Wiktionary
n. A mixture of highly tacky and/or tenacious materials, carried in compressed form with a propellant and used as an incapacitant.
Wikipedia
Sticky foam is an incapacitant, used when less lethal force is required, consisting of various extremely tacky and/or tenacious materials carried in compressed form with a propellant and used to block, entangle, and impair individuals. A National Institute of Justice-funded project at Sandia National Laboratory developed a "gun" which could fire multiple shots of sticky foam. After testing the product for corrections applications, Sandia provided the U.S. Marine Corps' Operation United Shield with sticky foam guns and supporting equipment to assist in the withdrawal of U.N. peacekeepers from Somalia. Problems with this technology include: the serious risk of smothering (suffocating) the subject; skin clean-up (the foam may not be toxic, but solvents are often harsh); "gun" clogging; targeting and firing; and gun cleaning. The U.S. Marine Corps reportedly successfully used the sticky foam guns as part of the operation in Somalia. The sticky foam was mentioned in the bestselling book Men Who Stare at Goats, and became slightly better known to the general public. it was reportedly invented by U.S. Army Col. John B. Alexander.
Usage examples of "sticky foam".
She'd seen the locked cupboard in the ready room and got Pete to front a question about it: sticky foam and pepper gas, breathing masks and handcuffs in case of civil disorder.
And there were flecks of sticky foam on her arm, like a foamy saliva.
He envisioned inhaling a mouthful of the sticky foam and having it settle in his lungs.
This feed depicted a solitary gang member who was trying to climb aboard his bicycle even as his comrades were riding away on contrails of sticky foam.
Around the open umbrella on the floor lay pieces of glass, broken plates, cups, and pizza, all covered with sticky foam and spilled wine.
She held a tall, violent-looking drink, a murky concoction of barely compatible liquids swirling around to produce a sticky foam.
Obi-Wan concentrated on keeping himself from sinking any deeper into the sticky foam.