TM 31-210
Improvised Munitions Handbook
| Section V |
No. 4-1 |
|
GELLED FLAME FUELS |
|
|
LYE SYSTEMS |
|
| Lye (also known as caustic soda or Sodium Hydroxide) can be used in combination with powdered rosin or castor oil to gel gasoline for use as a flame fuel which will adhere to target surfaces. | |
| NOTE: This fuel is not suitable for use in the chemical (Sulphuric Acid) type of fire bottle (Section V, No. 1). The acid will react with the lye and break down the gel. | |
| MATERIALS REQUIRED: | |||
| Parts by Volume | Ingredient | How Used | Common Source |
| 60 | Gasoline | Motor fuel | Gas station or motor vehicle |
| 2 (flake) or 1 (powder) |
Lye | Drain cleaner, making of soap | Food store Drug store |
| 15 | Rosin or |
Manufacturing Paint & Varnish |
Naval stores Industry |
| Castor Oil | Medicine | Food and Drug stores | |
| PROCEDURE: |
| CAUTION: Make sure that there are no open flames in the area when mixing the flame fuel. NO SMOKING! |
| 1. Pour gasoline into jar, bottle or other container. (DO NOT USE AN ALUMINUM CONTAINER.) |
| 2. If rosin is in cane form, crush into small pieces. |
| 3. Add rosin or castor oil to the gasoline and stir for about five (95) minutes to mix thoroughly. |
| 4. In a second container (NOT ALUMINUM) add lye to an equal volume of water slowly with stirring. |
| CAUTION: Lye solution can burn skin and destroy clothing. If any is spilled, wash away immediately with large quantities of water. |
| 5. Add lye solution to the gasoline mix and stir until mixture thickens (about one minute). | |
| NOTE: The sample will eventually thicken to a very firm paste. this can be thinned, if desired, by stirring in additional gasoline. | |