Characterization of Alternate Source Densified Basic Magnesium Carbonate for Smoke Generation None

Abstract : Densified Basic magnesium carbonate (DBMC) is an important chemical used widely in military for smoke generation, such as in M18/M83 smoke grenades, M8 smoke pot, battlefield effect simulator, and other miscellaneous pyrotechnic sub-components. However, its domestic production had long ceased, and the US Army currently relies on a sole foreign source, Dead Sea Bromide of Israeli, for the supply of the material. The aim of this work is to identify, evaluate and establish alternative source suppliers of DBMC. Among six supply sources identified for assessment, the DBMC samples from Lehmann and Voss of Germany and Melox Chemicals of India more closely resemble the material currently used in the Army in terms of their physiochemical and thermal properties as outlined in military spec MIL-DIL-11361E. The heavy metals and other trace constituents were also assessed with satisfactory results. These two DBMC source supplies are, therefore, down selected for further evaluation in complete smoke devices for performance data.