Sodium azide is widely utilized in research focused on:

• Explosives and Propellants: It serves as a key component in the production of airbags in vehicles, where its rapid decomposition generates gas to inflate the airbag in milliseconds during a collision.
• Biochemical Research: Researchers use sodium azide as a preservative in biological samples, as it inhibits microbial growth, allowing for the long-term storage of sensitive specimens.
• Laboratory Reagent: It acts as a versatile reagent in organic synthesis, particularly in the preparation of azides, which are important intermediates in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals.
• Antimicrobial Agent: In certain concentrations, it is employed in laboratory settings to prevent bacterial contamination in cell cultures, ensuring the integrity of experimental results.
• Research in Material Science: Sodium azide is used in the development of new materials, such as polymers and nanomaterials, due to its unique chemical properties that facilitate innovative applications.