7 replies to this topic

[Strobe]

Hi Folks,

Are Mortors and Pestals made of stone (marble from the looks of this one) safe of use to grind pyro chemicals? I thought I read somewhere there was an issue with using the stone ones but I can't remember if it was a safety or quality issue. I've found one locally that is reasonably cheap but wanted to check before I buy it. The porcelin variety are kind of expensive where I live.


Thanks
Strobe

[Mumbles]

I see no reason you couldn't grind pyrotechnic CHEMICALS. Notice that doesn't say mixtures. I'd still observe all the comntamination precautions used with screens and ball mills and stuff. IE, if you grind sulfur, NEVER grind chlorate in the same mortar and pestle set. Separating fuels and oxidisers isn't a bad idea either.

I personally use a cheap porcelain mortar and pestle for small quantities of chemicals. Been doing boric acid and potassium dichromate mostly lately.

[Strobe]

Thanks Mumbles. I thought I'd read somewhere that there was an issue with the stone ones but judging from the lack of replies, I'm guessing I was mistaken about that. I have a nice porcelan one for the kitchen but didnt want to convert it to pyro use. I found these ones made from stone for $12 U.S in a local Asian grocery store, which is cheap enough for me to devote one to fuels and one to oxidizers.

[BrightStar]

Strobe, probably not directly relevant if you're states-side but for other members IKEA in the UK sell really good 4" porcelain pestle and mortars for £2 - £3. They work well even for stubborn chems - I was able to reduce food grade sodium benzoate to 100-mesh in a few minutes, and they are great for reducing charcoal to a range of coarser mesh sizes for RP etc.

I have an identical set for grinding spices for cooking curries (see www.route79.com for some amazing recipes)... just have to be careful not to mix them up

Edited by BrightStar, 18 April 2007 - 04:41 AM.

[Mumbles]

I haven't heard about any problems with stone, or porcelain, or agate or any certain mortar materials. Well I mean they all have their appropriate uses, but never heard about any real chemical compatibilities.

[Strobe]

Thanks for the tip, we have Ikea's here in the states, I'll look them up and see how the prices compare. The kitchen porcelan version I have ran around $30 US but i think it was bought at a rather expensive specialty kitchen store.

[Mumbles]

Since you're in the states, try looking for homeschool supplier stores. I got a porcelain one for about $7 I think.

Edited by Mumbles, 19 April 2007 - 05:56 PM.

[Strobe]

Thanks for the tip, Mumbles. I'll check out the homeschool suppliers.