Volatile Non-Toxic Compounds as Fuel Combustion Inhibitors

Weapon payloads are needed to degrade an adversary's military capability while minimizing the destructive effect on civilian populations. A payload which inhibits operation of internal combustion engines while having no destructive impact on human beings would meet a variety of non-lethal weapon requirements. Immobilization of engines by uptake of fuel combustion inhibitor (FCI) compounds, tailored to disrupt engines permanently or for variable lengths of time, represents a promising approach. TPL will develop a series of proprietary FCI compounds to halt combustion engines. Friendly vehicles can be equipped with devices which neutralize the FCI compounds, The proposed FCIs are not hazardous to humans. In Phase I, commercially available FCIs will be acquired concurrent with synthesis of novel FCI compounds. Evaluation will be by three experimental techniques. Ability to suppress flames will be determined. A 180_CM3 diagnostic combustion bomb will simulate pistons and enable sampling of combustion residues for extensive analysis. FCIs will be tested for inhibition of real gasoline engines. Parameters for effective operation will be established. TPL, an advanced technologies company based on materials science, is participating in the ARDEC non-lethal weapons program. The principal investigator, Dr. Franklin Kroh, is proficient in organic and inorganic synthesis.