got it backwards

[Tom Nas]

Mike Arman <armanmik at n-jcenter.com> wrote:

>The spectacular Hindenburg explosion was actually a combination of
>explosions. The final, outer skin of the Hindenburg was fabric, coated with
>aircraft dope and finely powdered aluminum. The function of the powdered
>aluminum was to protect the fabric from deteriorating from the sunlight.
>The powder did two other things - it gave the Hindenburg its distinctive
>"aluminum" color, and the POWDER is what burned off with the spectacular
>explosion! Finely powdered aluminum is highly flammable, and in fact is
>just short of being an explosive all by itself. It is used as a FUEL in
>some missiles.

Ever seen the A2/A8 plant in Neckarsulm? Actual metalwork is done in 
separate booths, sealed off and with a controlled antistatic environment. 
Part of this is done to prevent foreign bodies from contaminating and 
oxidizing the alu, but the main part is to prevent the alu grounds from 
igniting.

Tom