Experimental study on carbon particle production and its infrared interference properties

Carbon particles are produced by burning different carbon-rich organics in pyrotechnic agent. The particle size distribution, microstructure and infrared (IR) transmission of these carbon particles are tested and IR extinction coefficient of the produced carbon particles is calculated using Mie scattering theory. The results show that the infrared extinction performance of the soot formed by phthalic anhydride is the best in the four tested compounds. The particle size distribution and microstructure of the soot are uniform. The study provides important theoretical basis for new anti-IR smoke agent design and recommends phthalic anhydride which has excellent performance and cheap price as carbon agent of new anti-IR smoke agent.