7 replies to this topic

[roddilla]

I am a new member in this society and I actually live in Malta.

 

Is there a way to make coloured stars with Potassium Nitrate or Potassium Permanganate? Those are the only oxidizers which I have. In addition I have PVC, BaO, CuO, SrCO3, Zinc, Dextrin, aluminium powder, Sulfur and Charcoal.

 

Thanks for your help

[cooperman435]

Ypur permanganate wants to be gotten rid of as theres realistically no use for it in safe pyro, Pot nit there are a few but your limited. Search online theres loads of info or glitters may be a good starting point.

[Arthur Brown]

The history of fireworks includes a lot of work before the Chlorates and perchlorates were available as oxidisers, but prior to these fireworks were very much based on gunpowder and charcoal effects. The Chlor compounds were the oxidisers that made colours strong and viable.

 

However there are huge pyro genres that are still basically BP based and have shape and form but little colour and they tend to use KNO3.

 

Personally I advise AGAINST using KMnO4 in pyro.

[Sparky]

Personally I like granite stars 

 

 

Zinc Powder 61

Potassium nitrate 22

Charcoal (Airfloat) 11

Sulfur 4

Dextrin 2

 

Or pearl streamer (very similar to granite)

 

Zinc powder 40

Potassium nitrate 35

Charcoal (airfloat) 15

Sulfur 5

Dextrin 5

 

Both are a very simple formulae, easy to make, great as cut stars and easy to light and prime with a basic BP even green mix. I think they look really nice too.

 

They will look very much like this one I fired earlier this year: http://www.youtube.c...?v=VF7rU87GHNA 

Edited by Sparky, 10 March 2013 - 01:08 PM.

[Atom Fireworks]

I have just watched a couple of your videos Sparky, you friends and family are awesome! Its seems thay are as much into this as you my friend

 

Jay

[Sparky]

Hi Jay

 

Ah yes the long suffering in-laws with a big garden. The only family I know who actually enjoy me terrorising their neighbours with various fireworks.

 

To be fair, I think the 4 inch shells are a thing of the past, their garden is not quite long enough to be safe for them :-(

[Atom Fireworks]

Ha Ha, 3" is plenty though!

[pyrotrev]

Nitrates will only really give enough heat for coloured flame with magnesium as a fuel, you should be able to make some kind of reddish flame with KNO3, Mg, SrCO3 and PVC, though it would be better using Sr(NO3)2. As you're on Malta why not join one of the clubs or factories, there all the chems will be available and you'll get the chance to help make some of the world's best fireworks - I envy you!