NEW SOLID MOTOR FUEL

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 232, 2 October 1935, Page 13

NEW SOLID MOTOR FUEL

Reducing Motoring Hazards

WILL NOT EXPLODE Hazards of flying and motoring are likely to bo greatly reduced by the use of an inexpensive solid fuel, produced in New York after 16 years of experiment by Dr. Adolph Prussia, a research chemist, says an expert. Tests carried out in the Guggenheim School of Aeronautics, at New York University, have raised hopes that a fuel lias at last been discovered which will not explode as a result of ’plane crashes or ignition faults. During the tests Clyde Pangborn, the “round-the-world aviator,” fired four incendiary bullets into a fivegallon can of this reddish jelly. There was no explosion Another shot was fired when some solenc had become liquified by pressure. It ignited and burned slowly,' but the flame was easily extinguished by stamping the substance into the ground. Another demonstration showed the power of the new fuel to resist a high degree of heat. A segment of the jelly was placed on a metal plate and held over a Bunsen burner. It retained its shape and did not catch fire. When subsequently ignited by a match it was easily blown out by a man’s breath. In the course of his experiments Dr. Prussin tried no fewer than 9000 types of hydrocarbons. 11c said the new fuel was not yet ready for mass production, but that sufficient w'ould be manufactured for equipping ’planes and motor boats, in which the peril from fire is greater than in cars.