Eutectic mixtures of ammonium nitrate, guanidine nitrate and potassium perchlorate
AssigneeAtlantic Research Corporation
InventorsRobert S. Scheffee, Brian K. Wheatley
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A eutectic solution of ammonium nitrate and either aminoguanidine nitrate (AGN) or guanidine nitrate (AN) in the form of a pressed pellet is used to generate a low particulate 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 perchlorate to the eutectic solution improves stability at 107.degree. for 400 hours, lowers the pressure exponent and increases the burn rate at 2000 psi.
Claims19
A composition for generating a low particulate substantially non-toxic, odorless and colorless gas comprising:
- a eutectic solution-forming mixture of ammonium nitrate, either aminoguanidine nitrate or guanidine nitrate and a stabilizing amount of potassium perchlorate and PVA.
A method of generating a stable low particulate non-toxic, odorless and colorless gas comprising the steps:
- a) providing an enclosed pressure chamber having exit ports,
- b) disposing within said chamber, a gas-generative solid propellant eutectic solution comprising ammonium nitrate, either aminoguanidine nitrate or guanidine nitrate, and potassium perchlorate, and
- c) providing means for igniting said eutectic solution upon detection by a sensor of the pressure chamber being subjected to a sudden deceleration, whereby gas is substantially instantly generated and conducted through the exit ports of said pressure chamber.
In a method of essentially instantly generating a gas wherein a propellant composition is disposed within a chamber in a gas generator and means are provided for igniting said composition in response to the detection of a sudden deceleration, the improvement wherein the propellant composition comprises a eutectic solution containing ammonium nitrate, at least one of aminoguanidine nitrate and guanidine nitrate, and a minor effective stabilizing amount of each of polyvinyl alcohol and either potassium nitrate or potassium perchlorate.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.