Superchlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride Smoke Composition for Visible and Infrared Masking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pyrotechnic smoke compositions that provide broad-spectrum masking in the visible and infrared ranges often contain toxic substances, such as chlorinated naphthalene, which are banned, necessitating the development of low-toxicity alternatives for military applications.
Innovation Solution
A pyrotechnic smoke composition comprising superchlorinated polyvinyl chloride (C-PVC) as the primary smoke agent, combined with an oxidant and reducing agent, which generates carbon particles and metal chlorides to achieve effective masking in the visible and infrared ranges while minimizing toxicity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chlorinated naphthalene is used as a smoke agent, then masking efficiency in visible and infrared ranges is improved, but toxicity increases and the substance is banned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by using superchlorinated polyvinyl chloride (C-PVC) with 57-70% chlorine content instead of chlorinated naphthalene. This parameter change maintains the smoke generation capability and masking efficiency while reducing toxicity, as C-PVC is not banned and decomposes into less harmful substances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable smoke agent (C-PVC) that burns completely to generate smoke particles for masking. The C-PVC is consumed during the smoke generation process, converting into carbon particles and hydrogen chloride gas, which provides the desired masking effect without requiring persistent or toxic residual substances.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional PVC is used as a binder, then ease of manufacture is improved, but smoke generation capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes C-PVC multi-functional by using it both as a binder (providing mechanical strength and ease of manufacture) and as a smoke agent (generating carbon particles for masking). This eliminates the need for separate smoke agent and binder components, simplifying the formulation while maintaining both manufacturability and smoke generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of binder and smoke agent into a single component (C-PVC). By superchlorinating PVC to achieve 57-70% chlorine content, the material gains sufficient smoke generation capability while retaining its binder properties, allowing it to perform both roles simultaneously in the composition.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If superchlorinated polyvinyl chloride is used as the primary smoke agent, then reduced toxicity is achieved, but combustion stability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the chlorine content parameter of C-PVC to be between 57-70%, which balances the competing requirements. This specific range provides sufficient chlorine for smoke generation (reducing toxicity compared to other agents) while maintaining adequate combustion stability through the polyvinyl chloride backbone structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite pyrotechnic composition combining C-PVC (49-90% by weight) with oxidants and reducing agents. This composite formulation ensures combustion stability through the synergistic interaction of components while C-PVC serves as the primary smoke agent with reduced toxicity.
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 composition generates a stable and sustained aerosol of carbon particles, providing efficient masking in both visible and infrared ranges with reduced toxicity, exceeding performance thresholds and adhering to safety limits, thus offering a safer and effective solution for military masking needs.
Implementation Method 1
a pyrotechnic smoke composition comprising superchlorinated polyvinyl chloride (C-PVC) as the primary smoke agent, combined with an oxidant and reducing agent, which generates carbon particles and metal chlorides
Implementation Method 2
a pyrotechnic smoke composition comprising superchlorinated polyvinyl chloride (C-PVC) as the primary smoke agent, combined with an oxidant and reducing agent
Implementation Method 3
providing efficient masking in both visible and infrared ranges
Implementation Method 4
providing efficient masking in both visible and infrared ranges
Data Source
AI summary
A smoke composition which is effective in the visible and infrared ranges and includes at least one oxidant and at least one reducing agent and at least one smoke agent generating carbon particles. This composition has superchlorinated polyvinyl chloride (C-PVC) as smoke agent, wherein the chlorine content of this smoke agent is between 57% and 70% of the weight of superchlorinated polyvinyl chloride, wherein the composition has 49% to 90% by weight of superchlorinated polyvinyl chloride (C-PVC) based on the total weight of the composition.