I. What Gas is in an Airbag?
Airbags are a major reason for the rapid popularization of modern cars. Their presence allows cars to travel at high speeds and provides safety during high-speed travel. In the event of a severe collision at high speed, or a rear-end collision or head-on collision, the airbag deploys promptly to protect the driver and passengers. The protection provided by airbags primarily relies on the gas inside. So, what is the main gas used in car airbags?
It is understood that the gas in airbags is nitrogen. The nitrogen in airbags exists in a solid form called sodium azide. This substance reacts upon a severe impact, releasing a large amount of nitrogen. This large amount of nitrogen allows the airbag to inflate instantly, protecting passengers from secondary impacts. Most airbags on the market are newer models that use a staged inflation system. After two inflations, they deploy to protect the heads of the occupants.
II. Why are nitrogen gases used in airbags?
Airbags use nitrogen gas. The main reasons for using nitrogen are as follows:
- Nitrogen is abundant in the air, making it inexpensive.
- Nitrogen is chemically stable and does not easily deteriorate.
- It is easy to store. Nitrogen cannot support the combustion of most substances, so even if an airbag ruptures, it will not cause a fire.
III. Is the gas in airbags toxic?
No. Airbags use nitrogen gas, which is non-toxic and odorless. Nitrogen is also a major component of air, so it is harmless to the human body and does not produce a loud noise when it decomposes and releases.
The main function of the gas inside is to provide cushioning, thus enabling the airbag to provide protection. Regular maintenance of airbags and using an OBD2 airbag scanner to detect malfunctions are particularly important, as airbags can save our lives in critical moments.