13 replies to this topic

[Vic]

I Made some pumped yellow glitter stars for testing and over wetted the mix.
I didn't use boric acid as I don't usually with 250 mesh Atomized Aluminium, I ended up with a very strong hydrogen sulphide smell but with no apparent heating up.

I moved them outdoors, the stars have ended up with orangey-brown marks
can anybody tell me what's going on here? Stars

[phildunford]

What was the formula M8?

[wjames]

the marks look very uniform/symetrical - what material is your pump made from ?

[Vic]

What was the formula M8?

The formula was, in parts by weight:

Potassium Nitrate- 48
Airfloat Charcoal- 9
Sulphur- 11
Aluminium (250 mesh, atomized)- 9
Antimony Trisulphide- 10
Sodium Oxalate- 9
SGRS- 4

I don't know why, but I have a hunch it is the Antimony Trisulphide causing the staining.

the marks look very uniform/symetrical - what material is your pump made from ?

The staining is not uniform, it has a marbled look to it if anything. The staining appeared after the stars were left out in the sun, and the pump has a Nituff coating.

[Mumbles]

I'd say you're right about the staining. There is a compound known as Antimony Pentasulfide that I would guess you have. It's not really an antimony (V) salt, but people like to say it is. It's a mixture of sulfur and antimony. It could be the cause of the smell, but I doubt it. One thing that is certain is that your aluminum is reacting with the nitrate, and the stars are probably bad.

http://en.wikipedia....ny_pentasulfide

[Vic]

Has anybody some of the real McCoy Antimony Trisulphide they are willing to part with?

[CCH Concepts]

Has anybody some of the real McCoy Antimony Trisulphide they are willing to part with?

what i bought from copperman works fine for me, but im no expert. but from what i gather he is reliable.

[phildunford]

Coops last batch appeared to be genuine ground Stibnite rather than synthersised material, & this is generally considered best, particularly for glitters.

[cooperman435]

Yep the stuff Ive sold is genuine mined stibnite.

[Vic]

I'm pretty sure mine came from Inoxia, it's dark grey in colour with a few sparkles in it.
I would have thought it was the real stuff.

[Steve]

Just to clarify the spec for the Inoxia Antimony Sulphide. It is the trisulphide:
The material is sourced in the UK.

It is mined.

Sb Minimum 70%
S Minimum 26%

[cooperman435]

I suspect we both stock the same stuff from the same supplier Steve

[starseeker]

I suppose the only thing to do is to test a few with your star gun and see if the performance has been affected.

[Vic]

I suppose the only thing to do is to test a few with your star gun and see if the performance has been affected.

I did try them in the star gun and thy lit fine but had very long hang time and burnt to the ground I didn't know whether this was characteristic for the formula or not.
I have been meaning to make a few more and try them side by side, it is a yellow glitter by the way and I subbed dextrin for sgrs which may also alter the intended effect.