Optically sensitized binders which are energetic polyphosphazenes tailored at the molecular level to achieve enhanced absorption of electromagnetic radiation by having attached thereto a chromophore to absorb light and therefore ignite the binder in use.

An igniter composition has (i) a source of copper selected from basic copper nitrate, copper oxide, copper hydroxide, and/or copper complex of guanylurea nitrate, (ii) one or more oxidizers, (iii) a binder selected from guanidine nitrate and/or guanylurea nitrate, and (iv) an inorganic fuel comprising an elemental metal or metal hydride selected from the group consisting of: titanium, silicon, aluminum, magnesium, iron, and combinations thereof. The igniter composition may be substantially free of boron or contain minimal amounts of boron. A minimum flame temperature at combustion (T.sub.c) of about 2300K (2,027 C.). Such a mixture may be spray dried to form a powder that is compacted to form a solid igniter composition, such as a pellet or grain. The mixture that is spray dried may have a heat of explosion (HEX) of about 1,000 calories per gram (cal/g). Inorganic fuel can then be added to the spray-dried powder.

The invention relates to a pyrotechnic gas generator component including an inlet stage formed by a pyrotechnic detonator composition and an intermediate stage disposed between the inlet stage and an outlet stage formed by at least one gas generator composition, said intermediate stage being formed by a compressed black powder layer.

The invention relates to a pyrotechnic gas generator component including an inlet stage formed by a pyrotechnic detonator composition and an intermediate stage disposed between the inlet stage and an outlet stage formed by at least one gas generator composition, said intermediate stage being formed by a compressed black powder layer.

Substituted poly(phosphazene) compounds comprising a combination of units having one or more of the structures (i) to (iii) wherein: the combination comprises R.sub.1 and R.sub.2; each R.sub.1, is independently an optionally substituted alkyl- or alkyl ether-based side chain containing an isocyanate-reactive moiety, an epoxide-reactive moiety, an amine-reactive moiety, a supramolecular noncovalent bonding moiety, or combinations thereof; and each R.sub.2 is independently an optionally substituted alkyl- or alkyl ether-based side chain containing nitro, nitramine, nitrate ester, azide, an ammonium compound moiety with energetic counter-ion, or combinations thereof. Methods of making the compounds are also described.

Substituted poly(phosphazene) compounds comprising a combination of units having one or more of the structures (i) to (iii) wherein: the combination comprises R.sub.1 and R.sub.2; each R.sub.1, is independently an optionally substituted alkyl- or alkyl ether-based side chain containing an isocyanate-reactive moiety, an epoxide-reactive moiety, an amine-reactive moiety, a supramolecular noncovalent bonding moiety, or combinations thereof; and each R.sub.2 is independently an optionally substituted alkyl- or alkyl ether-based side chain containing nitro, nitramine, nitrate ester, azide, an ammonium compound moiety with energetic counter-ion, or combinations thereof. Methods of making the compounds are also described.

A gas generator is provided, the gas generator having a propellant cushion that prevents movement of propellant tablets or grains by providing a bias thereagainst. Furthermore, the cushion is formed from an auto-igniting material thereby functioning not only as a cushion, but also as an enhanced auto-ignition charge.