6 replies to this topic

[Zinginex]

Just brainstorming more ideas...
I'm pretty sure most people here have thought of this before but i was wondering if it was possible to make some fancy burning blackmatch by adding some aluminium into the mix, say 10-20% of the final bp mix? Anybody done this before? Does it make the fuse burn very fast/too fast? Does it stop burning, hard to light or burn inconsistently? Can you use other metal powders like iron, magnesium or any other chemicals/metals that make a fancy looking flame when burnt? Does it make the blackmatch mix sensative or dangerous to use for fuse after the metal/chemical is added?
Thanks

[W.P]

Well for a start to achieve most effect using metals it's advised to use 5% with black powder, in particular you shouldn't use aluminium due to its tendencies to spontaneously react with nitrates- unless you have some boric acid handy then I wouldn't advise it. If you use other metals then what ever safety precautions used when handling and mixing that chemical must be taken into account with safety precautions with black powder, adding a metal in most cases may not give you the desired properties but will give you the same dangerous properties.

I personally add zinc to my blackmatch, it seems to make it more consistent and more drossy but really, it comes down to preference.

[MDH]

You're better off using fine (80-200 mesh) steel or iron powder if you want "traditional" fuse. In flying fish fuse they often use titanium.

[overflow]

You may find this read quite interesting:
http://www.vk2zay.net/article.php/18

(specifically A few variations)

[marble]

I have mixed 250 mesh Alu into blackmatch slurry and it was ok. Burned a bit slower with less flame and throw.

Looked OK but it was way to fast for any aesthetic use.

[Zinginex]

Ah kk i geussed it might give worse results but i'll try it anyway after exams finished and tell you what it's like

[StevenRS]

Sounds good... But I wouldn' want to cut it!