8 replies to this topic

[PyroNitrate]

I know the formula for flash powder is KClO4 + Al. I was wondering if i mixed KNO3 + Al would it have the same effects?

[bernie]

Don't do that either

[Matt]

Havnt we tought you anything?

[PyroNitrate]

Just a question, i wasent planning on trying it, i just wanted to know the chemical diffrences between KNO3 and KCl04 in a compund mixture.

[Richard H]

I'm probably wasting my time, but here goes....

The nitrates are better oxidising agents, however the advantage of chlorates and perchlorates is that they release the oxygen they contain at lower temperatures.

In other words using nitrates in flash powder does not really work.

Also, you have the problem of the nitrate and aluminium reaction. When moisture is present in mixtures containing these two reagents heat can evolve - This is a very dangerous situation.

Why are you obsessed with flash powder? There are many other effects which are much more beautiful and need greater skill to create.

[adamw]

Strange but true; Beginners seem to be obsessed with flash. Why? It remains one question that will never be answered. Personally I find flash quite boring. Useful, but boring.

[BigG]

Originally posted by Richard H
I'm probably wasting my time, but here goes....

The nitrates are better oxidising agents, however the advantage of chlorates and perchlorates is that they release the oxygen they contain at lower temperatures. 

In other words using nitrates in flash powder does not really work.

Also, you have the problem of the nitrate and aluminium reaction. When moisture is present in mixtures containing these two reagents heat can evolve - This is a very dangerous situation.

Why are you obsessed with flash powder? There are many other effects which are much more beautiful and need greater skill to create.

Richard ? I think you are wrong. Chlorates and Parchlorates are MUCH stronger oxidising agents. Nitrates release only third of their oxygen while Chlorates and Parchlorates release all of their oxygen.

BigG

[Richard H]

Must be getting confused, many apologies.

[lord_dranack]

I have safely made KNO3+Al flash. Although mixing nitrates and aluminium as the nitrate can be reduced to ammonia and heat up and ignite, it can be safely done by adding 2% boric acid (fram a pharmacy) to prevent this. The mixture i have used is 10 parts KNO3 to 3 parts fine aluminium(as i had no flake then), and the 2% H3BO3. This worked very well for me, both in bangers and in the ends of fountians for a finale. Some sources recomend adding sulfur to this, but i wouldnt as i have experienced a crucible full of sulfur and aluminium spontaneously combust!
However, the nitrate-based flash i prefer to use is 10 parts KNO3 to 6 parts Mg.