In the U.S., a new napalm called Napalm-B was developed based on polystyrene. It had a high intensity and burning temperature of 1200–1500° opponents C (2,200-2,700° F) and adhered even to wet surfaces. In cases where alkali is added to napalm, the mixture self-ignites when it hits a target.

Does napalm ignite on contact?

Napalm is an enormously destructive weapon. It's very sticky and can adhere to the skin even after ignition, causing terrible burns. Because napalm burns so hot, slight contact with the substance can result in second-degree burns, eventually causing scars called keloids.

How are napalm bombs ignited?

In fact, ignition requires the use of trinitrotoluene (TNT) to explode and ignite white phosphorus, the ignited temperature of which is high enough to result in the combustion of napalm. Napalm has been used primarily in the form of incendiary bombs, firebombs, land mines, and flamethrowers.