Hexachloroethane Obscurant Replacement
Abstract
A variety of pyrotechnic compositions were investigated for their viability as replacements for hexachloroethane based obscurants. The investigations included combustion modeling, ingredient and composition thermal compatibility and sensitivity to significant impact, friction and electrostatic discharge events. Candidates were screened through the combustion of small samples {less than ten grams} via open burning and combustion in a 100 cubic foot chamber to determine smoke density and analyze for toxicity of combustion gases and particulates. Compositions containing boron potassium nitrate igniter blended with halide salts {cesium, potassium and ammonium} were studied in greatest detail. Solids produced from the combustion of the specific compositions selected for study were not totally dispersed in aerosol form; significant solid slag formation was observed. Thus, smoke density efficiency was only one quarter of that of the hexachloroethane containing baseline. The addition of lower levels of the halide salt coolant to the boron potassium nitrate igniter may improve overall obscurant efficiency. Although the specific formulations tested did not perform as well as the hexachloroethane baseline, formulation variants were identified which should have improved performance.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA600417
Entities
People
- Nathan Seidner
- Reed Blau