Phosphorus smoke agent

Properties Pale-yellowish, translucent, crystallizable solid of waxy consistency. Sp, gr, 1.82 at 20°. M. P. 44.1°. B. P. 280°. Spontaneously inflammable in air at normal temperature gives off dense white smoke, consisting of phosphorus pentoxide and phosphoric acid. The former has a very high obscuring power. White phosphorus has the greatest total obscuring power (T. 0, P.) of all smoke agents. 

Wliite phosphorus was the most successful smoke agent used during the war, although it failed to meet the ideal requirements in the following... 

Similarly, extensive U.S. experience with destruction of conventional and agent-like munitions (smokes, white phosphorus, CS agent) indicates that the basic CDC technology is cost effective for destroying projectiles and other types of explosive-containing munitions in a U.S. context. 

Finally, white phosphorus (WP) has been used as a smoke agent, although it can cause severe burns if unreacted white phosphorus contacts the skin, and it can set objects on fire. See also INCENDIARY MATERIAL. 

PWP, Plasticized White Phosphorus. A finely divided WP suspended in gel of rubber and xylene. It is a smoke producing agent vrith side incendiary effects. Its action is similar to WP except that it is slower burning(Ref 36,p 29-41 Ref 54a,p 68). Both PWP and WP are Class C chemical agents Q. A chemical agent of specialized application (Ref 54a,p 68)(Its formula is secret)... 

In order to increase the combustion efficiency and the burning rate, formulations containing sodium nitrate or potassium nitrate, an organic binder as well as an aerosol agent (NH4C1) are used in addition to red phosphorus. Typical, simple smoke generating compositions, which are based on red phosphorus and contain approx. 10-75 % P are ... 

Uses As oxidizing agent in primer caps in combination with mercury fulminate and with red phosphorus, antimony sulfide, and other combustible substances,1 P36. In pyrotechnic mixtures as component of airplane flares, stars for aerial bombs and for signaling, maroons, white and colored smokes. As component of Permissibles. In incendiary projectiles, P5. 

Although primarily a smoke producer, white phosphorus w as about t ry an incendiary agent as any material used in the war, although it lack[Pg.192]

Stannic chloride, KJ, Opacite, Smoke-producing agent less dangerous than phosphorus. Liquid, bp 114°C, fumes in moist air stannic hydroxide and HC1. Less-dense smoke than some but penetrated WWI gas mask canisters. Irritant. Used as a mixture with phosgene and chloropicrin. Very expensive for large-scale use in war. 

In 1928, the CWS formalized the standardization of chemical agents. Seven chemical agents and smokes were selected as the most important. The seven, with their symbols, were mustard agent (HS), methyl-difluorarsine (MD), diphenylaminechlorarsine (DM), chloroacetophenone (CN), titanium tetrachloride (FM), white phosphorus (WP), and hexachlorethane (HC). Phosgene (CG) and Lewisite (L) were consid-... 

Of the shells found in the pits that still had contents, some were smoke, some were high explosive, some were white phosphorus (incendiary), and some contained common chemical warfare agents like mustard. The pits generally stopped at about 12 ft in depth but they had to be excavated to 17 ft to remove the residual arsenic. The Corps apparently tested the soil in the pits for other substances but did not tell us the results. 

Precaution Powerful oxidizing agent may explode on contact with reducing agents may ignite in contact with org. materials incompat. with acetic acid, alcohols, alkali metals, ammonia, phosphorus, sodium, sulfur, etc. Hazardous Decomp. Prods. Heated to decomp., emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes NFPA Health 3, Flammability 0, Reactivity 1 Storage Deliq. 

Much of Porton s work in India involved smoke trials with phosphorus bombs, which Allied forces planned to employ against Japanese bunker installations. Another major component was field trials with poison gas. In general, British and Indian nationals were exposed to liquid mustard gas or lewisite to assess the effects of the agents on human skin and on eyes under different climatic conditions, to examine the susceptibility of different skin types, and to develop new types of treatment. Tests conducted between 1942 and 1943 produced a large number of casualties among Indian and British soldiers who suffered from severe burns, were often very miserable and depressed and in considerable discomfort . ... 

Mo Phosphorus, chlorosulfonic acid, and hexachlorethane (HC) had been the agents tested. (2) For a review of large area smoke tests at Panama from 1921 to 1939, see OCCVS Tech Study 23, Use of Smoke to Screen Panama Canal Locks, iS Jul 40 (rewritten 9 Jul 41). (3) Special Folder on... 

Group, Battle Experiences No. 88, 9 Nov 44. White phosphorus shell, apart from its utility as a screening agent, sometimes had a psychological effect when used against enemy fortifications. The crew of at least one enemy pillbox, for example, surrendered when one of its members, seeisig the WP smoke, called out, Gas "... 

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