02.19.03
Hindenburg Facts
From a UCLA reseacher on the cause of the Hindenburg disaster.
Furthermore, the substance used to coat the cotton skin — a process known as “doping” which makes the fabric taut and more durable — was extremely flammable. A combination of iron oxide, cellulose acetate and aluminum powder, “the total mixture might well serve as a respectable rocket propellant,” Van Vorst said.
Additionally, the manner in which the skin was attached to the airframe allowed a large electrostatic charge to build up on its surface. When it finally discharged, it did so with disastrous results.”
I saw this on a PBS show once, but had forgotten the compostion of the doping agent. I needed that in a recent converstation. Hopefully putting this here will help me remember: iron oxide, cellulose acetate and aluminum powder.