution of ammonium nitrate and either aminoguanidine nitrate (AGN) or guanidine nitrate (AN) in the form of a pressed pellet is used to generate a low particulate non-toxic, odorless and colorless gas that is useful wherever an immediate source of such gas is required, such as the inflation of an occupant restraint air bag. The use of the material in the form of a eutectic totally eliminates pellet cracking. Moreover, the addition of a minor amount of potassium perchlorate to the eutectic solution improves stability at 107.degree. for 400 hours, lowers the pressure exponent and increases the burn rate at 2000 psi.

Abstract: An ignitable solid gas generating composition comprises a polyalkylammonium binder, usually polyvinylamine nitrate or polyethyleneimmonium nitrate, an oxidizer mixture comprising ammonium nitrate and a first additive which produces an eutectic melt which is liquid at a temperature well below the melting point of the ammonium nitrate as well as that of the first additive, and an additional quantity of the ammonium nitrate and a second additive. Further, combustion modifier additives may be added to the composition.

Abstract: A gas generating device has a housing in combination with a device for igniting a gas generating composition located within the housing. The gas generating composition is 5-aminotetrazole combined with at least two inorganic oxidizers selected from potassium nitrate, potassium per-chlorate, manganese dioxide, iron oxide, and copper oxide. The housing has at least one aperture therethrough to allow the exit from the housing of gas generated therein following ignition of the gas generating composition, but restricting the flow of gas from the housing such that the gas exiting the housing has a carbon monoxide content of not greater than 200 parts per million. Such a gas generating device may be used for inflating an airbag in a vehicle safety system.

Abstract: Inorganic nitrate oxidizers are combined in novel eutectic compositions which place the oxidizers in liquid form at ambient temperatures. These liquid combinations are then used in the preparation of a wide variety of energetic formulations, notably solution and emulsion propellants.

Abstract: Hybrid rocket propellants are disclosed that contain azo compounds, i.e., compounds containing the group R--N.dbd.N--R' as part of their structure, where R and R' represent a variety of groups including aliphatic, alicyclic and heterocyclic groups. The azo compounds are mixed with the other solid components of the propellant grain and serve either as plasticizers, binders, fuels, or fillers. The effect of including the azo compounds is an increase in the regression rate of the grain as the propellant burns.

Abstract: Gas generant compositions without highly toxic azides are provided which, upon combustion, are converted into gaseous products with only small amounts of solid combustion products thereby minimizing the gas filtration problem. Gas generants having ammonium nitrate safely phase stabilized by mixture with wet triaminoguanidine are provided. A process for safely preparing the gas generants is also provided. These compositions are especially suitable for inflating automotive and aircraft occupant restraint bags.

Abstract: A low-solids gas generating composition, comprising a mixture of a fuel selected for the group consisting of guanidine nitrate, nitroguanidine, cellulose, cellulose acetate, hexamine, and mixtures thereof, and an oxidizer selected from the group consisting of ceric ammonium nitrate, lithium nitrate, lithium perchlorate, sodium perchlorate, phase stabilized ammonium nitrate, a combination of ammonium nitrate with potassium nitrate, potassium perchlorate, or mixtures thereof, such that the combination is a solid solution, a mixture of ammonium perchlorate and at least one alkali metal salt, and mixtures thereof, where the fuel is not nitroguanidine when the oxidizer includes ammonium nitrate. The combination of ammonium nitrate with other salts in solid solution is intended to phase stabilize the ammonium nitrate. The oxidizer-fuel mixture is within about 4 percent of stoichiometric balance.

Abstract: Provided is a gas generant composition which is improved in the self-retainabiity of a solid residue and has an excellent combustion speed. The gas generant composition contains a fuel comprising a metal azide or an organic compound, an oxidizing agent, and at least one additive selected from a ceramic whisker or fiber of aluminum borate, potassium titanate, alumina, aluminum oxide, zirconium oxide, and zinc oxide.

Abstract: A non-azide-type gas generating agent having a high burning rate and a high safety is provided, comprising trihydrazinotriazine as a fuel, and an oxyacid salt, a metal oxide, a metal dioxide or a mixture thereof as an oxidizing agent. The composition is used as a gas generating agent.

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: Tungsten is added to fuel gels to increase the density specific impulse. l gels contain monomethylhydrazine or other hypergolic liquids well known in the art. The quantity of tungsten employed can vary from 10%-98% weight percent depending on the specific application. The important parameters to consider during formulation are particle size, concentration, combustion efficiency, physical properties, and plume signature. Tungsten particle sizes ranging from 10 microns to 0.5 micron were compared with carbon of 0.24 when burned in air. It is shown that tungsten burns as well as or better than carbon; however, the increased density specific impulse achieved with tungsten as compared with carbon verifies that tungsten as a high energy additive to hypergolic fuel gels is superior.

Abstract: Inorganic nitrate oxidizers are combined in novel eutectic compositions which place the oxidizers in liquid form at ambient temperatures. These liquid combinations are then used in the preparation of a wide variety of energetic formulations, notably solution and emulsion propellants.

Abstract: A solid composition for generating a nitrogen containing gas is provided. The composition includes an oxidizer and a non-azide fuel selected from a bitetrazoleamine or a derivative or a salt or complex thereof and mixtures thereof. The preferred bitetrazole-amine is bis-(1(2)H-tetrazol-5-yl)-amine, a metal salt, a salt with a nonmetallic cation of a high nitrogen content base or a complex thereof. The salts and complexes are generally metal salts and complexes. The metal can be a transition metal. Metals that have been found to be particularly useful include copper, boron, cobalt, zinc, potassium, sodium, and strontium. The oxidizer is generally a metal oxide or a metal hydroxide. The composition can include certain other components such as secondary oxidizers, burn rate modifiers, slag formers, and binders.

Abstract: A gas generating mixture comprises a high nitrogen and low carbon fuel from he group nitroguanidine (NIGU), tiraminoguanidine nitrate (TAGN), diguanidinium-5,5'-azotetrazolate (GZT) or 3-nitro-l,2,3-triazol-5-one (NTO), as well as copper diammine dinitrate Cu(NH.sub.3).sub.2 (NO.sub.3).sub.2 as the oxidizer and a pyrophoric metal or such a metal alloy on a carrier catalyst.

Abstract: A gas generating mixture comprises a high nitrogen and low carbon fuel from he group nitroguanidine (NIGU), triaminoguanidine nitrate (TAGN), diguanidinium-5,5'-azotetrazolate (GZT) and 3-nitro-1,2-3-triazol-5-one (NTO), as well as copper diammine dinitrate Cu(NH.sub.3).sub.2 (NO.sub.3).sub.2 as the oxidizer and V.sub.2 O.sub.5 /MoO.sub.3 mixed oxides and/or oxide mixtures as the catalyst.

Abstract: A solid composition for generating gases when ignited is a combination 5-aminotetrazole and at least two oxidizers selected from the group consisting of potassium nitrate, potassium per-chlorate, ferric oxide, copper oxide and manganese dioxide.

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 generant composition contains no hydrogen, using as the major fuel component cupric and/or zinc bitetrazole and as a major oxidizer component CuO and/or Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3. A minor fuel component may be a salt of dicyanamide which reduces processing sensitivity of the composition. A minor oxidizer component may be a nitrate, chlorate, or perchlorate salt.

Abstract: Method is provided for reducing the sensitivity of energetic materials (explosives, propellants and the like) to detonation induced by mechanical shock or by application of pronounced heat, e.g. by a laser beam. Examples of such energetic materials are fluorine azide and chlorine azide which are model HEDM propellants which are prone to accidental detonation in the solid state. The polycrystalline forms of such solids are sensitive to and readily detonated by, mechanical shock and pulsed laser photolysis. The method of the invention serves to desensitize such energetic materials by forming them as amorphous (disordered) solids by vapor deposition thereof onto a relatively cold substrate, which amorphous form desensitizes them relative to more conventional polycrystalline forms of these energetic materials though both contain about the same amount of chemical energy.

Abstract: A gas generant composition comprises between about 30 and about 85 wt. % of A) fuel, and between about 15 and about 70 wt % of B) oxidizer based on total weight of A) plus B). At least about 60 wt %, up to 100 wt % of the fuel A) comprises an nitrate salt of a polyamine of the general formula selected from the group consisting of: ##STR1## wherein in formulae (I)-(III) the Zs are the same or different and are selected from H and NH.sub.2,(IV) C.sub.2 -C.sub.3 -alkyl diamine, and mixtures thereof. At least about 60 wt %, up to 100 wt % of the oxidizer B) comprises basic copper(II) nitrate, i.e. Cu(NO.sub.3).sub.2.3Cu(OH).sub.2 and/or cobalt(III)triammine trinitrate, i.e., Co(NH.sub.3).sub.3.(NO.sub.3).sub.3.

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 cationic metal template, sufficient oxidizing anion to balance the charge of the complex, and a neutral ligand containing hydrogen and nitrogen. 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. Such complexes are adaptable for use in gas generating devices such as automobile air bags.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic mixture in the form of granulates, encompassing a nitrogen-generating substance, an inorganic oxidizing medium and a binder constituted of silicone rubber. Also disclosed is a process for the production of this pyrotechnic mixture, as well as a gas generator for an airbag which contains the pyrotechnic mixture as a propellent charge. The pyrotechnic mixture is in the form of granulates for a propellent charge which generates a non-toxic gas, encompassing the nitrogen-generating substance, especially an alkali metal azide or earth alkali metal azide, an inorganic oxidizing medium consisting of alkali metal nitrate and/or alkaline earth metal nitrate and silicone rubber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to solid pyrotechnic propellant compositions useful in automotive inflatable safety systems for generating gas to inflate air/safety bags. The propellant compositions produce surprisingly high gas volume to weight ratios when combusted and substantially little to no production of smoke, particulate matter and toxic gases. These propellant compositions include a complex or coordination compound, preferably, a complex of hydrazine.

Abstract: Air bag inflators having reduced risk of premature deployment, reduced risk of chemical and thermal burning of the driver, and reduced toxicity are obtained by using a non-sodium azide containing gas generating composition. The gas generating compositions include lithium, potassium and sodium perchlorates, optionally with a nitride or non-halogenated polymer or both, styrene peroxides, polystyrene peroxides, zinc peroxide in hydrated form, iron oxalate hydrazinate, and iron nitrate hydrazinate. A gas generating composition containing copper nitride, sodium perchlorate, and polyester is especially preferred because the resulting gas is compositionally the same as air.

Abstract: A composition is provided which has at least one salt of 5-nitraminotetrazole and an at least one oxidizer selected from among inorganic nitrates, inorganic nitrites, metal oxides, metal peroxides, organic peroxides, inorganic perchlorates, inorganic chlorates, metal hydroxides, and mixtures thereof. The compositions are useful in the gas generant field.

Abstract: Nonazide gas generating compositions are formed from a nonazide fuel, an oxidizer, a slag former, and a built-in catalyst comprising an alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, or transition metal salt of tetrazoles, bitetrazoles, and triazoles, or a transition metal oxide. The built-in catalyst promotes the conversion of nitrogen oxides (NO.sub.x) and carbon monoxide to nitrogen gas (N.sub.2) and carbon dioxide, respectively. The gas generants are therefore nontoxic and useful for inflating a vehicle occupant restraint system.

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: A composition is provided which comprises a fuel effective amount of a heterocyclic compound represented by the formula: ##STR1## wherein X is a non-metallic cation; and an oxidizing effective amount of an inorganic oxidizer. The oxidizer can be an inorganic nitrite, an inorganic nitrate, a metal peroxide, a metal oxide, a metal hydroxide, an inorganic perchlorate, or an inorganic chlorate. A binder can be added, if desired. An automotive air bag inflator and a method for generating gas are also disclosed.

Abstract: A non-toxic primer composition for center-fire cartridges which provides improved ballistic data and is void of metallic oxidizing compounds. It is comprised of a mixture of about 10-30% by weight of nitrocellulose and/or a double based propellant such as Hercules Fines, approximately 30-75% by weight of two percussion-sensitive compounds such as DDNP and tetracene, and approximately 10-30% by weight of calcium silicide. The mixture provides improved propellant ignition and non-toxic ignition products, and minimizes misfires in that it contains no hygroscopic compounds.

Abstract: Nonazide gas generating compositions are formed from a nonazide fuel, an oxidizer, and a heat absorbing additive in the form of a glass compound. The additive effects a reduction in the combustion temperature of the gas generant, thereby resulting in inflating gases having a reduced content of toxic gases such as NO.sub.x and CO. The gas generants are therefore nontoxic and useful for inflating a vehicle occupant restraint system.

Abstract: A gas generating agent comprising at least one compound (A) selected from the group consisting of maleic hydrazide, carbohydrazide, thiocarbohydrazide and 3-methyl-5-pyrazolone and a gas generator containing said gas generating agent. The gas generating agent may optionally comprise an oxidant and a binder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid or gel propellant comprising an oxidizer and a fuel, said fuel preferably having a vapor pressure not exceeding 10 millimeters of mercury at 25.degree. C. and being selected from the group consisting of hydroxy-(lower alkyl)-hydrazine, dihydroxy-(lower alkyl)hydrazine, cyanoethylhydrazine, 1-methyl-1-cyanoethylhydrazine, 1,1-dimethyl-2-cyanoethylhydrazine, and combinations thereof. Also claimed is a method of making the propellant.

Abstract: A system and process for on-demand generation of inert, non-flammable gases and water vapor to decrease the available atmospheric oxygen in the ullage of a hydrocarbon fuel storage tank to a level that will not support combustion of the hydrocarbon fuel, is disclosed. One, or more, of a variety of non-Halon, fire suppressor charges are selectively contained in one or more gas generating cartridges. The gas generating cartridge(s), when activated, cause release of these charges to promote rapid chemical reactions and supply inert, non-flammable gases and water vapor to the tank ullage. Activation is accomplished in aircraft by, either pilot action or, by pressure and temperature sensors contained within the hydrocarbon fuel tank.

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: An improved emulsion explosive composition including hollow microspheres/bulking agents having high density and high strength. The hollow microspheres/bulking agents have true particle densities of about 0.2 grams per cubic centimeter or greater and include glass, siliceous, ceramic and synthetic resin microspheres, expanded minerals, and mixtures thereof. The preferred weight percentage of hollow microspheres/bulking agents in the composition ranges from 3.0 to 10.0 A chlorinated paraffin oil, also present in the improved emulsion explosive composition, imparts a higher film strength to the oil phase in the emulsion. The emulsion is rendered nonincendive by the production of sodium chloride in situ via the decomposition of sodium nitrate, a chlorinated paraffin oil, and sodium perchlorate. The air-gap sensitivity is improved by the in situ formation of monomethylamine perchlorate from dissolved monomethylamine nitrate and sodium perchlorate.

Abstract: A catalyst for hydrazinolysis having high catalytic activity and long life concurrently with high thermal resistance is disclosed. The catalyst is composed of an alumina support having a substantially extended specific surface area and iridium being substantially supported thereon. The alumina support is prepared by the steps of adding aluminum alkoxide into hexyleneglycol (2-methyl-2, 4-pentanediol), heating at temperatures between 100.degree. and 200.degree. C. to form a sol, hydrolyzing the sol to a gel, and drying and calcining the gel.

Abstract: A stable, nitrogen-rich organic compound in the form of diguanidinium-5,5zotetrazolate having the empirical formula C.sub.4 H.sub.12 N.sub.16, is with a pulverulent, chemically stable oxidizer as a pyrotechnic mixture for spontaneously generating environmentally friendly, non-toxic gases.

Abstract: N,N'-Bis(4,4,4-trinitrobutyryl)hydrazine which is prepared by reacting 4,-trinitrobutyryl chloride with hydrazine in methanol at low temperature. This compound is sensitive enough to be used as an initiating explosive and thermally stable enough to be used in missile warheads.

Abstract: The invention describes a composition and a process for making void free id propellants for rockets. This is accomplished by adding amino silanes and dimer diepoxide to GAP binder and deflagrating additive and then curing it.

Abstract: Gas generant compositions comprised of a high nitrogen content solid and an nergetic polymer, which release high levels of nitrogen and minimum levels of toxic and flammable gases.

Abstract: An explosive composition having a combination of a principal explosive, which is relatively insensitive to initiation of detonation, two mesh fractions of a sensitizing explosive which is relatively sensitive to initiation of detonation, a critical diameter additive which lowers the critical diameter of the composition, and a binder, demonstrates the ability to achieve steady-state detonation after deliberate initiation of detonation. The composition is further characterized by low sensitivity to accidental detonation by external influences, and favorable mechanical and processability properties.A method of making an explosive composition of this type by adjusting the amount of critical diameter additive and testing the composition is also described.

Abstract: A binary munition system comprising at least two non-explosive ingredients hat combine in flight to form a relatively safe explosive. The combination of said non-explosive ingredients for the purpose of forming safe explosives is novel.The binary munition stores the non-explosive ingredients in separate compartments which utilize membranes, bags or containers to facilitate the separation. The munition is equipped with means in which to rupture the compartments upon launch or fire. The purpose of the munition is to maintain separation of the non-explosive ingredients and to achieve mixing of the ingredients upon launch or fire of said munition.

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.

Abstract: A new solution monopropellant for use in liquid propellant guns is composed f ammonium nitrate, hydrazine hydrate, and water in a mole ratio of 1:1:0.05 to 0.30.

Abstract: A binary munition system comprising at least two non-explosive ingredients hat combine in flight to form a relatively safe explosive. The combination of said non-explosive ingredients for the purpose of forming safe explosives is novel.The binary munition stores the non-explosive ingredients in separate compartments which utilize membranes, bags or containers to facilitate the separation. The munition is equipped with means in which to rupture the compartments upon launch or fire. The purpose of the munition is to maintain separation of the non-explosive ingredients and to achieve mixing of the ingredients upon launch or fire of said munition.

Abstract: Hybrid, high-performance propellant combinations for a rocket engine are described, characterized by being constituted by a combination of polyglycidyl axide (GAP) ([C.sub.3 H.sub.5 N.sub.3 O].sub.n), poly-3,3-bis(azidomethyl)oxetane (BAMO) ([C.sub.4 H.sub.6 N.sub.6 O].sub.n) or hydroxy-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) with hydrazinium nitroformate (N.sub.2 H.sub.5 C(NO.sub.2).sub.3) as a solid oxidizer and pentaborane (B.sub.5 H.sub.9) or diborane (B.sub.2 H.sub.6) as a fuel, together with other conventional additives.

Abstract: Thermostability, age stability, and ignition property at low temperatures of a W/O type emulsion explosive are remarkably improved by incorporating a chelating agent in the W/O type emulsion explosive.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new explosive compound which is an associated compound of ammonium nitrate and glycine and also includes explosive composition containing this compound.The compound ANGC is prepared by a crystallization process preferably effected by cooling a melt or saturated solution containing ammonium nitrate and glycine.ANGC is especially advantageous as an ingredient of low water content emulsion explosive compositions.

Abstract: Carbohydrazinium dinitrate, which is formed by adding 2 moles of nitric a (HNO.sub.3) to each mole of carbohydrazide (H.sub.2 NHNCONHNH.sub.2). This salt is useful as an oxidizer in slurry gun propellants.

Abstract: Liquid oxidizer comprising an aqueous solution of hydroxyl ammonium nitrate nd a nitrate salt that is ammonium nitrate or hydrazine mononitrate.