Chemical Characterization of the Pyrotechnically Disseminated M8-PE Smoke Pots
Abstract
To reduce the possibility of flaming, the smoke formulation for the M8 smoke pot has been modified by the addition of a burn retardant, penterythritol (PE). These M8-PE pots were chemically characterized to qualitatively and quantitatively determine the combustion products produced with the addition of PE. Data as needed prior to material release and for incorporation into the item's Life Cycle Environmental Assessment (LCEA). Similar to other terephthalic acid (TA) based smokes, benzene, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide were the principal compounds observed of toxicological concern. A comparison is made between the M8-PE smoke pots and M8 pots, which shows that benzene appears to be lower in the PE pots; but, formaldehyde appears to be higher. All concentrations exceed the currently accepted American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Values (TLV'S). Carbon monoxide levels are also much less in the PE pots, but were above the ACGIH TLV's. Other inorganic gas concentrations, such as nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides, were determined, but comparisons were not made to the M8 smoke pots. Particle size analysis was conduced for the M8-PE pots with the observance of small diameter particles (1-2 micrometers).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA416843
Entities
People
- Charles Crouse
- J. S. Anthony
- Kathy Matson
- Mark V. Haley
Organizations
- Edgewood Chemical Biological Center