Why NitroFuel MIGHT be possible
I did a whole ass chemistry project at 3 am because i am a dumbass and i couldnt sleep because a random Jane Doe account told me im not Seth which made me very very very sad for some reason , so sad that i couldnt sleep and wanted to take my anger out on Seth (i have nothing against you bro im looking up to you the same way you are looking up to your bro just with a tiny tiny hint of jealousy). Anyways long story short Seth reminded me of Pulchra which reminded me of Burnice and here we are. Today i want to present how my dum dum tried to think on how NitroFuel can be made. If this tiny study of mine that i typed while balling my eyes out seems good enough for yall ill present it to my class next week :D. So without further waiting. Why NitroFuel is possible (from a scientific standpoint of a depressed senior highschooler who loves this game more than he loves himself)
(If any of this stuff is wrong i am sorry and would like to apologize)
Theoretical Study on Creating a Drinkable Flamethrower Fuel: Chemical Reactions and Composition
Introduction
The concept of a drinkable flamethrower fuel blends two typically incompatible goals: the need for flammability (for use in a flamethrower) and safety (for human consumption). This study proposes a theoretical formulation for such a substance, with an emphasis on ethanol as the base fuel and additional agents to enhance its viscosity without compromising its ability to burn. Key chemical reactions governing the combustion of these ingredients are discussed, along with their physical interactions to create a safe yet effective mixture.
Base Fuel: Ethanol and Its Combustion Reaction
The foundation of any flamethrower fuel is the flammability of the base ingredient. Ethanol (C₂H₅OH) is chosen due to its relatively high flammability and its status as a consumable liquid in controlled amounts. When ethanol burns, it undergoes a combustion reaction with oxygen, releasing heat, carbon dioxide, and water.
Ethanol burns in the presence of oxygen, producing carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O) as byproducts, which is characteristic of clean combustion. The exothermic nature of this reaction provides the necessary heat to fuel a flamethrower.
The high-proof ethanol (95%) is selected for its potency and ability to ignite easily. The high ethanol content ensures sufficient flammability, but it needs to be thickened to work effectively in a flamethrower.
Increasing Viscosity: Food-Grade Thickeners
To make the ethanol suitable for use in a flamethrower while maintaining its drinkability, the fuel must be thickened to improve sprayability. Xanthan gum and guar gum are used as food-grade thickeners, which increase the viscosity of the ethanol without converting it into a gel-like substance. These polysaccharides do not undergo chemical reactions with ethanol but rather form hydrogen bonds and create a thicker, more cohesive structure.
Polysaccharide Thickeners:
Xanthan Gum (C₈H₁₁O₄) interacts with ethanol to form a viscous solution without chemically reacting, thereby allowing the fuel to have a thicker consistency while remaining sprayable.
This physical change in the mixture allows it to be more effective in a flamethrower, where a thicker substance can travel further and burn longer. However, the mixture should remain fluid enough to be safely consumed, which is why the thickeners must be used in moderation (typically 0.1-0.5% by weight).
Enhancing Consistency: Glycerol and Sugars
Additional substances like glycerol and sugars (such as corn syrup or honey) help further enhance the viscosity of the mixture and improve its mouthfeel. Glycerol (C₃H₈O₃) is often used in food products as a humectant, meaning it retains moisture and smoothness. It also contributes to the flammability of the mixture, burning in a similar way to ethanol.
Glycerol burns cleanly in the presence of oxygen, contributing to the overall heat produced by the fuel when ignited.
By adding 5-10% glycerol to the mixture, we improve the viscosity of the fuel without over-thickening it. This provides the mixture with a smooth, gooey consistency that’s not too viscous to be sprayed but still thick enough to sustain combustion.
Similarly, corn syrup or honey may be added in small amounts to adjust the texture and sweetness, providing a more drinkable taste. While these sugars contribute to the viscosity, their combustion is less impactful than ethanol or glycerol, but they provide additional energy content for combustion.
Glucose (or other sugars) reacts with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water, contributing a small amount to the overall burn.
Proposed Final Composition
The following is the proposed theoretical formulation for a drinkable flamethrower fuel (termed "NitroFuel"):
Base Fuel: 95% ethanol (high-proof)
Thickener: 0.1-0.3% xanthan gum (to increase viscosity)
Viscosity Enhancer: 5-10% glycerol (for smoothness and body)
Flavoring: Optional, small amount of fruit extracts or flavoring
Optional: Corn syrup or honey (for additional viscosity and sweetness)
This mixture combines the flammability of ethanol with the increased viscosity from thickeners, glycerol, and sugars. It would allow the fuel to ignite effectively when sprayed from a flamethrower and remain drinkable due to the use of food-safe, non-toxic additives.
Chemical Interactions and Considerations
Combustion: The primary chemical reaction occurring when this fuel burns is the combustion of ethanol and glycerol, both of which react with oxygen to produce heat, carbon dioxide, and water. The sugars may contribute slightly to the heat output, but their primary role is in modifying the texture.
Viscosity Changes: The thickening agents (like xanthan gum and glycerol) do not chemically react with ethanol but instead alter the physical properties of the fuel. This ensures that the fuel is thick enough to spray efficiently while maintaining the right balance of burnability and safety for consumption.
Conclusion
The theoretical formulation of a drinkable flamethrower fuel involves the combination of ethanol as the base fuel with carefully selected thickeners and enhancers such as xanthan gum, glycerol, and sugars. These ingredients, through their chemical reactions (combustion) and physical interactions (thickening and mixing), create a substance that is both flammable and safe to drink in controlled amounts.
This study presents a theoretical framework for such a fuel but also underscores the potential hazards of working with highly flammable materials like ethanol. While the idea is scientifically interesting, careful handling and further research are required to optimize this formulation for practical use.
Piper pls marry me now u/Burnice_White_SoC