5-Amino-1H-tetrazole-based multi-coloured smoke signals applying the concept of fuel mixes

Abstract

The development of sugar-free multi-coloured smoke formulations, so-called fuel mixes is reported. These simple four ingredient-based mixtures of dye, potassium chlorate, 5-amino-1H-tetrazole and a magnesium carbonate derivative are able to produce a variety of colours by applying the same pyrotechnical system. All components except the dye are pre-mixed; the dye is added in the final step. Based on previous results which indicated an overall higher smoke performance in terms of efficiency and persistence by applying 5-amino-1H-tetrazole as fuel in smoke formulations, we developed new coloured smoke formulations. For big producers as well as consumers, the concept of fuel mixes is an effective way to reduce costs and provide a higher degree of safety. In this article, the focus was on dyes applied in the U.S. M18 coloured smoke grenades.