Gas generant composition

Abstract

Preferred gas generant compositions incorporate a combination of 5-aminotetrazole nitrate and an oxidizer. The oxidizer may be selected from a group including nonmetal and metal nitrates, nitrites, chlorates, chlorites, perchlorates, and oxides. 5-aminotetrazole nitrate is characterized as an oxygen-rich fuel and is therefore considered to be a self-deflagrating fuel. To tailor the oxygen balance in certain applications, however, the use of an oxidizer is preferred. Methods of formulating the compositions are also described. These compositions are especially suitable for inflating air bags and actuating seatbelt pretensioners in passenger-restraint devices.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A gas generant composition formed from a method comprising the steps of: 
 adding a nitratable base fuel to an excess amount of nitric acid thereby forming a mixture;    adding at least one oxidizer to the mixture;    stirring the mixture to form a homogeneous wet paste;    forming the paste into a desired shape; and    drying the formed paste.    
     
     
         2 . The composition of  claim 1  formed from the method further comprising the step of chilling the nitric acid to 0-20° C. prior to the addition of the nitratable base fuel.  
     
     
         3 . The composition of  claim 1  wherein the nitratable base fuel is selected from the group consisting of nitrourea, 5-aminotetrazole, diaminotriazole, urea, azodicarbonamide, hydrazodicarbonamide, semicarbazide, carbohydrazide, biuret, 3,5-diamino-1,2,4-triazole, dicyandiamide, and 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole.  
     
     
         4 . The composition of  claim 1  wherein at least one oxidizer is selected from the group consisting of nonmetal, alkali metal, and alkaline earth metal nitrates, nitrites, perchlorates, chlorates, and chlorites, and alkali, alkaline earth, and transitional metal oxides.  
     
     
         5 . The composition of  claim 3  wherein at least one oxidizer is selected from the group consisting of phase stabilized ammonium nitrate, ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate, and strontium nitrate.  
     
     
         6 . The composition of  claim 1  wherein the excess nitric acid has a molarity of 15.9M or less.  
     
     
         7 . The composition of  claim 1  formed from the method further comprising forming the paste into granules, pellets, or cylindrical noodles.