In this paper, aminoguanidium 5,5'-azobis-1H-tetrazolate (AGAT) was investigated as one of the promising gas-generating agents for airbags. Thermogravimetry and evolved gas analysis were conducted using a differential thermo-gravimetric analyzer and a quadrupole mass spectrometer, respectively. AGAT decomposed at 516K, corresponding to about 50% weight loss. The decomposition of AGAT was the cleavage of the heterocyclic ring with the generation of heat. The heterocyclic ring opened with the release of molecular nitrogen and cyanamide. The gas phase cyanamide decomposed to NH3, HCN, and N-2. The aminocyanamide formed cyanamide which formed nonvolatile compounds such as melamine, melem, and melon. They decomposed to N-2, NH3, and NH4CN at higher temperature. (c) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.