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Gary_1323

Member Since 26 Oct 2011
Offline Last Active Nov 25 2011 11:07 PM

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Group General Public Members
Active Posts 15
Profile Views 5,332
Member Title Member
Age Age Unknown
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Gender
Male
Location
Guildford, Surrey, Southern England, UK
Interests
Pyrotechnics/Fireworks, Chemistry, and Science in general. Interesting Documentaries.
Aviation and Airshows/Air Festivals.
Trekking, Bushcraft/Wilderness Survival Courses and Adventure-type Holidays.
Bacon Butties.
Fine Wines and Beers.

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Topics I've Started

I've been inspired by Gareth's appearance in the One Show

11 November 2011 - 06:57 PM

Hi all,

I watched the short video clip from the BBC One Show. The topic, themed on November the 5th, was about blackpowder and how its uses have changed over the years. Being an avid pyrotechnics enthusiast, I am intrigued by Gareth's line of work in the professional pyro industry. There was a short clip of a ball shell being constructed (well, I saw the two hemis put together). What I would like to know is this: how would I go about entering this particular area of the professional pyrotechnics/special effects industry? I am full-time (Mon-Fri, 9-5) chemist by profession, working in the specialism of synthetic organic chemistry, which is indeed very satisfying and lucrative in itself, but I would also like to dabble in professional pyrotechnics on a part-time/spare time basis (i.e. weekends, when I am not attending my main line of work in the chemical industry). Not only would the experience be enjoyable (as I am a keen pyro enthusiast), but it would also be a source of additional income, even if it is only a small one.

The Missus is giving me grief over my pyro hobby- any advice?

02 November 2011 - 09:10 PM

Hi all,

I am unsure of whether this is a familiar problem with pyro hobbyists, but my better half is giving me some stick over my hobby. Posted Image

She claims that I spend more 'quality time' on my pyrotechnics hobby than I do with her. I have tried to get her involved with pyro, but it just doesn't appeal to her. Even my Lancaster Reds don't impress her. What am I to do? I don't see why I should give up my hobby. :angry:

Interesting book: 'The Chemistry of Fireworks, 2nd Ed, RSC Publishing

01 November 2011 - 08:33 PM

Hello everybody,

I have stumbled across what appears to be an interesting book (paperback) on pyrotechnics, entitled: 'The Chemistry of Fireworks' 2nd Ed, RSC (Royal Society of Chemistry) Publishing.
Although it is not a book on practical pyrotechnics like Rev. Ron Lancaster or Dr Takeo Shimizu (it will not tell you how to construct, say, a crossette or achieve a strobe effect), it does delve into the chemical and historical aspects of pyro, such as the development of black powder throughout history, and the chemical reactions thought to be taking place when blackpowder burns.
Just an interesting read, I'd say.

http://books.google....ved=0CEoQ6AEwBw

Has anyone read the book and, if so, what are your opinions of it?

Sorbate-based comps as an alternative to benzoate

30 October 2011 - 09:03 PM

Hello everyone,

First of all I'd like to introduce myself as a new (public) member. In fact, I am considering paying the membership fee to become a full UKPS member, with all the benefits that it entails. I have been deeply interested in pyrotechnics and chemistry (including the chemistry aspect of pyro) since childhood. As the Old English saying goes: "He who hath smelt the smoke is ne'er again free" (or something along those lines).

Now for my question:

I have read in some pyrotechnic literature that potassium or sodium sorbate can be used as an alternative to potassium or sodium benzoate/salicylate in whistle mixes, with perchlorate as the usual oxidizer. Has anyone here done any experimentation with a sorbate-based composition as an alternative to benzoate/salicylate in 'Benzolift', benzoate/salicylate-based burst comps for small shells and benzoate/salicylate-based whistle mixes?
How does a sorbate-based comp compare with one based on benzoate or salicylate?

Lastly, I know that there are some blue star formulas based on copper sorbate, but can a copper sorbate-based comp be made to deflagrate with enough ferocity to enable it to be used as blue-coloured whistle?