10 replies to this topic

[Gecko123]

hi

I have just purchased strontium, barium and copper carbonate and need help with an oxidizer to make them burn their colours.

thanks

[Arthur Brown]

The metal ion is the colour generating species as part of a star compound, of which there are hundreds for each colour. The fact that you have a carbonate salt will mean that the metal ion directs towards spectral emission lines (colours) and the carbonate slows an otherwise fast compound. In addition you will need a fuel, an oxidiser, a binder and a chlorine donor. You chose these according to she specific red green or blue that you want and what you have available and then you consider any incompatibilities in the star or with the other components. 

[Gecko123]

hi thanks for your reply could you suggest a chlorine donor and oxidiser please.

thanks

[JamesB]

Probably worth having a look at something like the Veline system, described here:

http://www.skylighte...works-stars.asp

Though it's worth noting the oxidizer is perchlorate, which requires an EPP licence to purchase on the UK.

[Gecko123]

I can't get any perchlorate could you suggest an alternative please

thanks   

[cooperman435]

Gecko, your choices are limited as its not just an oxidizer you need but a formula for a coloured composition, just carbonates alone with an oxidizer wont burn, a fuel is needed also, then a chlorine donor is required to allow the carbonates to generate the colour too. These must all be tuned perfectly in their quantities to work together without any one overpowering another and must all also be suitable for the specific job. Perchlorate and on occasions chlorate are used as they are suitable oxidizers however you cannot simply pick another oxidizer and use it instead as for Eg Potassium nitrate will not work as a substitute at all even though it is another potassium based oxidizer.

 

you need to be Googling coloured star formulas or compositions and find one with an oxidizer you do have access to ideally

[Gecko123]

ok thanks I will have a look around

[Gecko123]

would ammonium perchlorate work I have found some compositions with it in

[cooperman435]

If the composition requires it yes it will work but not as a substitute for another oxidiser in another formula

[bangkokpyro]

You can make excellent reds and greens using Magnesium (Magnalium will also work and is safer) and PVC with either Strontium Nitrate or Barium Nitrate.

 

Read up on the topic first as these comps esp with Magnesium can be dangerous if not compounded correctly.

 

Magnesium needs to be treated with Dichromate (itself a dangerous chemical)  before use.

[Gecko123]

ok thanks everyone for your help