pyrotrev

Hi Paul

We've used the Solar Flare igniters a bit, very reliable, but they do seem a tad slower than pyrogen based types when used in a pyromusical for instance - though in some cases there will be a reasonable cable resistance in series in our system which would likely slow down the response.

i doubt if wood flour would give the same result,

but for that price its cheap enough to try

 

another one that has been used which may be cheaper is walnut dust

If you search for "sawdust cannon" on YouTube it would seem to have some promise. Time to buy some I think   

Quite pricey though. I wonder if normal wood flour (£13 for 5Kg delivered) would be as good?? Might try some in a 3" mortar if I can scrounge it from my local equestrian people. 

Strictly speaking, pyrophoric doesn't just apply to making sparks when struck./abraded, but anything that will spontaneously ignite in air. So magnesium (remember Phill?? ) ,  titanium, sodium and even plutonium (which will light up even in a solid block) are examples.

Looks like expensive stuff