33 replies to this topic

[Mumbles]

I don't know if sulfur would be a strong enough reducer to reduce Nitrate to ammonia. I know that aluminum in basic conditions will reduce it. Even if acidic sulfur could reduce it, there is no way ammonia is producing any Azides. The process, which due to the anti-HE preferences of the administration I won't go into, requires much stronger ammoniating sources, not to mention various other organic nitrogen sources. Silver Azide can't even be formed directly from this proceedure anyway.

The only thing I can think of is if there is some method I am unaware about to go from Ag3N to AgN3.

Edited by Mumbles, 27 November 2005 - 01:39 AM.

[EnigmaticBiker]

I don't know if sulfur would be a strong enough reducer to reduce Nitrate to ammonia. I know that aluminum in basic conditions will reduce it. Even if acidic sulfur could reduce it, there is no way ammonia is producing any Azides. The process, which due to the anti-HE preferences of the administration I won't go into, requires much stronger ammoniating sources, not to mention various other organic nitrogen sources. Silver Azide can't even be formed directly from this proceedure anyway.

The only thing I can think of is if there is some method I am unaware about to go from Ag3N to AgN3.

My comment on the ammonia was based on a couple of experiences I've had mixing wet meal containing a cheap (and possibly acid - I haven't checked) flowers of sulphur, commercial willow charcoal and KNO3. I could detect a distinctly ammoniacal odour which slowly diminished.

Ag3N is described in the technical encyclopaedia (wonderful 1940s edition) I have in front of me, ammonia is mentioned along with a simple silver salt and another inorganic, (won't give details given anti-HE preferences mentioned above).

I was erring on the side of safety, not being able to predict all possible reactions over time.

Simon

[pyromaniac303]

I was browsing through ebay and found this: strontium aluminium

Looks promising for making coloured willow stars, as opposed to the usual colour with white/gold trail, or just general fountains etc.

Anyone used this before?

[Andrew]

I was browsing through ebay and found this: strontium aluminium

Looks promising for making coloured willow stars, as opposed to the usual colour with white/gold trail, or just general fountains etc.

Anyone used this before?

I've just bought one lol. I'll knock up some flash and see if its red!

[Steve]

It seems the standard Strontium additions are:

"Metallurg Aluminium’s proven strontium aluminium master alloys, in 3.5%, 10%, 12% and 15% concentrations, are the optimum choice for strontium foundry additions"

Really depends on which concentration you get. Certainly the 10% and above will be plenty enough to colour the flash (If there isn't too much white). I'd be wary buying unless I knew it wan't the 3.5%. As Pyromaniac303 said, agree that this would probably work well as a spark mix.

[Wyvern]

I have just recieved my bar, ill file it down over the bak holiday and make a few test stars, red glitter might be rather cool

[Creepin_pyro]

I have just recieved my bar, ill file it down over the bak holiday and make a few test stars, red glitter might be rather cool

The Kosankes mention this in their book. Winokur suggested using alloys containing Strontium or Lithium to make coloured glitter, and the author obtained some Lithium/Aluminium alloy. In short, it didn't work. There's no mention of anyone trying a Strontium alloy...

Good luck, and stay green

[Frozentech]

I have just recieved my bar, ill file it down over the bak holiday and make a few test stars, red glitter might be rather cool

Is there any documentation at all as to the % of Sr in the alloy ?

[Wyvern]

Is there any documentation at all as to the % of Sr in the alloy ?

No none what so ever, might be worth messaging the seller see if they know.

[pyrotrev]

Talking of rare chemicals, anyone know of any cesium or rubidium compounds (preferably carbonate ) going at a reasonable price?

[Wyvern]

It seems the standard Strontium additions are:

"Metallurg Aluminium’s proven strontium aluminium master alloys, in 3.5%, 10%, 12% and 15% concentrations, are the optimum choice for strontium foundry additions"

Really depends on which concentration you get. Certainly the 10% and above will be plenty enough to colour the flash (If there isn't too much white). I'd be wary buying unless I knew it wan't the 3.5%. As Pyromaniac303 said, agree that this would probably work well as a spark mix.

hehe, i have finaly got a chance to try this stuff out and unfortunetly no red whatsoever just generic white sparks as far as o could see

[c-lab]

Talking of rare chemicals, anyone know of any cesium or rubidium compounds (preferably carbonate ) going at a reasonable price?

Where do you get cesium or rubidium metal. I am quite good at making salts from these so would prefere to make my own than buy them. Many thanks

[Asteroid]

Proffesional chemical suppliers will often sell them, but they are very expensive, £100 for a few grams of either. Postage will probably be similarly expensive for something so dangerous. I suspect you aren't looking to make salts, but at any rate, suppliers will normally only sell to busineses, and, in the UK at least, I think you need a licence.

[Andrew]

I think you need a licence.

Not really, only if they are prescribed products, which they are not; you may require registration for storing radioisotopes if that's what you end up with.

Your biggest problem is getting over the b2b hurdle.

Rose Chemicals sell all sorts of exotic stuff, but prices are, well as Asteroid said, your looking at £100s and anywhere between £20 and £190 for an ADR courier.

[fishy1]

I was using potassium periodate today, that's fairly uncommon.