What substance is commonly released from airbags during deployment?

The substance commonly released from airbags during deployment is talcum powder. This powder is often used to facilitate the deployment of the airbag and to prevent it from sticking to its storage compartment. When an airbag inflates, it needs to deploy rapidly and smoothly, and talcum powder assists in this process by allowing the fabric of the airbag to expand and spread out quickly and effectively. Talcum powder also plays a role in ensuring that the airbag operates correctly without friction that could hinder its deployment.

In contrast, other options such as graphite, silica gel, and polyester fibers do not typically play a role in airbag deployment. Graphite, while useful in many industrial applications, is not involved in the airbag mechanism. Silica gel is often used as a desiccant to absorb moisture and would not be suitable for airbag deployment. Lastly, while polyester is a common material in airbag construction, it itself is not released during deployment like talcum powder.