FLASH POWDER
FLASH POWDER (By Dr. Tiel)
Here are a few basic precautions to take if you’re crazy enough to produce
your own flash
powder:
(1) Grind the oxidizer (KNO3, KClO3, KMnO4, KClO4 etc) separately in a
clean vessel.
(2) NEVER grind or sift the mixed composition.
(3) Mix the
composition on a large paper sheet, by rolling the composition
back and forth.
(4) Do not store flash compositions, especially any containing Mg.
(5) Make very small
quantities at first, so you can appreciate the power
of such mixtures.
KNO3 50%
(by weight)
Mg 50%
It is very important to have the KNO3 very dry, if evolution
of ammonia is
observed then the KNO3 has water in it. Very pure and dry KNO3 is needed.
KClO3 with Mg or Al metal powders works very well. Many hands, faces and
lives have
been lost with such compositions.
KMnO4 with Mg or Al is also an extremely powerful
flash composition.
KClO4 with Al is generally found in comercial fireworks, this does
not
mean that it is safe, it is a little safer than KClO3 above.
K2Cr2O7 can also
be used as an oxidizer for flash powder.
The finer the oxidizer and the finer the metal
powder the more powerful the
explosive. This of course will also increase the sensetivity of
the flash
powder.
For a quick flash small quantities can be burnt in the open.
need a
container to do so.
NOTE: Flash powder in any container will detonate.
Balanced equations of some oxidizer/metal reactions. Only major products
are considered.
Excess metal powders are generally used. This excess
burns with atmospheric oxygen.
KClO3 + 2 Al –> KCl + Al2O3
+ energy
3 KClO4 + 8 Al –> 3 KCl + 4 Al2O3 + energy
6 KMnO4 + 14 Al
–> 3 K2O + 7 Al2O3 + 6 Mn + energy
Make Black Powder first if you have never worked
with pyrotechnic
materials, then think about this stuff.
Dr. Van Tiel- Ph.D.
Chemistry
Potassium perchlorate is a lot safer than sodium/potassium
chlorate.
Compiled By:
-= RFLAGG =-
‘97