Thiokol Corporation

Morton Thiokol Inc.

David A Flanigan

J B Canterberry

Michael R Harper

Vincent E Mancini

Novel methods for processing gas generant compositions to produce feed stock are disclosed. The methods of the present invention include utilizing a binding agent and other additives in a mixture of ingredients of gas generant compositions in sufficient quantities that the ingredients of the gas generating material will agglomerate to form granules as the ingredients are mixed. Processing methods, including roll coating, continuous mixing, static mixing, freeze drying, solvent extraction, emulsification, azeotropic distillation, spray drying, fluidized bed processing and particle grinding are also disclosed for use in preparing feed stock for final gas generant products. The methods of the present invention are particularly useful in processing gas generating materials having a non-azide based fuel.

Methods of preparing gas generant formulations

A rapid burning propellant charge for applications including igniters, launch eject motor, and gas generators for automobile air bags. The propellant charge comprises a reticulated substrate having a quantity of interconnected ligaments and a coating of solid propellant material on the ligaments. In order to provide a large amount of surface area for a fast burn time, interstices are between coated ligaments to define propellant surface area for combustion. In applications where minimum smoke is desired, the reticulated substrate is preferably composed of carbon, graphite, or a non-combustible material, and the solid propellant material is preferably a minimum smoke type.

Rapid burning propellant charge for automobile air bag inflators, rocket

A rapid burning propellant charge for applications including igniters, launch eject motors, and gas generators for automobile air gags. The propellant charge comprises a reticulated substrate having a quantity of interconnected ligaments and a coating of solid propellant material on the ligaments. In order to provide a large amount of surface area for a fast burn time, interstices are between coated ligaments to define propellant surface area for combustion. In applications where minimum smoke is desired, the reticulated substrate is preferably composed of carbon, graphite, or a non-combustible material, and the solid propellant material is preferably a minimum smoke type.

Rapid buring propellant charge for automobile air bag inflators, rocket

Solid propellant compositions comprising a binder component based on hydroxy or carboxy containing perfluorocarbon polymers and nitramines, and which optionally contain as plasticizers fluorinated hydrocarbons, or perfluorinated esters, ethers, alkenes, or alkanes, having high specific impulse and low smoke exhaust are disclosed.

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Ogden, UT, United States of America

David A Flanigan