TM 31-210
Improvised Munitions Handbook
| Section V |
No. 4-5 |
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GELLED FLAME FUELS |
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|
LATEX SYSTEMS |
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| Any milky white plant fluid is a potential source of latex which can be used to gel gasoline. | |
| MATERIALS REQUIRED: | ||
| Ingredient |
How Used |
Common Source |
| Gasoline | Motor fuel Solvent |
Gas station Motor vehicle |
| Latex, commercial or natural | Paints Adhesives |
Natural from tree or plant Rubber cement |
| One of the following acids: | ||
| Acetic Acid (Vinegar) | Salad dressing Developing film |
Food stores Fermented apple cider Photographic supply |
| Sulfuric Acid (Oil of Vitriol) |
Storage batteries Material processing |
Motor vehicles Industrial plants |
| Hydrochloric Acid (Muriatic Acid) |
Petroleum wells Pickling and metal cleaning Industrial processes |
Hardware store Industrial plants |
| NOTE: If acids are not available, use acid salt (alum, sulfates and chlorides other that sodium and potassium). The formic acid from crushed red ants can also be used. | ||
| PROCEDURE: |
| CAUTION: Make sure that there are no open flames in the area when mixing the flame fuel. NO SMOKING! |
| 1. With Commercial Rubber Latex: |
| a. Place 7 parts by volume of latex and 92 parts by volume of gasoline in bottle. Cap bottle and shake to mix well. |
| b. Add 1 part by volume vinegar (or other acid) and shake until gel forms. |
| CAUTION: Concentrated acids will burn skin and destroy clothing. If any is spilled, wash away immediately with large quantities of water. |
| 2. With Natural Latex: |
| a. Natural latex should form lumps as it comes from the plant. If lumps do not form, add a small amount of acid to the latex. |
| b. Strain off the latex lumps and allow to dry in air. |
| c. Place 20 parts by volume of latex in bottle and add 8 parts by volume of gasoline. Cover bottle and allow to stand until a swollen gel mass is obtained (2 to 3 days). |