10 replies to this topic

[fruitfulsteve]

I'm in the process of making some cuno3, i have got to the point where i have dark blue crystals but their still very acidic. I,m using conc nitric acid on copper wire (in a fume cupboard) and heating until brown smoke goes white. I was thinking of using cuco3 to neutralise!! any suggestions?

[defective]

I'm in the process of making some cuno3, i have got to the point where i have dark blue crystals but their still very acidic. I,m using conc nitric acid on copper wire (in a fume cupboard) and heating until brown smoke goes white. I was thinking of using cuco3 to neutralise!! any suggestions?

not too sure about that as copper carbonate is insoluble in water and only soluble in acidic solutions.

[defective]

if you already have crystals then most of the acid should be gone, keep washing them with water and keeping the water you used. after each wash test the water with blue litmus paper or universal indicator if you can find some. the water will be from a very pale yellow to red if its acidic and a light to medium green if neutral when using universal ind.

i think anyway, as far as my a level chemistry leads me to believe.

hope this helps.

[defective]

or you could try washing them with a solution of sodium carbonate and then with water (do it a few times).
i think that would probably do it.

[Richard H]

Why not just start with copper carbonate, and neutralise the acid to form copper nitrate? Once the acid is fully neutralised, you could filter any remaning carbonate suspended in the solution and start to recrystalise the copper nitrate.

Unfortunately you will probably find the copper nitrate is far too hygroscopic for practical use in pyrotechnics. I believe the stuff goes damp literally in front of your eyes. I suppose I should also throw in all the usual cautions about working with acids too.

[defective]

........ yeah. what he said.

Richard probably knows beter than i do.

[fruitfulsteve]

thanks chaps, i suppose your right i should have used cuco3 (or just buy some cuno3) but just thought i'd do it the hard way anyway i've put some on a filter paper and i'm drying it out now i'll set light to it when it gets dark and let you know what happens!!!

[richard2]

Hi

Has anyone ever tried to bind some of the more hygroscopic or even unused oxidisers using some of the more combustible resins. I know some people have been experimenting with resorcinal, does this offer enough protection from moisture to use eg Cu(NO3)2 ?

Regards



Rich

[Arthur Brown]

That depends whether the resin seals moisture in or seals anhydrous compounds from atmospheric water. More preparation and method rather than just a resin. Well chosen resins can be used as fuel and binder up to about 10% of compound, Whether each compound needs priming who knows....

[fruitfulsteve]

mines gone for crystal to blue gunge, It could just be my crappy attempt at manufacturing, but as Richard mentioned earlier you'd be lucky if you could keep it dry enough to bind it!!! Next time i put an order in for some chems i'll get some proper stuff and see how that holds up. stupid moisture

[fruitfulsteve]

Quick update on my 'copper nitrate'. The filter paper that i had soaked in 'copper nitrate' burst into flames whilst i was drying it with a fan heater, on the plus side i'm sure i see a faint blueish flicker in the flame.