ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 6

The Explosive Reaction Between Swimming Pool Chlorine and Brake Fluid
Kobus, HJ
Senior scientist and chief scientist, State Forensic Science,

Kirkbride, KP
Senior scientist and chief scientist, State Forensic Science,

(Received 25 April 1990; accepted 22 August 1990)

Abstract

Granular swimming pool chlorine (calcium hypochlorite) 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:
forensic science, calcium hypochlorite, polyethylene glycol, explosives, incendiary preparations

Paper ID: JFS13101J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS13101J
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