Abstract: A family of water-based gas-generating liquid compositions is described. A composition of the present invention includes: hydrogen peroxide; ammonium nitrate; and water. Compositions of the present invention may be mixed with fuels to make monopropellants or used in bipropellant or hybrid systems. Alternative uses of the present invention include breathable gas generation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a multi-stage gas bag inflator, operable initially, when activated, to cause the gas bag to deploy slowly and then, after a delay, to deploy rapidly, includes a housing having at least first and second chambers of preferably different size, separated by a bulkhead. One chamber is preferably smaller since it can be used to produce a smaller amount of gas to cause the initial slow deployment of the gas bag. A gas generant charge is ignited in the first chamber, and after some delay, a gas generant charge in the second chamber is ignited. The multi-stage inflator according to this invention can be used to provide the varying inflation rates needed to adjust the inflation of air bags to accommodate the severity of the collision and the position of the occupants. The inventive inflator is small in size and economical to produce.

Abstract: Basic copper nitrate-containing gas generant compositions and associated methods are provided for producing or resulting in increased burn rates via the inclusion of an effective amount of one or more metal (e.g., Al, Ti, Zn, Mg and/or Zr) oxide additives.

Abstract: Chlorate-free autoignition compositions are disclosed, and may be embodied in compositions comprised of (i) an azodiformamidine dinitrate (ADFD), a self-deflagrating, low ignition temperature fuel, (ii) an oxidizer (e.g., a perchlorate, nitrate or mixture thereof) and (iii) an ignition accelerator/augmentor (e.g., a metal or metal oxide powder). One especially preferred solid AIP composition in accordance with the present invention includes ADFD, a mixture of ammonium perchlorate and sodium nitrate, an iron oxide powder and a binder, such as a poly(alkylene carbonate).

Abstract: A gas generating composition comprises an organic fuel and an oxidizer wherein a component of the composition comprises an alkaline earth metal or alkali metal ion. The composition also comprises an ammonium salt coolant selected from the group consisting of ammonium halide, ammonium sulfate, and ammonium sulfamate. A preferred coolant is ammonium chloride. The anion of the ammonium salt on combustion of the gas generating composition reacts with the alkaline earth metal or alkali metal ion to produce a high melting point salt. The amount of coolant is an effective amount to obtain a reaction product which is substantially free of alkaline earth metal or alkali metal oxide. In the combustion reaction, the ammonium salt coolant reacts endothermically with other components of the reaction mixture reducing the combustion temperature of the reaction mixture.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (20) and a gas generating composition (16) which when ignited produces gas to inflate the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (20). The gas generating composition (16) comprises an oxidizer and a fuel component. The oxidizer is an inorganic salt. The fuel component is a keto derivative of RDX or HMX, more specifically a fuel component selected from the group consisting of 2-oxo-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazacyclohexane (keto-RDX), 2,4-dioxo-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazacyclohexane (di-keto-RDX), 2,4,6-trioxo-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazacyclohexane (tri-keto-RDX), 2-oxo-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazacyclooctane (keto-HMX), 2,4-dioxo-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetracyclooctane (di-keto-HMX), 2,4,6-trioxo-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetracyclooctane (tri-keto-HMX), and 2,4,6,8-tetraoxo-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetracyclooctane (tetra-keto-HMX).

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition, in particular for use in safety devices for motor vehicles, which comprises a fuel mixture consisting of at least two components in a proportion of from 20 to 60% by weight and an oxidizer mixture consisting of at least three components in a proportion of from 40 to 80% by weight, relative to the total composition in each case. The composition is wherein the fuel mixture is composed of 5 to 95% by weight of a guanidine compound, 5 to 95% by weight of a heterocyclic organic acid, and 0 to 20% by weight of further fuels, relative to the fuel mixture in each case. According to the invention the oxidizer mixture is composed of 20 to 70% by weight of one or more transition-metal oxides, 10 to 50% by weight of basic copper nitrate, and 2 to 30% by weight of metal chlorate, metal perchlorate, ammonium perchlorate, alkali nitrate, alkaline-earth nitrate or mixtures thereof, relative to the oxidizer mixture in each case.

Abstract: Compositions are provided which, when burned, produce significant levels of infrared radiation, but only limited levels of visible radiation. The basic components of the compositions include a binder, an oxidizer, and a fuel, where the binder also acts the fuel. Preferred oxidizers include those compounds which produce large quantities of infrared radiation when the flare composition is burned. Such oxidizers include potassium nitrate, cesium nitrate, rubidium nitrate, and combinations of these compounds. Selection of the binder is important in order to provide the composition with the desirable characteristics identified above. The binder of the present invention does not produce significant soot. At the same time, the binder serves to form a composition which is processible, avoids chunking, and is compatible with the oxidizers used. It has been found that polymer binders which include relatively short carbon chains (1-6 continuous carbon atoms) are preferred.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic gas generant composition including a high oxygen balance compound or fuel which is the resulting reaction product of aminoguanidine nitrate and nitric acid. Specifically, the resulting reaction product is a yellow precipitate that can be used alone, with or without oxidizers or other additives, for very rapid self-deflagration or in combination with oxidizers and additives. In each instance, the gas generant composition provides both high gas output and low production of solid combustion products. Further, the precipitant is relatively non-hygroscopic and has a high burn rate. Specifically, the gas generating composition is useful as a gas generator for an air bag of an occupant restraint system for an automobile, gun propellants, inflation and expulsion devices, flotation devices, pyrotechnics, fire suppression devices and smokeless, reduced smoke and smokey rocket propellants.

Abstract: Igniter compositions and methods of processing are provided which produce or result in relatively little particulate material, as compared to typical igniter compositions used in association with vehicle occupant restraint airbag cushions.

Abstract: High nitrogen gas generant compositions, useful for inflating passenger restraint gas inflator bags, comprise a nitrogen rich coordination compound selected from coordination complexes comprised of anionic nitro and nitrito ligands coordinated with a transitional metal template, and nonmetallic or nonmetallic/metallic cations. The gas generant compositions generate relatively more gas and less solids, and are safer than known gas generant compositions. Certain gas generant compositions ignite at lower autoignition temperatures thereby facilitating the use of an aluminum or light weight metal pressure vessel. Other gas generants self-deflagrate eliminating the need for other constituents in the composition. Novel methods for the synthesis of nonmetal derivative coordination complexes, guanidine and hydrazine for example, are also presented.

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: The present invention is directed to an airbag explosive composition comprising a fuel ingredient, an oxidizing agent and a binder for binding them, said binder being hydrotalcite group expressed by the following general formula (1), and a producing method therefor:[M.sup.2+.sub.1-x M.sup.3+.sub.x (OH).sub.2 ].sup.x+ [A.sup.n-.sub.x/n. mH.sub.2 O].sup.x- (1)whereM.sup.2+ represents a bivalent metal such as Mg.sup.2+, Mn.sup.2+, Fe.sup.2+, Co.sup.2+, Ni.sup.2+, Cu.sup.2+ and Zn.sup.2+ ;M.sup.3+ represents a trivalent metal such as Al.sup.3+, Fe.sup.3+, Cr.sup.3+, Co.sup.3+ and In.sup.3+ ;A.sup.n- represents an n-valence anion such as OH.sup.-, F.sup.-, Cl.sup.-, NO.sub.3.sup.-, C0.sub.3.sup.2-, SO.sub.4.sup.2-, Fe(CN).sub.6.sup.3-, CH.sub.3 COO.sup.-, oxalate ion and salicylate ion; and0<x.ltoreq.0.33.

Abstract: The present invention relates to gas-generating pyrotechnic compositions.The compositions according to the invention contain a small amount of epoxy binder, stabilized ammonium nitrate, optionally potassium perchlorate or an organic oxidant containing nitrogen and, characteristically, a reactive organic nitrogen compound selected from nitroguanidine, guanidinium nitrate and oxamide. This reactive nitrogen compound may advantageously be combined with cupric oxide. The compositions according to the invention produce nitrogen-rich gases with very low levels of nitrogen oxides, and find their preferred application in the form of pellets as pyrotechnic charges in gas generators for pyrotechnic extinguishers, for devices designed to inflate external structures or for devices designed to protect the occupants of a motor vehicle.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a chemically active fire suppression composition, comprising a propellant comprising a fuel and an oxidizer, the propellant capable of generating inert gas; and an environmentally innocuous chemical fire suppressant capable of generating fire suppressive reactive species. The combination of physically acting fire suppression agents and chemically acting, environmentally innocuous fire suppression agents results in a highly effective, environmentally innocuous fire extinguishing composition that has low ozone depletion potential (ODP), low global warming potential (GWP), and high suppression efficiency.

Abstract: An autoignition composition for the gas generator of a vehicle occupant restraint system that is thermally stable at temperatures up to 110.degree. C., autoignites between 150.degree. C. and 175.degree. C., produces minimal toxic gases upon combustion, provides for a reduced gas inflator size, and can be safely produced using simple processing methods. By mixing an alkali metal nitrite with a nitrogen-based fuel, the resulting gas generants autoignite at or below 175.degree. C. The addition of an alkaline earth metal nitrite or nitrate provides the stability needed to additionally function as a booster and/or a gas generant.

Abstract: Nonazide gas generant compositions, useful for inflating passenger restraint gas inflator bags, comprise a multimetallic coordination complex oxidizer selected from coordination complexes comprised of anionic nitro and nitrito ligands coordinated with a transitional metal template, and a cationic component comprised of two or more different metals. The gas generant compositions generate relatively more gas and are significantly less toxic than known azide gas generant compositions, and furthermore, generate solids that are readily filterable.

Abstract: A low-smoke producing pyrotechnic composition including a high-nitrogen content, low-carbon content energetic material; an oxidizing agent; and, a colorant is disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions are provided which, when burned, produce significant levels of infrared radiation, but only limited levels of visible radiation. The basic components of the compositions include a binder, an oxidizer, and an organic fuel. Preferred oxidizers include those compounds which produce large quantities of infrared radiation when the flare composition is burned. Such oxidizers include potassium nitrate, cesium nitrate, rubidium nitrate, and combinations of these compounds. The composition preferably includes significant quantities of cesium nitrate as an oxidizer. Selection of the binder is important in order to provide the composition with the desirable characteristics identified above. The binder of the present invention does not produce significant soot when burned. At the same time, the binder serves to form a composition which is processible, avoids chunking, and is compatible with the oxidizers used.

Abstract: A gas generating composition which is capable of significantly reducing the concentration of harmful gas components, particularly carbon monoxide, in the generated gas. Also a process for molding a gas generating composition in a suitable shape with high efficiency without a risk of explosion, fire or the like, the process being capable of producing a durable and firm molded gas generating composition.The gas generating composition of the invention contains an oxide-based catalyst comprising at least two members selected from the elements of Groups I, IV, V, VI, VII and VIII in the periodic table in addition to the nitrogen-containing organic compound and the oxygen-containing inorganic oxidizing agent both essentially incorporated in the gas generating 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: A gas-generating composition for air bags, which provides low explosion risk and low toxicity, has at least one gas-generating base selected among urazol and metal salts thereof, as the active ingredient, and an oxidizing agent. Urazol and metal salts thereof can effectively generate gas at a low burning temperature when in combination with the oxidizing 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: This invention aims to provide a gas generating composition of a gas generator for an air bag, which composition produces less combustion residues and is easily adsorbed. This composition comprises azide of alkali metal or alkaline earth metal, metallic silicide, and perchlorate or nitrate of alkali metal or alkaline earth metal. The combustion residues of the azide are changed to be glass silicate by the metallic silicide and caught by a filter of the gas generator, so that they do not pass through the filter of the gas generator nor make holes in the air bag unlike a conventional gas generator. And, the addition of silicon dioxide further improves the catching of the combustion residues of the azide.

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: The invention relates to stabilized ammonium nitrate which no longer exhibits a transition point at 32.degree. C.Its subject-matter is a new process for stabilizing ammonium nitrate and the new stabilized ammonium nitrate thus obtained.The stabilized ammonium nitrate according to the invention includes between 1% and 7% by weight of potassium nitrate and between 0.1% and 1% by weight of an organic dye containing at least one arylsulphonate group chosen from the class consisting of benzenesulphonate groups and naphthalenesulphonate groups.The stabilization of ammonium nitrate is necessary particularly for its use in propellants.

Abstract: A process for preparing ammonium dinitramide by:(1) nitrating either ethyl carbamate or methyl carbamate to form the corronding mononitrate compound, ethyl N-nitrocarbamate or methyl N-nitrocarbamate;(2) reacting the N-nitrocarbamate with ammonia under anhydrous conditions to produce the corresponding ammonium salt, ammonium ethyl N-nitrocarbamate or ammonium methyl N-nitrocarbamate;(3) nitrating the ammonium salt and then treating the reaction mixture with ammonia to produce ammonium dinitramide, ammonium nitrate, and regenerate the original ethyl carbamate or methyl carbamate compound.

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: Complex 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. Hyradzine 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 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: Convert infrared tracer compositions are provided. The compositions are formed using peroxide such as strontium peroxide and barium peroxide. Added to these materials is a burn rate catalyst such as boron, iron oxide, cupric oxide, manganese dioxide, carbon, silicon, graphite fibrils, amorphous silica, copper oxide, potassium dodecaborate, the dipotassium salt of bitetrazole amine, and the potassium salt of dilituric acid. The composition also includes alkali metal compounds in order to enhance the infrared emissions. The compositions are bound together using a binder such that the composition results in a granular material having a mean particle size in the range of from about 500.mu. to about 800.mu..

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus for suppressing a fire. The apparatus includes a gas generator containing as a propellant, a mixture of a fuel, strontium nitrate as an oxidizer, and magnesium carbonate. When the propellant is ignited, a nitrogen rich effluent is generated that is effective to suppress the fire. By providing the propellant with at least 35%, by weight, of magnesium carbonate, the generation of effluent by-products that are corrosive to aluminum is inhibited.

Abstract: A process and composition for the beneficial utilization of waste materials which contain energetic materials are disclosed. Predetermined quantities of the waste material containing energetic materials are placed in admixture with commercial blasting agents causing the energetic materials to participate in the detonation process thereby utilizing energetic materials which would otherwise enter the waste stream. The waste material, in particulate form, that contains the energetic material is introduced into the blasting agent when the latter is in a relatively fluid state. The modified blasting agent is suitable for use in the normal manner such as in bulk or packaged form.

Abstract: A gas generator propellant formulation suitable for use in an air turbo ret (ATR) which employs an air breathing system that uses fuel gases produced by a gas generator propellant to operate the engine's turbine is provided which can also be used with other airbreathing propulsion systems that require a high gravimetric heating value (GHV). The basic fuel gas generator propellant formulation comprises in weight percent a tetraalkylammonium borohydride 50-100; lithium nitrate 0-50; and optional additives of hydroxy proply cellulose 0-20 and silica or silicon 0-20. The basic fuel gas propellant formulation can also employ an encapsulated tetraalkylammonium borohydride which employs an encapsulation polymer selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, and ethyl cellulose. When employing an encapsulated tetraalkylammonium borohydride a binder is employed selected from the group consisting of polybutadiene and polyether cured with 0.

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: An improved fuel composition suitable for use in explosive compositions is obtained by forming a reaction product of a transition metal or transition metal compound, preferably iron or iron oxide, with ascorbic or erythorbic acid. The improved fuel composition is combined in admixture with an inorganic oxidizing agent to produce an improved explosive composition. When the improved fuel composition is combined in admixture with potassium nitrate, an improved explosive composition suitable for use as a gunpowder having enhanced performance characteristics is obtained. Methods for making the fuel composition and the explosive composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention describes a pyrotechnic gas generating composition which upon reaction produces a breathable gas. The composition comprises a fuel, an oxidizer and a nitrogen source and can be useful in inflating passive restraint air bags for vehicles. Also disclosed is a method for inflating a passive restraint safety bag with a breathable gas composition of the subject invention.

Abstract: A gas generant composition includes a fuel, at least 25 wt % of which is an alkali, alkaline earth, and/or transition metal salt of dicyanamide and an oxidizer which is an ammonium, alkali metal and/or alkaline earth metal salt of a chlorate, perchlorate or nitrate.

Abstract: A gas generant composition adapted for use with airbag restraint systems containing aluminum components includes a fuel which is a tetrazole or a triazole, an oxidizer which is an ammonium, alkali metal and/or alkaline earth metal salt of a chlorate, perchlorate or nitrate, alumina and a binder.

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: A solid composition for generating a nitrogen containing gas is provided. The composition includes an oxidizer and a 5-aminotetrazole fuel selected from anhydrous 5-aminotetrazole derivatives, salts, complexes, and mixtures 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 combination of a first and a second composition provide an adjustable spectrally balanced infrared flare usable to decoy missiles. The first composition includes boron, aluminum, ammonium perchlorate, potassium nitrate and Viton.RTM. A fluoroelastomer. The second composition includes magnesium, polytetrafluoroethylene and Viton.RTM. A fluoroelastomer. Adjusting the ratios between the compositions matches any particular aircraft's spectral signature.

Abstract: An explosive composition is provided which includes a hydrocarbyl polyamine emulsifier, characterized by a straight link between the hydrocarbyl group and said polyamine. A method of forming the composition is also provided, characterized by the emulsifier being produced by reacting an alkanolamine with a hydrocarbyl halide.

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 pyrotechnic composition useful for gunpowder, propellant or explosive purposes, which comprises an organic acid such as ascorbic or erythorbic acid, a nitrate salt oxidizer, and about 6-15% of potassium perchlorate, has improved properties including reduced residue.

Abstract: Tetrazoles of improved physical properties as produced by converting them into their amine salts represented by the following chemical formula (1): ##STR1## wherein R represents hydrogen, alkyl, phenyl, benzyl or phenethyl group, which may be substituted by an alkyl with carbon number 1-3, chlorine, hydroxyl, carboxyl, methoxy, aceto, nitro or other group, and wherein R may also be tetrazolyl group, which may be substituted via diazo or triazo group, and wherein Z is an amine.The tetrazole amine salts are useful as gas-generating agents for air-bags or as foaming agents for high polymers.

Abstract: The invention relates to cap or booster sensitive explosives for application in bulk or cartridge form in boreholes. The oxidizing salt of the explosive is ammonium nitrate, sodium nitrate and/or calcium nitrate having untamped bulk density of 0.3-0.7 g/cm.sup.3. The explosive can be a w-i-o emulsion explosive where the discontinuous phase is an aqueous solution of the oxidizing salts and where low density ammonium nitrate comprises 10-80 weight % of the total explosive. ANFO, HANFO and water-gel explosives comprising said oxidizing salts having untamped bulk density of 0.3-0.7 g/cm.sup.3 are examples of explosives according to the invention. The above types of explosives are especially suitable in small and medium size boreholes without using sensitizing or density reducing agents.

Abstract: The density of ammonium nitrate-based mining explosives, such as ANFO, heavy ANFO and emulsion explosives, is lowered by adding an expanded grain, such as expanded popcorn, expanded rice, or expanded wheat, to the explosive. As much as 10% of the explosive composition may be an expanded grain. The present invention may be used with porous ammonium nitrate, dense agricultural grade ammonium nitrate, crystalline ammonium nitrate, and ground ammonium nitrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cellulose-based propellant for generating gas to inflate an air bag in a vehicle occupant restraint system. In one embodiment, the propellant includes cellulose in combination with an alkali nitrate oxidizer, such a potassium nitrate, and Kaolinite clay for increasing the viscosity of the residue resulting from combustion of the propellant. Also included in the present invention is a method for producing the propellant and incorporating the propellant into an air bag restraint system. In one embodiment of the method, cellulose fiber in the form of pulp board or wood pulp is soaked in a solution that includes an oxidizing agent to produce a slurry, the slurry is then formed into a sheet of a desired density, the sheet is then at least partially dried, if required, and then formed into a desired shape for incorporation into a vehicle restraint system that employs an air bag.

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.