12 replies to this topic

[Blackheart45]

Hi there everyone! As my first topic (and post for that matter) I hope this hasn't been discussed yet, as my search yielded no results.

I recently purchased some 70/30 Magnalium from Ebay, and was curious how it would compare with the more commonly used 50/50. Does the higher magnesium content result in increased sensitivity as opposed to the 50/50 (water, shock, friction, etc.), or do the characteristics remain relatively unchanged?

This is my first time utilizing the alloy alltogether, so I just wanted some clarification on what to expect Especially since this stuff is 600 mesh....the seller offers no coarse alternative at this time.

Thanks everybody!

[pyrotrev]

Lancaster mentions 65/35 as probably being the ideal alloy: I guess it's matter of a bigger flame due to more Mg, but with much the same corrosion and handling properties as the 50/50 alloy.

[icarus]

i,d be interested to hear how it performs in flash comps i had unexpected results recently i was out of 50/50 magnalium and wanted powerful flash on a tiny shell so i made a batch of 70/30 flash using magnesium dust and perc . it was completely useless .I expected it to out perform 50/50 kno3 mg .To dispose of it i folded a few triangular crackers and they wouldnt even bang!!

[Blackheart45]

Pyrotrev- That is what I assumed as well, similar handling properties for both % alloys. I suppose I will just do some small experiments too see

Icarus- For the Mag/Perc flash, I would assume you would want a 50/50 ratio instead. Otherwise, (in my experience at least) you just get a bright white flame. I myself wouldn't dare try that in actual flash though....less than .5g critical mass for the 50:50 Magnalium, so I wouldn't venture to guess what the 70:30 is.

[MDH]

Interestingly enough the ratios Icarus mentions make a cone fountain formulation as suggested by the great Takeo Shimizu.

EDIT: and magnesium DUST is useless in flashes. You need fine flake or needles.

Edited by MDH, 12 February 2008 - 10:27 PM.

[Mumbles]

Firstly, I have to disagree with the statement that anything but flake or needle Mg is useless in flash. I have used 100 mesh granular Mg with no issues what-so-ever. Bright, and burns in an instant.

Anyway, I think Winokur mentions the use of 70/30 MgAl in Pyrotechnica II in his glitter treatise. I'll have a look for you tomorrow. I know I've heard about it being used somewhere.

[Blackheart45]

Anyway, I think Winokur mentions the use of 70/30 MgAl in Pyrotechnica II in his glitter treatise. I'll have a look for you tomorrow. I know I've heard about it being used somewhere.

I would certainly appreciate that Mumbles!

[Mumbles]

I remembered slightly wrong. The 70/30 comp used by Winokur was 70% Al, not Mg.

[cooperman435]

if anyone wants to try a different % age ratio of magnalium be it 70/30 or anything else that takes your fancy then let me know I can make it however you want to try.

[Blackheart45]

Let me tell you though, I just tried making a few stars with this stuff.......too powerful

After that test went up in smoke (literally) I made a 1/4 gram of flash with it. All I have to say is GOOD GOD.

Even burning the MgAl alone in open air was enough to crack a cermic plate (.5g). This is by far, the most frightening metal I've ever worked with

Could someone suggest a more practical application?

Thanks!

[seymour]

Breaking mini crossettes.

[pyrotrev]

Treat it with linseed then it will tend to clump together a bit, maybe useful for star comps then? Normally you'd use 100....250 mesh.

[Mumbles]

It's highly reactive nature may make it an ideal material to make go-getters from.