Patent ID: 6221187
Filing Date: 2001-04-24
Classification: B32B,C06B,C06C

Abstract:
A method of safely initiating combustion of a gas generating composition or pyrotechnic composition in a gas generator or pyrotechnic device having a housing when the gas generator or pyrotechnic device is exposed to flame or a high temperature environment, the method comprising:forming a low temperature autoignition composition having an autoignition temperature by mixing an oxidizer composition and a powdered metal fuel, wherein the oxidizer composition comprises a mixture or comelt comprising ammonium nitrate and at least one of an alkali metal nitrate, an alkaline earth metal nitrate, silver nitrate, a complex salt nitrate, a dried, hydrated nitrate, an alkali metal chlorate, an alkali metal perchlorate, an alkaline earth metal chlorate, an alkaline earth metal perchlorate, ammonium perchlorate, sodium nitrite, potassium nitrite, a solid organic nitrate, a solid organic nitrite, or a solid organic amine, wherein the metal fuel and oxidizer are present in amounts sufficient to provide an autoignition composition having an autoignition temperature of no more than about 232.degree. C.; andplacing the low temperature autoignition composition in thermal contact with the gas generating composition or pyrotechnic composition within the gas generator or pyrotechnic device, such that the low temperature autoignition composition autoignites and initiates combustion of the gas generating composition or pyrotechnic composition when the gas generator or pyrotechnic device is exposed to flame or a high temperature environment.