Performance Study of 5-Aminotetrazole Nitrate Gas Generant

As a new azide-free gas generating pyrotechnic composition, the performance of four kinds of 5-aminotetrazole nitrate (5-ATN) gas generating compositions were investigated by hygroscopicity, compatibility, impact sensitivity, heat of combustion and burning temperature measurement. The advantages of the gas generant using KNO3 as an oxidizing agent include small hygroscopicity, better compatibility, lower impact sensitivity and proper burning temperature. The degree of water sorption in the mixed system with Sr (NO3)2 was much higher than that with KNO3. The participation of CuO can reduce the hygroscopicity of the system with Sr (NO3)2. As the oxidizing agent and catalyst, CuO can also decrease the impact sensitivity, heat of combustion and burning temperature of both systems. 5-ATN gas generant provides fair compatibility using 5-ATN as separate system.