Abstract
Sampling and analysis techniques are described that allow an accurate and thorough investigation of vehicle air bag inflator effluents. A test chamber, approximating the volume of a full sized passenger car, was used to contain the air bag effluent. Techniques are described for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of inorganic and organic species in the gas and particulate phases. Physical parameters such as temperature, pressure and gas and particulate concentration were monitored. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) are described for analysis of the inorganic and organic effluents of the gas phase. Scanning electron microscopy/x-ray fluorescence (SEM/XRF) was used for particle analysis. Ion chromatography (IC) was used for trace inorganic analysis. Concentration ranges for air bag effluents from prototype inflators are presented only to demonstrate the capabilities of the techniques involved.