Types of Smoke Agents

Smokes are produced with the use of the following chemicals or formulations  

In this formulation, carbon tetrachloride is absorbed on the kieselguhr (a silicious earthy material). The reactions that take place during the combustion are complex. However, the main reaction, which is exothermic can be represented by Equation 5.12  

Zinc chloride (and not carbon) is the main smoke-producing material. 

In the initial stages of development of smoke formulations, HCE-Zn dust-based formulations were in use for screening purposes. But as this formulation is very sensitive to moisture and accidents were reported, zinc dust was replaced by zinc oxide. 

The most important point is that this reaction does not contribute to smoke formation. However, smoke is formed due to the presence of ZnCl2 which is formed during the secondary reactions, as shown in Equation 5.14  

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This BC Mixture, MU, is now the standard smoke producer for moke candles and pots in the Unit States Army. It requires only 0,12 o. to produce 1,000 cu. ft. of standard moke and represents the most advanetni development of the rinc- moke type of smoke agents. 

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