40 replies to this topic

[failedguitarist]

Hey guys,
Just wondering - are there any pyrotechnic uses for Phosphorous? What are its properties/dangers etc ? Just curious that's all!
Thanks
si

[Stuart]

Depends on the type of phosphorous. Dont know if there is a use for red phosphorous (which is the only phosphorous you wil be able to get hold of). Mabye AdamW or BigG might know


Stuart

[Richard H]

White Phosphorous is used in some military granades, it is extremely reactive in open air and bursts into flames readily. Red Phosphorous is rarely used in pyrotechnics, except in certain striker compositions.

It should NEVER EVER be mixed with chlorates. This stuff really is nasty so please don't even think about playing with it.

[failedguitarist]

Yeh I've seen Red Phos. around. Is that really dangerous then?

[Stuart]

With some chemicals it can be but what makes it diffrent is that it is an alatrope of phosphorous just like white phosphorous but that will burn through your skin to the bone and futher. Do they use red phosphorous in party popper charges?


Stuart

[BigG]

Look at matches they are Phosphorous/Chlorate mixture. Now ? how much friction is required to light a match?!?!

[adamw]

DONT EVEN GO THERE MATE!

[Stuart]

Dont worry, I had no intention making red/chlorate mix. Anyway, couldnt be bothered paying the price of the red phos.

Stuart

[phildunford]

The old literature is full of formula for 'torpedoes' - Little balls full of Phos, Chlorate and grit which you throw on the floor to make a bang!

Sound completly deadly to make and to use, which probably explains why you don't see them anymore.

Weingart (I think) shows how you can put white (yellow) phos in a rocket head for a liquid fire effect!!!

Wonder any of them survived really...

[failedguitarist]

Indeed. How about acids like HNO3 and H2SO4?

[Rhodri]

H2SO4 / HNO3? Uh.....no.

Simple. You don't need these to enjoy the art of pyro.

BTW. With reference to the original post. Phosphorous causes an extremely painful disease affectionatlly known as 'phossy jaw'.

This was a condition associated with the 'match workers' (or anyone exposed to P for a long time).

The disease 'rots' the bones of the face and jaw.....

I joke not.

[lord_dranack]

Doesn't only white phosphorous cause that?

[Rhodri]

I'm not sure....but I guess it could be.

Either way, to my mind, phosphorous isn't needed for 'home' pyro.

I think we should focus on what we can obtain safely AND legally.

I've surprised myself with effects that can be obtained through understading of the 'art' and a basic (yet thorough) understanding of 'redox' reactions.

[phildunford]

I belive that 'phossy jaw' was only caused by white P but I think the old 'lucifer' matches did use white rather than red...

[Rhodri]

They did Phil. Swedish matches were originally formed from white P.

I do however gather that phosphorous sesquasulphide is the current ingredient of matches.