PVC-based gas generant for hybrid gas generators

• US 5,566,543 A
• Filed: 11/17/1993
• Issued: 10/22/1996
• Est. Priority Date: 11/17/1993
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Autoliv ASP Incorporated (Autoliv Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Morton International Incorporated (Autoliv Incorporated)
• Inventors: Hussey, Brett, Taylor, Robert D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Jordan, Charles T.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Hardee, John R.
• Application Number:
  US08/153,686
• Time in Patent Office: 1,070 Days
• Field of Search: 149/19.91, 149/61, 149/70, 149/83, 149/85, 149/35, 149/3, 60/219, 60/205
• US Class Current: 60/219
• CPC Class Codes: C06B 45/10 the organic component containing a resin
• CPC Class Codes: C06D 5/06 by reaction of two or more solids

Abstract

The amount of particulate matter that is forced into the passenger compartment of an automobile by the deployment of an air bag as it protects the lives of occupants is reduced by improving the filterability of the combustion products of a composition for generating gas to inflate the bag. The filterability is improved by adding a nucleating agent for alkali metal halide vapors formed during said combustion. Silica, alumina, and graphite are representative of the nucleating agents.

Claims

1. A method for improving the filterability of combustion products of a gas generating composition for an inflatable device, said composition containing a vinyl chloride polymer and an alkali metal salt oxidizing agent, said method comprising adding from about 0.1 to about 4 per cent of a nucleating agent for vaporous halides of alkali metals, said agent being selected from the group consisting of silica, alumina, aluminum silicates, graphite, aluminum, silicon, an alkaline earth metal salt, and mixtures thereof to the gas-generating composition;

and causing said composition to burn in communication with a filter associated with said device.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the amount of the nucleating agent is from about 0.1 to about 2 per cent.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the amount of the nucleating agent is from about 1 to about 2 per cent.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the nucleating agent is fibrous.

5. The method of claim 4 wherein the amount of the nucleating agent is from about 0.1 to about 2 per cent.