Gas generator and method of assembly

In general, the present invention relates to a gas generator employed in a vehicle occupant protection system. As such, a preferred use of the present invention relates to a gas generator that may be typically used to activate a seatbelt pretensioner, for example. Assembly of a gas generator includes the step of adding uncured silicone to a propellant cup . Granulated oxidizer is then added over the top of the silicone and allowed to disperse therein. Afterwards, the silicone is cured to provide flush communication with an inner wall of the propellant cup . Other granulated gas generant constituents may be added as well. A gas generator assembled in this manner provides more predictable burn rates of a gas generant composition and therefore more predictable performance of the gas generator