SBIR-STTR Award

The objective of this research is to develop materials that may replace the current generation of visible smoke formulations used by the U.S. military. In particular the materials must produce low flame so that they do present a fire hazard, have relatively low toxicity, and are efficient. The efficiency is defined in a figure of merit that combines fill factor, yield factor, extinction coefficient and density. Additionally, other targets are neutral buoyancy and volatility that affect obscurant duration. Polaris and LSU propose a novel method based on polymeric chemistry to provide formulations that accomplish all of the objectives listed above. We have demonstrated formulations in the lab that provide high density smokes with low toxicity and low temperatures of reaction. For this proposal the Polaris / LSU team will refine the mixtures and delivery concepts to meet the guidelines established by the Army. We will build sample units, optically test samples in an aero-chamber to validate the extinction coefficients, and develop models to aid designing discharge devices.

Keywords:
Visible Smoke, Smoke Formulation, Obscurant, Aero-Chamber, Military Smoke, Polymerization, Pyrotechnic

The objective of this research is to develop materials that replace the current generation of visible smoke formulations used by the U.S. military. In particular the materials must produce low or no flame so that they don't present a fire hazard, have relatively low toxicity, and are efficient. The efficiency is defined in a figure of merit that combines fill factor, yield factor, extinction coefficient and density. Additionally, other targets are neutral buoyancy and volatility that affect obscurant duration. Polaris Sensor Technologies developed a non-incendiary, smoke-producing reaction that requires approximately 0.020 grams of material per cubic foot of obscured volume when viewed through a 10 m thick smoke screen. The obscurant factor is constant across the visible spectrum with good persistence. For a 300 m3 (3m by 10m by 10m) obscured volume, approximately 200 cm3 of material is required, representing a device approximately 4 inch in height and 2.25 inches diameter; without casing, fuze or ignition source. With casing and fusing, the final device will be 5 inches in height and about 2.5 inches diameter which is similar to devices in current inventory. Most importantly, the reaction temperature is well below the temperature of current smoke grenades. The reaction can place directly on paper towels without igniting them. Phase II development efforts will concentrate on maximizing the amount of smoke produced, to determine the optimum packing configuration for the most efficient smoke production, to design and develop packaging for the materials, and to establish a transition and commercialization path. The Phase II will result in working prototypes of the greatly improved, more compact, efficient, and cost effective grenade replacement.

Keywords:
Visible Smoke, Smoke Formulation, Obscurant, Aero-Chamber, Military Smoke, Non-Incendiary, Pyrotechn