Pyrotechnics smoke-generating compositions

Smoke-Generating Devices. Smoke generators are used by the military for daytime obscuration and signaling. For field use where portable stable systems ate requited, pyrotechnic devices are often employed. The primary composition since the 1940s has been HC smoke, which generates a cloud of zinc chloride, ZnCl, smoke by a series of reactions between hexachloroethane, C2Clg(HC), zinc oxide, and aluminum (3) (eq. 4—6). The zinc regenerated in... 

Table 8.7 Examples of pyrotechnic compositions used as smoke generators...

Hartley, F.R., Murray, S.G. and Williams, M.R. (1984) Smoke generators. IV the ignition of loose powder mixtures of pyrotechnic white smoke compositions containing hex-achloroethane and silumin in sealed tubes. Propellants Explos. Pyrotech., 9,... 

Place a small pile of the mixed composition on the fireproof board, insert a section of safety fuse into the base of the pile, and carefully light the end of the fuse with a match. Step back and observe the effect. Because of the generation of smoke by most pyrotechnic compositions, these tests are best conducted outdoors or in a well-ventilated area such as a laboratory fume hood. 3e certain no flammable materials are near the test area, for sparks may be produced. 

Halfar, V., Klusacek, L., Navratil, P., and Halfar, J. (1998) Smoke pyrotechnic composition for generating masking smokes, Czech. Pat. Cz. 283864 Chem. Abstr., 131 (5) 60755h. 

The generation of colored smoke by the volatilization of an organic dye is a fascinating pyrotechnic problem. The military and the fireworks and entertainment industries rely on this technique for the generation of copious quantities of brilliant colored smoke. The requirements for an effective colored smoke composition include ... 

Pyrotechnical composition which generates smoke that is opaque to infrared radiance and smoke ammunition as obtained. US Patent 4,724,018, France. 

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