17 replies to this topic

[BrightStar]

There's quite a bit of interesting info on anti-static spray here:

http://www.freepaten...om/4129505.html

It seems that the key ingredient is indeed 'dimethyl ditallow ammonium chloride' (fabric softener), sometimes with ethyl acetate. The stuff used for electronics work has 2-butoxyethanol as a solvent (think white board cleaner), while Static Guard type stuff for clothing uses water and ethanol.

Some fun experimenting to be done here I think!

Edited by BrightStar, 06 July 2009 - 03:43 PM.

[pyrotrev]

I mix (and store) such sensitive compositions in static-safe self-sealing plastic bags to avoid ESD problems. They work out cheap enough even if you do have to buy loads at a time.

[TrueBluePyro]

I am more ignorant than most, but I try to make up for my ignorance (gradually, of course) by doing tests. I too was concerned about the sensitivitiy of flash since I have almost no experience. From reading, it seemed that whistle mix was the most sensitive of the flash powders I use (more sensitive than general purpose H3 or other aluminum based) so I did a series of tests trying to get it to ignite. I posted the details of these tests awhile back. The final test was hitting a small paper canister full of whistle mix with a high speed bullet (several times). The bullet was copper jacketed, and the canister was mounted on wook--no spark. None of the tests resulted in ignition. For my own sake, I think the danger is mostly from spark and less so from mechanical impact. Certainly not conclusive, but I'm more comfortable working with flash after doing these tests.

70/30 kclo4/al can be set off with a .22 rifle....and whistle isnt flash, but that has been said and ur post is old...lol