Micro thruster, micro thruster array and polymer gas generator

Abstract

Disclosed is a gas generating polymer compound that when irradiated with light or other radiation sources makes a solid to gas phase transition due to chemically catylized degradation, irradiative degradation or both. This provides a low cost, stable and easily manufactured means of gas production. Also disclosed are possible uses for the gas generator such as a low cost micro thruster.

1 - 29 . (canceled) 
     
     
         30 . A micro thruster comprising a gas generating propellant, wherein the gas generating propellant comprises a gas generating polymer composition comprising: a photo acid generator (A), and a polymer (B) that has a chain or branches susceptible to acidylic attack and converts to a gas when the chain is cleaved by acid formed from photo irradiation of the photo acid generator (A). 
     
     
         31 . The micro thruster according to  claim 30 , wherein the polymer (B) is subject to photo degradation and converts to a gas under photo irradiation. 
     
     
         32 . The micro thruster according to  claim 30 , wherein the gas generating polymer composition further comprises a polymer (C) that is subject to photo degradation and converts to a gas under photo irradiation. 
     
     
         33 . The micro thruster according to  claim 30 , wherein the gas generating polymer composition further comprises a photo initiator.