not prepare more than 2 grams of any composition for evaluation purposes using this procedure.
In addition, copies of the various Proceedings of the Interna-Place a small pile of the mixed composition on the fireproof tional Pyrotechnics Symposia are available for purchase from the board, insert a section of safety fuse into the base of the pile, host organization, IIT Research Institute.
and carefully light the end of the fuse with a match. Step back For prices and ordering information, contact and observe the effect. Because of the generation of smoke by most pyrotechnic compositions, these tests are best conducted outdoors or in a well-ventilated area such as a laboratory fume Dr. Allen J. Tulis
hood. Be certain no flammable materials are near the test area, IIT Research Institute
for sparks may be produced.
10 West 35th Street
All testing of pyrotechnic compositions must be carried out Chicago, IL 60616
under the direct supervision of a responsible adult well trained in standard laboratory safety procedures. Serious injury can Information regarding availability, prices, and ordering of the result from working with larger amounts of composition or from Pyrotechnica publications can be obtained from the misuse of pyrotechnic mixtures, so caution and adequate supervision are mandatory. Warning: Do not attempt to prepare any of the explosive mixtures listed in Tables 8.5 or 8.6.
Mr. Robert G. Cardwell
These must be mixed only by remote means, or serious injuries Editor and Publisher
might result. The color-producing compositions listed in Tables 2302 Tower Drive
7.9-7.13 are recommended as a good starting point for persons Austin, TX 78703
preparing their first pyrotechnic compositions. The effects caused by variations from the specified percentages can easily be seen upon burning.
APPENDIX B: MIXING TEST QUANTITIES OF
PYROTECHNIC COMPOSITIONS
The pyrotechnic chemist always begins with a very small quantity of composition when carrying out initial experiments on a new formula. The preparation of one or two grams of a new mixture enables one to evaluate performance (color quality and intensity, smoke volume, etc.) without exposure to an unduly hazardous amount of material.
Eye protection -- safety glasses or goggles - is mandatory whenever any pyrotechnic composition is being prepared or tested. Necessary equipment includes a mortar and pestle, a laboratory balance, a soft bristle brush, several 2-3 inch lengths of fireworks-type safety fuse (available from many hobby stores), and a fireproof stone or composite slab on which to conduct burning tests.
Pre-grind the components individually to fine particle size.
Do not grind any oxidizer and fuel together - fire or explosion
I NDEX
A-lA composition, 134
Arsenic disulfide, 73
Acids, 38-39
Atomic weight, 7
catalytic ability of, 39
table of, 9-11
reactions of, 38-39
Atoms, theory of, 7-11
Aluminum
for "flitter" effect, 150
in delay mixtures, 130
Ballistite, 42
in white light mixtures, 144
Barium carbonate, 159
manufacture of, 4
Barium chlorate, 62
oxidation of, 23
for green flames, 153, 158
properties of, 65, 101, 108, 147
Barium chromate, 130, 132
reaction with nitrates, 67
with boron, 131
varieties of, 67
Barium nitrate
with metal oxides, 115
for green flames, 153, 158
Aluminum oxide, 118
in sparklers, 117
Ammonium chlorate, 58, 61
in white-light compositions, 144
Ammonium chloride
properties of, 62
for white smoke, 58, 168
thermal decomposition of, 62
with potassium chlorate, 58
Barium peroxide, 130
Ammonium perchlorate
Bases, 38-39
explosive behavior of, 61, 94
Binders
in color compositions, 153, 161
effect on flame temperature, 119
in propellants, 60
materials used as, 79
properties of, 60
selection of, 79, 153
thermal decomposition of, 60
Black body radiation, 47, 153
Antimony trisulfide, 73, 144, 177
Black powder
Arrhenius equation, 28, 106
as a delay, 128-129
185
186
Index
Index
187
[Black powder]
Confinement
"Flash and sound" mixtures,
Ignition
as a propellant, 136-137
effect on burning, 50, 92
110, 176, 177
compositions for, 133, 135
as an igniter, 126
storage implications of, 93
Flitter, 149-150
events during, 97-98