The Explosive Reaction Between Swimming Pool Chlorine and Brake Fluid
Kirkbride, KP
Senior scientist and chief scientist, respectively, State Forensic Science, Adelaide, South Australia.

Kobus, HJ
Senior scientist and chief scientist, respectively, State Forensic Science, Adelaide, South Australia.


Abstract
Granular swimming pool chlorine (calcium hypochiorite) and brake fluid (polyethylene glycol) react violently when mixed together, producing a fierce fireball. This paper proposes a mechanism which explains the production of the flammable products of the reaction by means of a radical fragmentation of polyethylene glycol.

Keywords:
calcium hypochlorite, explosives, forensic science, incendiary preparations, polyethylene glycol

Paper ID: JFS363910902

ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.
Author Kirkbride KP, Kobus HJ Title The Explosive Reaction Between Swimming Pool Chlorine and Brake Fluid Symposium , Committee on