Abstract: The invention relates to gas generating compositions for use in safety devices for vehicles. In particular, the invention relates to said compositions based on guanidine nitrate used in pedestrian protection devices. The composition substantially comprises 75 to 98% by weight of guanidine nitrate as fuel and 2 to 25% by weight of a burn accelerator selected from the group of the transition metal compounds, the metal nitrates, metal chlorates, metal perchlorates, ammonium perchlorate and mixtures thereof, wherein the transition metal compounds are selected from the compounds of the transition metals Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Zr and Mo and wherein the gas generating composition exhibits a burn rate of from 3 to 17 mm/s at 20 MPa.

Abstract: The present invention provides a chlorine-containing pyrotechnic composition which is substantially free of per-chlorate which composition comprises a nitrocellulose which is derived from a fibrous nitrocellulose starting material that has at least partially been dissolved during the process of preparing the pyrotechnic composition, and a colorant. The invention further provides a firework article comprising said pyrotechnic composition, and a method for preparing the same.

Abstract: A novel auto-ignition/gas generating composition contains a primary fuel selected from salts of azoles, alkyl tetrazoles, and mixtures thereof; a secondary fuel selected from salts of organic acids; and a primary oxidizer selected from metal nitrates. A tertiary fuel may also be provided and is selected from organic acids. Gas generators and gas generating systems incorporating the novel compositions are also contemplated.

Abstract: A percussion primer composition including at least one explosive, at least fuel particle having a particle size of about 1500 nm or less, at least one oxidizer, optionally at least one sensitizer, optionally at least one buffer, and to methods of preparing the same.

Abstract: A low temperature flameless aerosol producing fire extinguishing composition containing potassium nitrate and binding fuel is characterized by using cellulose-fibrous mass as a binding fuel, with potassium nitrate at 30-70% and fibrous cellulose mass making up the remainder. A production method for the composition is further provided.

Abstract: Airbag inflators employ gas generating compositions formed from a mixture of fuels and a mixture of oxidizers and preferably mica at levels of 1 to 5% by weight. The gas generant composition contains a primary and secondary fuel. The primary fuel is a guanidine compound, preferably guanidine nitrate. The secondary fuel is selected from tetrazoles, triazoles and mixtures thereof at levels of 5% by weight or less of the total gas generant composition. The oxidizer system is a mixture of at least two components selected from the group consisting of transition metal oxides, alkali metal nitrates and alkaline earth metal nitrates. The novel gas generants yield inflating gases having a reduced content of undesirable gases such as nitrous oxides and carbon monoxide.

Abstract: A firing mixture which contains explosives, oxidizing and reducing agents is characterized in that it contains one or several explosives which can be fired by laser light. Also disclosed is a process for producing the same and its use.

Abstract: What is disclosed relates to polymers that resist dissolution in organic solvents, are vasodilators, and are tunable explosives. These polymers also form solvent resistant coatings and solvent resistant fibers as well as bonding materials.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gas generant composition for a gas actuator used for activating a safety device, which contains (A) a nitrogen-containing organic compound, (B) a metal nitrate and/or a perchlorate, (C) a water-soluble polymer binder, and (D) a magnetic material. When compared with the conventional gas generant compositions, this gas generant composition is excellent in combustibility under low pressure conditions and reduced in CO gas generation during combustion. In this gas generant composition, (D) the magnetic material is preferably composed of a magnetic iron oxide.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present subject matter provide an improved percussion primer composition and improved hot-wire igniter acceptor, wherein lead styphnate is replaced with a lead-free material, 4,6-dinitro-7-hydroxybenzofuroxan, potassium salt (KDNP). Embodiments of the percussion primer composition include KDNP, a sensitizer, an oxidizer, calcium silicide, a fuel, and a binder. Sensitizers may include tetracene. Oxidizers may include alkali or alkaline earth nitrates, oxides, or peroxides (such as barium nitrate). Fuel materials may include metals, metal sulfides, or other non-metallic materials. Common binders may include nitrocellulose based shellacs, gum arabic/poly vinyl alcohol mixtures, and guar gum/poly vinyl alcohol mixtures. Embodiments of the hot-wire igniter device include a bridgewire, an acceptor, and an output, where KDNP is the acceptor. Power supply may be in the form of constant current/voltage or current flow from a capacitor discharge.

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: A perchlorate-free solid pyrotechnic flash bang composition is disclosed, which comprises an oxidizer component selected from the group comprising potassium nitrate, strontium nitrate, and basic copper nitrate and combinations thereof, a metallic fuel component selected from the group comprising aluminum, magnesium, magnesium-aluminum alloys, silicon, zirconium, and combinations thereof, and a non-metallic fuel component comprising sulfur. The flash bang pyrotechnic composition may also further comprise a ballistic accelerant component, a pH stabilizer, and a free flow/anti-caking component.

Abstract: Compositions of gas generants with polymer adhesive are disclosed. The gas generant compositions include nitrogen containing guanidines, hydrogen containing tetrazole, oxidizing agent, polymer adhesive, and residue aggregating agent. The nitrogen containing guanidines range from 25 to 45 weight percent. The hydrogen containing tetrazole is 10-30 weight percent. The nitrate oxidizing agent is 20-40 weight percent. The perchlorate oxidizing agent ranges from 1 to 15 weight percent. The polymer adhesive is 0.1-3 weight percent and the residue aggregating agent weights from 1 to 15 weight percent. The gas generant pellets are applied to inflators for generating gas so that the air bag is inflating instantly for protecting driver and passengers in automobile.

Abstract: A low-solids gas generating composition and a method of producing a gas. The gas is produced by combusting a mixture of a fuel selected from the group consisting of guanidine nitrate, nitroguanidine, cellulose, cellulose acetate, hexamine, 5 amino-tetrazole, 5 nitro-uracil, guanidine salt of 5 nitro-uracil, and mixtures thereof, an oxidizer selected from the group consisting of ceric ammonium nitrate, strontium nitrate, basic copper nitrate, a mixture of ammonium perchlorate and at least one alkali metal salt, and mixtures thereof, and a cupric oxalate hemi-hydrate coolant. The oxidizer-fuel mixture is within about 4 percent of stoichiometric balance, and the low-solids gas generating composition produces no more than about 0.082 cubic centimeters of solids per gram of gas generating composition on combustion.

Abstract: A non-toxic heavy-metal-free priming mix and a method of forming same, designed especially for industrial shotshells and other shotshells having abnormally heavy charges of propellant in an effort to qualify for heavy duty assignments such as the need to break up cement which has set up within a cement kiln and impedes the operation of the kiln. The mix is characterized by the inclusion of a secondary highly shock-sensitive explosive, PETN, in unusually large amounts such as 13-17% by weight of the mix as well as equally large amounts of powdered aluminum, as a fuel. This combination, supported by potassium nitrate and ferric oxide as primary and secondary oxidizers, respectively, proves to be highly effective. Each of the components, namely DDNP, PETN, tetracene, glass, powdered aluminum, potassium nitrate, ferric oxide, and gum tragacanth is non-toxic and heavy-metal-free.

Abstract: A non-toxic primer mix including both bismuth sulfide and potassium nitrate as the pyrotechnic portion of the primer is disclosed. In a further embodiment, a non-toxic primer mix comprising zinc sulfide and aluminum nitrate as the pyrotechnic portion of the primer mix is disposed. Bismuth and zinc sulfide act as fuels for the oxidizers of potassium and aluminum nitrate in providing an ignition flame for the primer. The non-toxic primer mix further contains a lead-free explosive material, and additionally can include added fuels, sensitizers, explosives and binders.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (16) and a gas generating composition which when ignited produces gas to inflate the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (16). The gas generating composition comprises a non-azide nitrogen containing organic fuel, an inorganic salt oxidizer, and a metal organic coolant selected from the group consisting of alkali metal formates, alkaline earth metal formates, alkali metal oxalates, and alkaline earth metal oxalates. The amount of metal organic coolant in the gas generating composition is a cooling amount.

Abstract: Solid gas generant compositions produce low particulates (e.g., condensed ash) when ignited. The solid gas generant compositions most preferably include a nitramine, at least one oxidizer selected from nitrates of strontium or cerium, in admixture with or without potassium perchlorate, and a binder. Graphite may optionally be employed. The gas generant compositions are usefully employed in inflatable vehicle occupant passive restraint systems (e.g., air bag systems).

Abstract: Fire suppressant compositions which are substantially free of ammonium nitrate and which comprise potassium nitrate in an amount sufficient to generate at least about 10 wt. % potassium carbonate when combusted. Most preferably, a guanidine salt, such as guanidine nitrate, is used in combination with the potassium nitrate. The compositions employed in the present invention have low pressure exponents, high burning rates and low flame temperatures.

Abstract: A gas generating composition comprising ammonium nitrate and a non-toxic metal oxide which reduces the pressure exponent and enables the composition to sustain combustion at or near atmospheric pressure, thereby improving combustion efficiency. The composition is useful for various purposes, such as inflating a vehicle occupant restraint, i.e., an air bag for an automotive vehicle or aircraft, as well as aircraft escape chutes or the like.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fire suppression composition, comprising a propellant comprising a fuel and an oxidizer, said propellant capable of generating inert gas; and a fire suppression additive selected from the group consisting of iron-containing compounds, non-halide potassium salts, and combinations thereof. Useful iron-containing compounds include ferric oxide, ferric carbonate, ferric oxalate, and iron cyanide dyes. Useful potassium salts include potassium acetate, potassium acetylacetonate, potassium bicarbonate, and potassium carbonate. The invention is also directed to a fire suppression apparatus that utilizes the above fire suppression composition.

Abstract: A spontaneous firing explosive composition for use in a gas generator for an airbag containing a fuel, an oxidizer, a combustion modifier, and a binder.

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: A gas generating composition comprising ammonium nitrate and a non-toxic metal oxide which reduces the pressure exponent and enables the composition to sustain combustion at or near atmospheric pressure, thereby improving combustion efficiency. The composition is useful for various purposes, such as inflating a vehicle occupant restraint, i.e., an air bag for an automotive vehicle or aircraft, as well as aircraft escape chutes or the like.

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: 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: The present invention relates to an inflator for a vehicle airbag employing non-azide gas generants. The invention also relates to a new filter system for airbag inflators. The filter is a metal ribbon coiled within the inflator house. The metal ribbon comprises at least one segment of apertures and a segment of expanded metal.

Abstract: A new filtration system for gas generators, especially side impact airbag inflators for use in automobiles, has a sheet of expanded metal formed into a tube, cylinder or other geometric form and a bed of expanded metal chips. The interior of the geometric form is filled with chips of expanded metal and this configuration has been found extremely effective in cooling and filtering the gases produced during the combustion of a gas generant. The filtration system disposed between the gas generant bed and the gas exit apertures of the inflator housing. The weight of the filtration system should be at least four times the weight of the gas generant placed in the inflator housing.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic gas generant composition including a high oxygen balance fuel that is the resulting reaction product of an aminoguanidine or polyaminoguanidine salt and nitric acid, namely, aminoguanidine dinitrate, diaminoguanidine dinitrate, and triaminoguanidine dinitrate. Specifically, aminoguanidine dinitrate, diaminoguanidine dinitrate, and triaminoguanidine dinitrate can be used as monopropellants or in combination with oxidizers and additives as a solid bipropellant composition. In each instance, the high oxygen balance fuel(s) of the present invention provide(s) both high gas output and low production of solid combustion products. Specifically, the high oxygen balance fuel(s) may be incorporated into gas generators, gun propellants, inflation and expulsion devices, flotation devices, pyrotechnics, fire suppression devices and smokeless, reduced smoke and metallized rocket propellants.

Abstract: A fire suppressant composition is provided which exhibits a low pressure and low flame temperature. The composition comprises ammonium nitrate and a guanidine salt or derivative which produces greater than 3 moles of inert gas per 100 grams of composition and alkali metal or alkaline earth salts for flame suppression. The composition may also include iron or iron oxide.

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: The combination of guanidine nitrate (GN), aminoguanidine nitrate (AGN) and potassium perchlorate (KP) in defined proportions serves as an effective gas generative composition that displays enhanced burning rate performance at 2000 and 4000 psi. Through the addition thereto of small amounts of potassium nitrate (KN) the burning rate and pressure component of the composition is further improved and through the addition of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) both greater dimensional strength and superior stability are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved non-azide gas generants and methods for their manufacture for use in an automobile gas bag system. This discovery overcomes the problems of moisture and thermal cycling in a non-azide gas generant pellet through the use of at least two fuels selected from guanidine nitrate, nitroguanidine, triaminoguanidine nitrate, diaminoguanidine nitrate and monoguanidine nitrate and an oxidizer system comprising mixtures of strontium nitrate, sodium nitrate and ammonium perchlorate.

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-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: A eutectic solution of ammonium nitrate and either aminoguanidine nitrate (AGN) or guanidine nitrate (AN) in the form of a present pellet is used to generate a particulate-free, 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 nitrate to the eutectic solution eliminates the ammonium nitrate phase change due to temperature cycling without adversely affecting the pressed pellets' freedom from cracking due to said temperature cycling.

Abstract: An airbag device including a gas-emitting substance chamber having an opening. A gas-emitting substance is provided in the gas-emitting substance chamber including between about seventy-six to about eighty percent by weight of a high energy explosive and about twelve to about fifteen percent by weight of a combustible binder. An igniter provided within the gas-emitting substance chamber ignites the gas-emitting substance. A pressure reducing valve arranged in the opening of the gas-emitting substance chamber maintains a desired pressure in the gas-emitting substance chamber during burning of the gas-emitting substance. A gas container having an opening contains a gas for oxidizing gas produced by burning of the gas-emitting substance. A closure closes the opening in the gas container. A mixing chamber is joined to the gas-emitting substance chamber and the gas container in the vicinity of the opening of the gas-emitting substance chamber and in the vicinity of the opening of the gas container.

Abstract: A gas generant charge comprises a heterogeneous mixture of between about 80 and about 95 wt % of a first gas generant composition 1) and between about 5 and about 20 wt % of a second gas generant composition 2), based on the total weight of 1) plus 2). The first gas generant composition 1) comprises between about 20 and about 40 wt % fuel A) and between about 20 and about 60 wt % oxidizer B). Between about 50 and about 85 wt % of the fuel A) is a triazole or tetrazole compound A.sup.1), and between about 15 and about 50 wt % of the fuel is, a water-soluble fuel A.sup.2). At least about 20 wt % of the oxidizer B), up to 100%, a transition metal oxide B.sup.1); balance of the oxidizer is selected from the group B.sup.2) consisting of alkali and/or alkaline earth metal nitrates, chlorates or perchlorates.

Abstract: An explosive projectile has a splinter-generating body inside which is placed an explosive and/or incendiary load ignited by a primer. The projectile also contains an intermediate charge placed between the primer and the explosive load. The charge is composed of a mixture of an explosive and a first pyrotechnic composition including at least one oxidizing agent and at least one reducing agent. The explosive projectile may be utilized as a medium caliber projectile ignited upon impact by a pyrotechnic fuse.

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: 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: In a low energy fuse, the reactive composition on the inner wall of the tubing is substantially free of a metal fuel or quasi metal fuel and comprises a particulate secondary high explosive and a gas generating non-explosive particulate solid selected from barium peroxide, barium nitrate, potassium permanganate, potassium chloride or sodium azide. The gas generating solid renders the fuse safer for use in an inflammable or incendive atmosphere such as a coal mine.

Abstract: Emulsion explosive compositions comprising a discontinuous aqueous oxidizer salt phase and a continuous carbonaceous fuel phase and from about 5% to about 50% nitrostarch are disclosed which exhibit increased resistance to precompression or dead pressing while maintaining high detonation velocities.

Abstract: Automotive airbag gas generant formulation providing alternative to commercially used formulations containing sodium azide. The composition comprises from about 25% to about 75% by weight of a heterocyclic compound having the following structure: ##STR1## wherein R is selected from hydrogen,--CO.sub.2 X, and--OXand X is a cation providing an anhydrous salt. The other principal ingredient of the composition is from about 25% to 75% by weight of an anhydrous oxidizing salt having a cation selected from metals of Group I-A of the Periodic Table (except sodium), calcium, strontium, or barium, and an anion which is essentially free of carbon, hydrogen, or halogens. From about 0% to 2% of a binder can be added, if necessary. An automotive airbag inflator containing the composition and a method for generating gas comprising the step of igniting the composition stated above are also disclosed.

Abstract: A physically stable emulsion explosive composition consisting of a dispersed phase and a continuous phase, wherein the dispersed phase consists essentially of at least one oxidizing compound and at least one fuel compound, and wherein the continuous phase consists essentially of a polyacrylate resin.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a water-in-oil emulsion and the emulsion explosives therefrom containing nitrostarch by nitrating starch with an excess of a nitrating agent, treating the reaction mixture thereof with anhydrous ammonia to form a solution of water, dissolved ammonium nitrate, and nitrostarch, and thereafter combining the aqueous solution with a carbonaceous fuel phase and emulsifier to form a water-in-oil emulsion. The explosive is provided, preferably, by the distribution of voids throughout the water-in-oil emulsion to render it detonable. The invention is also applicable to the production of melt-in-fuel explosive compositions and water-gel explosives.

Abstract: Primer composition comprising diazodinitrophenol or potassium dinitrobenzofuroxane, tetracene, nitrate ester fuel and strontium nitrate. It is prepared by hydrating anhydrous strontium nitrate by dissolving in warm water and thereafter cooling solution to obtain crystals of the tetrahydrate. These crystals are mixed with other components to form the primer composition.

Abstract: A melt/cast explosive composition comprising about 20 to 100 wt. % of a binary complex of ammonium nitrate (AN) and methyl nitroguanidine (MeNQ) in a molar ratio of about 0.55:1 to 1.35:1. This binary complex may be used alone or it may be formulated with up to about 80 wt. % compatible fuels and/or oxidizers to tailor the formulation for specific military or commercial applications.

Abstract: An emulsion explosive composition comprising a discontinuous oxidizer phase and a continuous fuel phase is provided wherein the fuel phase comprises an aromatic hydrocarbon compound. The composition essentially contains as the emulsifying agent a polyisobutylene succinic anyhdride-based compound in admixture with an ester of 1-4 sorbitan and oleic acid. The composition demonstrates high explosive strength and excellent stability.

Abstract: An emulsion explosive composition comprising a discontinuous oxidizer phase and a continuous fuel phase is provided wherein the fuel phase comprises a nitroalkane compound. The composition essentially contains as the emulsifying agent a polyisobutylene succinic anhydride-based compound in admixture with an ester of 1-4 sorbitan and oleic acid. The composition demonstrates high explosive strength and excellent stability.