Non-Toxic Colored Smoke Composition via Sublimable Dyes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smoke-producing compositions for colored smoke contain organic dyes from the anthraquinone family and chlorinated compounds, which pose environmental and health risks due to the production of toxic pollutants like dioxins and persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and there is a need for high-performance, non-toxic alternatives that meet stability, burn time, and environmental compliance requirements.
Innovation Solution
A smoke-producing composition comprising potassium nitrate as an oxidant, a reducing agent such as dextrose or starch, and a non-salified sublimable organic dye with a sublimation temperature below 450°C, selected from thioxanthenes, nitrobenzamines, and other dyes, ensuring the dye's decomposition temperature is higher than the combustion temperature, thus avoiding toxic byproducts and chlorinated compounds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If organic dyes from the anthraquinone family are used to produce colored smoke, then the smoke can be generated with various colors, but toxic pollutants including dioxins and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are produced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful anthraquinone family dyes from the smoke composition while retaining the essential function of colored smoke generation. This is achieved by substituting anthraquinone dyes with alternative organic dyes that do not produce toxic pollutants, dioxins, or POPs during combustion, thus eliminating the harmful factors while preserving the smoke color generation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the organic dyes used in the smoke-producing composition. By selecting dyes with specific molecular structures that exclude halogen atoms and anthraquinone derivatives, the combustion products are fundamentally altered to eliminate toxic pollutants while maintaining smoke generation effectiveness
2Productivity
If potassium chlorate is used as a reducing agent to enhance combustion, then the smoke production efficiency is improved, but chlorinated compounds and dioxins are formed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes potassium chlorate from the composition to eliminate the source of chlorinated compounds. This substitution maintains smoke production efficiency through alternative oxidizing/reducing couples while extracting the harmful chlorinated byproducts from the combustion process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful interaction between chlorinated compounds and organic dyes into a benefit by eliminating both components. The alternative formulation achieves comparable or improved smoke efficiency without generating dioxins or other chlorinated pollutants, transforming a harmful chemical system into a safe one
3Temperature
If the dye decomposition temperature is lower than the combustion temperature, then the dye can be vaporized for smoke generation, but the dye is destroyed and toxic combustion entities are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermal stability parameter of the selected organic dyes by choosing compounds with decomposition temperatures higher than the combustion temperature of the oxidizing/reducing couple. This parameter adjustment ensures complete vaporization for smoke generation while preventing thermal decomposition that would produce toxic combustion entities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite smoke compositions combining specifically selected organic dyes with oxidizing/reducing couples whose combustion temperatures are controlled to be below the dye decomposition temperature. This composite formulation ensures both effective smoke generation through vaporization and avoidance of toxic byproducts through controlled thermal conditions
4Object-generated harmful factors
If high-performance smoke compositions are developed to meet environmental requirements, then non-toxicity and environmental compliance are achieved, but the composition stability and burn time may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts multiple composition parameters including oxidant concentration, reducer type, and dye formulation to achieve a balanced formulation that simultaneously ensures environmental compliance through non-toxic components and maintains reliability through optimized combustion characteristics, burn time, and composition stability under various conditions
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution achieves high combustion efficiency, visible smoke over 5 km, excellent smoke density, and pure color, while being non-toxic and compliant with environmental regulations, reducing risks to human health and the environment by eliminating POPs and chlorinated compounds during combustion.
Implementation Method 1
The production of colored smoke from such compositions is based on a principle of sublimation. During the combustion of the oxidizing/reducing couple, the heat generated by the combustion causes the organic dye to change from the solid state to the gaseous state.
Implementation Method 2
Colored smokes are generated when the organic dye condenses in the atmosphere.
Implementation Method 3
During the combustion of the oxidizing/reducing couple, the heat generated by the combustion causes the organic dye to change from the solid state to the gaseous state.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to non-toxic smoke-producing compositions for producing colored smoke. In particular, the smoke-producing compositions are free from chlorinated compounds and organic dyes from the family of anthraquinones (or derivatives). The smoke-producing compositions can be used to produce pyrotechnic devices suitable for use in the military and civilian fields.