Abstract: A positive electrode of a lithium-sulfur battery including maghemite as an additive and a lithium-sulfur battery including the same. The maghemite obtained by heat treatment of lepidocrocite adsorbs lithium polysulfide (LiPS) generated from a lithium-sulfur battery, thereby improving the charging/discharging efficiency and capacity of the battery, as well as increasing the life of the battery.

Abstract: A positive electrode of a lithium-sulfur battery including maghemite as an additive and a lithium-sulfur battery including the same. The maghemite obtained by heat treatment of lepidocrocite adsorbs lithium polysulfide (LiPS) generated from a lithium-sulfur battery, thereby improving the charging/discharging efficiency and capacity of the battery, as well as increasing the life of the battery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved process for producing iron oxide red pigments by the Penniman process using nitrate (also referred to as nitrate process or direct red process) and apparatuses for carrying out the process.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions containing Bacillus sp., optionally with magnetite, useful in methods for collecting algae. The invention also relates to methods for collecting algae by contacting algae and bare maghemite and compositions thereof.

Abstract: A method of synthesizing carbon-magnetite nanocomposites. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of (a) dissolving a first amount of an alkali salt of lignosulfonate in water to form a first solution, (b) heating the first solution to a first temperature, (c) adding a second amount of iron sulfate (FeSO4) to the first solution to form a second solution, (d) heating the second solution at a second temperature for a first duration of time effective to form a third solution of iron lignosulfonate, (e) adding a third amount of 1N sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to the third solution of iron lignosulfonate to form a fourth solution with a first pH level, (f) heating the fourth solution at a third temperature for a second duration of time to form a first sample, and (g) subjecting the first sample to a microwave radiation for a third duration of time effective to form a second sample containing a plurality of carbon-magnetite nanocomposites.

Abstract: A method of preparing mesoporous nanostructured particles of a transition metal oxide. The method contains the steps of dissolving a soft-template compound in a solvent, dispersing a first or second row transition metal ion-containing compound, adjusting the pH value if necessary, and removing the solvent to obtain mesoporous nanostructured transition metal oxide powders, calcining the powders optionally to afford mesoporous nanostructured particles of the transition metal oxide. Also disclosed is particle prepared by the above-described method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing magnetite (Fe3O4) or derivatives thereof, comprising the steps: a) preparing an aqueous solution A of a Fe(III) salt, b) preparing an aqueous solution B of an iodide salt, c) mixing solutions A and B to obtain a first precipitate, d) separating the first precipitate to obtain a filtrate, e) hydrolyzing the filtrate obtained in step d) by adjusting the pH to about 8.5-9 or above, preferably 9, in order to obtain a second precipitate, and f) separating the second precipitate.

Abstract: Highly pure iron oxides are prepared by reaction of metallic iron, in the form of microspheroidal particles or of scraps or cuttings, with an agitated aqueous solution of a mono- or polycarboxylic acid with a pKa of 0.5 to 6 relative to the first carboxyl and capable of decomposing, by heating in air at 200 to 350° C., to carbon dioxide and water, using 0.03 to 1.5 moles of acid per g-atoms of iron, a water/iron weight ration of 1 to 20, and by oxidation of the ferrous carboxilate to ferric salt, with an agent selected from oxygen, mixtures containing oxygen, hydrogen peroxide, organic peroxides and hydroperoxides.

Abstract: The present application relates to a method for preparing stoichiometrically pure maghemite iron superparamagnetic nanoparticles. The method for preparing maghemite (?-Fe2O3) superparamagnetic nanoparticles disclosed in the present application is characterized by a step of reduction and appropriate steps of oxidation of the Fe-based composition obtained by the same. The maghemite nanoparticles obtained show a suitable size as well as binding properties without any surface modification. These nanoparticles can be therefore easily used as reagents for detection of inorganic and/or organic molecules as well as nanocarriers of organic and/or biomolecules.

Abstract: To provide a carrier for two-component electrophotographic developer not only having excellent fluidity but also having proper surface irregularities necessary for imparting electric charge, without generating cracks/chipping of particles even under an influence of stirring stress over a long period of time. A particle surface has raised parts of striped pattern extending almost continuously in a plurality of directions while being superposed on one another, with a surface formed with raised parts of striped pattern occupying 80% or more of the whole surface of a particle. Depths of grooves between the adjacent raised parts are 0.05 ?m or more and 0.2 ?m or less, average surface roughness Ra is 0.1 ?m or more and 0.3 ?m or less, roundness is 0.90 or more, and average particle size is 15 ?m or more and 100 ?m or less, and a carrier core material thus constituted is coated with resin. Thus, the carrier for two-component electrophotographic developer is prepared.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing red iron oxide with only marginal goethite content, wherein a ferrous chloride feedstock is employed as starting material. The process comprises precipitating lepidocrocite seeds having a high BET surface area by mixing the ferrous chloride feedstock with an alkali and oxidizing the obtained mixture, and growing the lepidocrocite seeds, whereby the lepidocrocite converts into red iron oxide.

Abstract: A process for producing an anisotropic magnetic material includes: preparing a feebly magnetic material capable of transforming into a magnetic material by a prescribed reaction, orienting the feebly magnetic material by imparting an external field to the feebly magnetic material, and transforming the oriented feebly magnetic material to a magnetic substance by the prescribed reaction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a metal oxide nano powder comprising preparing a first dispersed solution by adding a nano-sized metal powder to water and dispersing the metal powder within the water, performing a hydration reaction of the first dispersed solution at a temperature of about 30 to about 70° C. to generate a precipitation, and filtering and drying the precipitation to prepare a metal oxide powder. Also, disclosed is a metal oxide nano powder manufactured by the method described above, and having any one of a bar-form, a cube-form, and a fiber-form.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing iron ore pellets containing hematite is described. The pellets containing magnetite are exposed to microwave energy in a heat treatment furnace under oxidizing conditions to convert magnetite to hematite.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a method for preparing an aqueous dispersion of ?-Fe2O3 nanoparticles. The method includes grinding an iron (II) hydrated salt, an iron (III) hydrated salt, an inorganic salt, and alkali hydroxide in a grinding or milling machine. The inorganic salt may be a salt matrix that prevents growth and aggregation of the synthesized nanoparticles. The aqueous dispersion of ?-Fe2O3 nanoparticles may optionally be hydrothermally treated to become an aqueous dispersion of ?-Fe2O3 nanoparticles. Also disclosed is a method for preparing an mixture of ?-Fe2O3 nanoparticles and ?-Fe2O3 nanoparticles, in which at least an iron (III) hydrated salt, an inorganic salt, and alkali hydroxide are ground in a grinding or milling machine. Uses for the nanoparticles include: a magnetic resonance image contrast agent, a color print ink, an artificial tanning pigment, a photocatalyst for degradation of organic dye, a red pigment, an adsorbent for waste water treatment, a catalyst support, and a catalyst.

Abstract: Maghemite (?-Fe2O3) is formed by oxidizing iron stearate with methylmorpholine N-oxide (MNO). A mixture comprising iron stearate, MNO, a surfactant, and a solvent may be heated to maintain the mixture at a temperature of about 280 to about 320° C. for a sufficient period to form magnetic nanoparticles comprise maghemite. After heating, the mixture may be cooled to limit growth in size of the nanoparticles. The mixture may be heated for a period of about 15 minutes to about 30 minutes, such as about 15 minutes. The process may be adapted to also form quantum dots, and to form magnetic quantum dot (MQD) nanoparticles in an integrated process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the preparation of a composition of nanoparticles of at least one crystalline metal oxide from at least one organometallic precursor. One precursor(s) which can react spontaneously to oxidation is selected; a liquid solution of the precursor(s) is produced in a solvent non-aqueous medium, and the liquid solution is placed in contact with at least one oxidant in adapted reactional conditions in order to directly result in the production of nanoparticles of crystalline metal oxide(s). The invention also relates to a composition of nanoparticles obtained in the form of a colloidal liquid solution.

Abstract: A process for producing an anisotropic magnetic material includes: preparing a feebly magnetic material capable of transforming into a magnetic material by a prescribed reaction, orienting the feebly magnetic material by imparting an external field to the feebly magnetic material, and transforming the oriented feebly magnetic material to a magnetic substance by the prescribed reaction.

Abstract: Highly pure iron oxides are prepared by reaction of metallic iron, in the form of microspheroidal particles or of scraps or cuttings, with an agitated aqueous solution of a mono- or polycarboxylic acid with a pKa of 0.5 to 6 relative to the first carboxyl and capable of decomposing, by heating in air at 200 to 350 ° C., to carbon dioxide and water, using 0.03 to 1.5 moles of acid per g-atoms of iron, a water/iron weight ration of 1 to 20, and by oxidation of the ferrous carboxilate to ferric salt, with an agent selected from oxygen, mixtures containing oxygen, hydrogen peroxide, organic peroxides and hydroperoxides.

Abstract: A method and structure for making magnetite nanoparticle materials by mixing iron salt with alcohol, carboxylic acid and amine in an organic solvent and heating the mixture to 200-360° C. is described. The size of the particles can be controlled either by changing the iron salt to acid/amine ratio or by coating small nanoparticles with more iron oxide. Magnetite nanoparticles in the size ranging from 2 nm to 20 nm with a narrow size distribution are obtained with the invention.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a method for preparing an aqueous dispersion of ?-Fe2O3 nanoparticles. The method includes grinding an iron (II) hydrated salt, an iron (III) hydrated salt, an inorganic salt, and alkali hydroxide in a grinding or milling machine. The inorganic salt may be a salt matrix that prevents growth and aggregation of the synthesized nanoparticles. The aqueous dispersion of ?-Fe2O3 nanoparticles may optionally be hydrothermally treated to become an aqueous dispersion of ?-Fe2O3 nanoparticles. Also disclosed is a method for preparing an mixture of ?-Fe2O3 nanoparticles and ?-Fe2O3 nanoparticles, in which at least an iron (III) hydrated salt, an inorganic salt, and alkali hydroxide are ground in a grinding or milling machine. Uses for the nanoparticles include: a magnetic resonance image contrast agent, a color print ink, an artificial tanning pigment, a photocatalyst for degradation of organic dye, a red pigment, an adsorbent for waste water treatment, a catalyst support, and a catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new iron containing phosphate adsorbent and its use e.g. for treating hyperphosphataemia.

Abstract: A process for removing chloride from chloridic iron oxide comprises mixing said chloridic iron oxide with an acid and subsequently conducting a thermal treatment at from 50 to 1300° C.

Abstract: Highly pure iron oxides are prepared by reaction of metallic iron, in the form of microspheroidal particles or of scraps or cuttings, with an agitated aqueous solution of a mono- or polycarboxylic acid with a pKa of 0.5 to 6 relative to the first carboxyl and capable of decomposing, by heating in air at 200 to 350° C., to carbon dioxide and water, using 0.03 to 1.5 moles of acid per g-atoms of iron, a water/iron weight ration of 1 to 20, and by oxidation of the ferrous carboxilate to ferric salt, with an agent selected from oxygen, mixtures containing oxygen, hydrogen peroxide, organic peroxides and hydroperoxides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ferroxanes and a method of making wherein a ferroxane may be defined by the general formula [Fe(O)x(OH)y(O2CR)z]n wherein x, y and z may be any integer or fraction such that 2x+y+z=3 and n may be any integer. The ferroxanes may be doped with at least one other element other than iron. The present invention further relates to a ceramic made from the ferroxanes of the present invention and a method of making. The present invention still further relates to supported and unsupported membranes made from the ceramic of the present invention.

Abstract: In a metal oxide nanoparticle and a synthetic method thereof, and in particular to maghemite (&ggr;-Fe2O3) nanoparticles usable as a superhigh density magnetic recording substance by having good shape anisotropy and magnetic characteristics, hematite (&agr;-Fe2O3) nanoparticles usable as a precursor to the maghemite or a catalyst, maghemite and hematite-mixed nanoparticles and a synthetic method thereof, the method for synthesizing metal oxide nanoparticles includes forming a reverse micelle solution by adding distilled water, a surfactant and a solvent to metallic salt not less than trivalent, precipitating and separating gel type amorphous metal oxide particles by adding proton scavenger to the reverse micelle solution; adjusting a molar ratio of metal oxide to the surfactant by washing the gel type amorphous metal oxide particles with a polar solvent; and crystallizing metal oxide nanoparticles through heating or reflux after dispersing the gel type amorphous metal oxide particles in a non-polar solvent ha

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the manufacture of particles composed of an intimate admixture of barium or strontium ferrite and ferric oxide from a chloride solution containing barium or strontium ions and ferrous ions by a pyrohydrolysis reaction. The presence of carbon dioxide in the heated atmosphere in which pyrohydrolysis of an admixture of alkaline earth metal chloride and iron chloride is carried out has been discovered to substantially decrease the temperature required for reaction to occur.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of iron oxide pigments from the waste acid resulting from the preparation of titanium dioxide by the sulfate process, characterized in that in a first stage a partial neutralization of the sulfuric acid contained in the waste acid is performed with compounds from the group comprising metallic iron and/or iron compounds, the sulfuric acid is optionally further neutralized with a further alkaline compound, the precipitate containing Ti, Al, Cr and V compounds is separated from the resultant reaction product and an iron oxide yellow pigment or iron oxide black pigment is precipitated from the resultant iron sulfate-containing solution by addition of alkaline compounds as well as an oxidizing agent, each pigment being able to be baked to form an iron oxide red pigment.

Abstract: The present invention provides particles for a non-magnetic undercoat layer of a magnetic recording medium, which comprises acicular hematite particles having an average major axial diameter of not more than 0.3 &mgr;m, a geometrical standard deviation in the major axial diameter of not more than 1.50 and a BET specific surface area of not less than 40 m2/g, and containing a total amount of sodium of not more than 50 ppm calculated as Na. The acicular hematite particles have an excellent dispersibility in a vehicle so that a non-magnetic undercoat layer containing the particles is excellent in surface smoothness and strength. A magnetic recording medium using the non-magnetic undercoat layer is excellent not only in electromagnetic performance, but in storage stability.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of synthetic (synthetically produced) iron raw materials to prepare iron oxide pigments in the Penniman process and other iron-dissolution processes.

Abstract: Electromagnetic shielding material is formed from a shielding composition made with magnetic particles and a binder, where the magnetic particles have an average diameter less than about 1000 nm and are substantially crystalline. The magnetic particles can be formed from Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3, Fe.sub.3 O.sub.4, Fe.sub.3 C, or Fe.sub.7 C.sub.3. The shielding composition can be formed into a layer or into composite particles. The binder can be a metal or an electrically conducting polymer. A conducting layer can be placed adjacent to the shielding composition. The shielding material can be used to protect sensitive electronic devices. Methods are described for forming iron oxide particles by laser pyrolysis.

Abstract: Monolithic metal oxide structures, and processes for making such structures, are disclosed. The structures are obtained by heating a metal-containing structure having a plurality of surfaces in close proximity to one another in an oxidative atmosphere at a temperature below the melting point of the metal while maintaining the close proximity of the metal surfaces. Exemplary structures of the invention include open-celled and closed-cell monolithic metal oxide structures comprising a plurality of adjacent bonded corrugated and/or flat layers, and metal oxide filters obtained from a plurality of metal filaments oxidized in close proximity to one another.

Abstract: Rectangular parallelopipedic lepidocrocite particles of the present invention have a minor axial diameter of 0.045 to 0.5 .mu.m, a major axial diameter of 0.05 to 1.0 .mu.m, and a thickness of 0.001 to 0.3 .mu.m, which are individual. Such rectangular parallelopipedic lepidocrocite particles according to the present invention are firstly used as a coloring pigment for paints, resin moldings, printing ink, road asphalt, cosmetics, etc., and secondly used as a non-magnetic material for non-magnetic undercoat layers which are formed on non-magnetic substrates which constitute a substrate for magnetic recording media, and which have an excellent surface smoothness and a high strength.

Abstract: The disclosure describes plastic formed products comprising:one selected from the group consisting of a thermoplastic resin and a thermosetting resin; and0.1 to 10 wt % of at least one selected from the group consisting of ferric oxide hydroxide particles, hematite particles, magnetite particles and maghemite particles;wherein (1) the average major axial diameter or the plate diameter of said ferric oxide hydroxide particles is 0.02 or 2.0 .mu.m and the average aspect ratio or the plate ratio thereof is 2 to 20, (2) the average particle size of said hematite particles, magnetite particles and maghemite particles is 0.01 to 1.0, the BET specific surface area thereof is 1 to 120 m.sup.2 /g and the water content on the surfaces thereof is not less than 0.02 wt %/m.sup.2 /g.

Abstract: In a process for producing hydrated iron oxide which comprises the steps of adding an aqueous alkali solution to an aqueous solution of a ferrous salt in an amount no more than a neutralizing equivalent amount with respect to said ferrous salt, oxidizing the resulting ferrous hydroxide containing suspension to produce the seed crystals of hydrated iron oxide and subsequently supplying an additional amount of alkali and oxidizing the hydrated iron oxide to grow, sulfurous acid or a sulfite is added to either the aqueous ferrous salt solution or the aqueous alkali solution or the suspension containing ferrous hydroxide before the oxidation of ferrous hydroxide starts. The resulting hydrated iron oxide may be used as a raw material to produce berthollide, maghemite or a cobalt-doped ferromagnetic iron oxide.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of synthetic (synthetically produced) iron raw materials to prepare iron oxide pigments in the Penniman process and other iron-dissolution processes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for producing a nanometer-sized metal compound. The process comprises forming a reverse micelle or reverse microemulsion system comprising a polar fluid in a non-polar or low-polarity fluid. A first reactant comprising a multi-component, water-soluble metal compound is introduced into the polar fluid in a non-polar or low-polarity fluid. This first reactant can be introduced into the reverse micelle or reverse microemulsion system during formation thereof or subsequent to the formation of the reverse micelle or microemulsion system. The water-soluble metal compound is then reacted in the reverse micelle or reverse microemulsion system to form the nanometer-sized metal compound. The nanometer-sized metal compound is then precipitated from the reverse micelle or reverse microemulsion system.

Abstract: .gamma.-Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3 pigments and Fe.sub.3 O.sub.4 pigments with a particle diameter of 2 to 100 nm, a saturation magnetization above 40 nTm.sup.3 /g, a remanence below 10 nTm.sup.3 /g, a Cr content below 40 mg/kg of pigment, a Cu content below 40 mg/kg of pigment and C content below 100 mg/kg of pigment and aqueous suspension of these pigments. The pigments are used in aqueous suspension in the medical sector, in particular as contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging.

Abstract: Process for preparing ultrafine inorganic particles of size lower than 50 nm, preferably lower than 10, with narrow size distribution, of metals, oxides, sulphides, carbonates by starting from microemulsions of water in a fluorinated oil, preferably a perfluoropolyether oil, containing metal ions in the aqueous phase and by reacting them with a reactant which is gaseous, or vapour, in the reaction conditions, for obtaining the above indicated compounds.

Abstract: A method is provided of rapidly increasing the bulk density of an iron oxide powder by preventing the powder, processed by a roller consolidation machine, from flying up. The method consists of feeding an iron oxide powder, whose apparent bulk density is 0.4-0.6, into a sealed tank, depressurizing the tank to a vacuum of 100-200 torr, and revolving the rotating roller and rotating plow at a revolving speed of 1-2 m/sec.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of iron oxide black pigment granules which are stable to handling.

Abstract: A process for reducing the residual chloride present in iron oxides, particularly in regenerated iron oxides produced from hydrochloric acid waste liquid generated from steel pickling, by post-synthesis treatment of the iron oxides with yellow iron oxide, and subsequently heating the mixture at a temperature sufficient to release at least a part of the crystalline water contained in the yellow iron oxide to facilitate the removal of residual chloride present in iron oxides. The purified regenerated iron oxides are particular suitable for making high-grade ferrites.

Abstract: Acicular .gamma.-FeOOH particles useful as precursors for magnetic particles suitable for magnetic recording are produced advantageously in industry. In a reaction of the growth of .gamma.-FeOOH nuclei by oxidizing a suspension containing .gamma.-FeOOH nuclei in a ferrous salt solution while neutralizing with alkali, a phosphorus compound is added to the reaction mixture at the time before the end of said reaction and when the ratio of Fe.sup.++ /total Fe in the reaction mixture is 0.15 or less.

Abstract: A method of delivering particles into a cellular specimen such that there is minimal disruption or damage to the specimen. In accordance with the method, a monodispersion of tiny acicular magnetizable particles is formed and that dispersion is placed in contact with the specimen. Then the dispersed particles are subjected to a nonuniform converging magnetic field having an axis of convergence which intersects a selected target area in the specimen and whose field lines converge to a focal point proximal to the specimen. Under the influence of the field, the particles align themselves with the field lines and travel into the specimen toward the focal point beyond the specimen. The method may be used to deliver particles at the cellular, microbial, tissue and organ levels and the agents that are deliverable by the method run the gamut from radiation, heat, DNA and diverse biological and chemical materials. Apparatus for practicing the method at these different levels are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of acicular .alpha.-iron oxide hydrate which comprises oxidizing a slurry of ferrous hydroxide having an excessive alkali concentration of 1.0 mol/l or above with an oxygen-containing gas, interrupting oxidation, adding an excessive quantity of an aqueous solution of a salt of aluminate, homogenizing and stirring the resulting mixture, again oxidizing it with an oxygen-containing gas to obtain a slurry containing free aluminate ion and .alpha.-iron oxide hydrate, homogenizing and stirring the slurry, then neutralizing and aging it, and washing and drying it.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a process for producing poreless plate-like magnetite particles which have as large a plate ratio (average particle diameter/thickness) as possible and which are discrete each other, the process comprising the step of: obtained by oxidizing a suspension containing FeCO.sub.3 obtained by reacting an aqueous ferrous salt solution and an aqueous alkali carbonate solution by passing an oxygen-containing gas therethrough, wherein the suspension is obtained by reacting a ferrous salt solution containing 0.2 to 5.0 mol % of a ferric salt, calculated as Fe(III), based on Fe(II) and an aqueous alkali carbonate the amount of which is so controlled that the equivalent ratio of an alkali carbonate to the Fe(II) and Fe(III) in the aqueous ferrous salt solution is not less than 1 and the following general formula is satisfied: ##EQU1## and if necessary, 0.01 to 8.

Abstract: Superparamagnetic particles are provided for medical applications including hyperthermia techniques, localized heating and tissue-specific release of therapeutic agents, and magnetic resonance imaging contrast enhancement, comprising superparamagnetic iron oxide and a polymer such as dextran at a ratio of about 0.5 to 0.1 w/w of polymer to iron. The particles display at least one of the following magnetic properties: (a) specific power absorption rate greater than 300 w/g Fe; (b) initial magnetic susceptibility greater than 0.7 EMU/g Fe/Gauss; and (c) magnetic moment greater than 10.sup.-15 erg/Gauss.

Abstract: A process for reducing the residual chloride present in iron oxides, particularly in regenerated iron oxides produced from hydrochloric acid waste liquid generated from steel pickling, by post-synthesis treatment of the iron oxides with sulfuric acid optionally followed by drying and calcining. The purified regenerated iron oxides are particular suitable for making iron oxide based catalysts such as ethylbenzene dehydrogenation catalysts and high-grade ferrites.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a process for producing acicular goethite particles comprising the steps of: blowing an oxygen-containing gas into a ferrous salt reaction solution containing colloidal ferrous hydroxide or iron-containing colloidal precipitates which is obtained by reacting an aqueous ferrous salt solution with less than one equivalent of an aqueous alkali hydroxide solution and/or an aqueous alkali carbonate solution based on Fe.sup.2 + in said aqueous ferrous salt solution so as to oxidize said colloidal ferrous hydroxide or iron-containing colloidal precipitates and to produce acicular goethite nucleus particles, adding to the resultant aqueous ferrous salt reaction solution containing said acicular goethite nucleus particles not less than one equivalent of an aqueous alkali carbonate solution based on Fe.sup.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant restraint assembly (12) has an inflatable vehicle occupant restraint (20), a housing (14), a gas generating material (16) within the housing, an igniter (18) for igniting the gas generating material, and gas flow channel (22) for directing the gas which is generated into the vehicle occupant restraint. The vehicle occupant restraint is preferably an air bag. The gas generating material (16) contains (a) an alkali metal azide, alkaline earth metal azide or aluminum azide and (b) a metal oxidant which is the gamma form of ferric oxide (Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3). The metal oxidant is present in the gas generating composition in an approximately stoichiometric amount with regard to the metal azide, or in an amount slightly in excess of stoichiometric.