2 replies to this topic

[Anubis386]

I read that atomized copper can be used to enhance the green colouring in a mixture and was wondering if its safe to do this with Barium Nitrate for a sparkle mix ...

My thinking is that as its an oxidiser and a metal powder its gunner make flash powder .. but then copper isn't as reactive as the metals we use to make flash so it should be fine .. but then there would be Al in the mixture as well ...

The full mix would be:

Potassium Nitrate - 53g
Sulphur - 18g
Charcoal - 11g
Aluminium (300 mesh) - 7g
Barium Nitrate - 7g
Atomized Copper - 7g
(mixture is a variation of D1 Glitter from PyroGuide wiki)

So what do people think?

[YT2095]

the electrode potential of Barium is quite high, so with Copper it should be ok.
the problem is the addition of Sulpher in the mix, Barium and Sulpher compounds react, that would then free up NO2, and that`s not a good thing!
couple this with the fact that Nitrates and Alu are never a good idea either unless stabilised.
I can see a zillion other possible side reactions going on, but that would be my main concern.

Edited by YT2095, 21 October 2007 - 03:45 PM.

[seymour]

That composition has no chlorine, and is too cool burning to produce a good coloured flame. I would be interested to see what kind of effect it has as stars in the sky though.