12 replies to this topic

[Rhodri]

Think this may have ben touched upon earlier but here goes.....

What makes those crackling stars / fountains?

They really do 'shout'!

Are they within the reach of a 'garden shed' pyrotechnician.

I guess they must use some super-metal oxide?

Matt, I saw your video footage of a crackling fountain - would you care to divulge your secrets?

:duh:

[bernie]

use bismuth. lead not good for you.

[Rhodri]

Pb super oxide?

[Rhodri]

Whoops - I meant Bi.

I guess this stuff is not easily obtainable from the co-op? :duh:

[Robbie414]

Errrmm in a word...no you can't buy Bi in co-op. However a good place to start would be a gun or country sports shop. They should sell bi shot for use as a lead replacement in shotgun cartridges......give it a shot pardon the pun. should not be too expensive

[Rhodri]

Sorry, since I've been conversing with Bernie '2 star' I've picked up a warped sense of humour - I know co-op won't sell it but you know what I mean.

I can get pure Bi in crystal form- no problem. However, I think we need to use the super oxide of Bi?

Can't see Bi working on it's own?

[Rhodri]

Correction:

Bi in crystalline FORM not crystals as such 'cos it's a metal.

[bernie]

Not ele'mental'. Pun intended:)
You will also need an alloy for the fuel.

[Rhodri]

What sort of alloy :duh: ?

[Robbie414]

Yeah sorry Rod, i was being sarcastic too...damn that Bernie! lol I thought that you may need some alloy or oxide of Bi but wasn't sure....
Bismuth Subcarbonate , or oxycarbonate or Trioxide is what you are after...there are a few distributers in the UK that you could purchase this from

[Robbie414]

If you can get pure Bi then why not just react with oxygen to form the trioxide? It would simply involve heating the metal in air....could not be much easier really. I think the reaction would be..

4Bi(s) + 3O2(g) -------> 2Bi2O3(s)

Worth a go for fun if nothing else!

[bernie]

The 'Bottle Washer' would call it UNOBTAINIUM. I simply did not want to encourage the use of lead when bismuth is at least as effective. It's bound w/ dextrin.
Lead compounds will accumulate in your system. Your body cannot rid itself of it. Chelation is not an option. It's why house paint in the US no longer contains lead. Drain bamage is one of the results. Enuff said.

[adamw]

We too have banned Lead paint in the UK. We still use lead pipes though. Gives the water a bit of a kick!

[Edited on 22-5-2003 by adamw]