10 replies to this topic

[lord_dranack]

I think I remember reading somewhere that barium and strontium carbonates from ceramic supply shops are contaminated with a trace of the corresponding sulfide from the manufacturing process. If this were true, then it would be dangerous to use potassium chlorate with it. Does anyone know whether there is such a contamination (I've tried to do some reasearch on it, but nothing has come up yet).

Thomas

[Pazza]

it is on wouter's practical pyrotechnics page which is a good site with lots of good info, so im guessing that it's fairly accurate
you could try adding a 1% of sodium bicarbonate to neutralise the sulphuric acid that is formed (don't know how reliable this is)
the only other option i can think of is to try and obtain a higher grade of chemicals but this will cost a lot more

[BigG]

I think I remember reading somewhere that barium and strontium carbonates from ceramic supply shops are contaminated with a trace of the corresponding sulfide from the manufacturing process. If this were true, then it would be dangerous to use potassium chlorate with it. Does anyone know whether there is such a contamination (I've tried to do some reasearch on it, but nothing has come up yet).

Thomas

The supply in Ceramic shops is Technical grade. The contamination is very small and should not generally be a problem. Of course, Barium Chlorate is a very sensitive chemical. If you have to use chlorates I would suggest using mixtures of potassium Chlorate with Barium Nitrate. Those are much safer and generally produce wonderful results.

BigG

[lord_dranack]

Thanks. I wasn't even considering using barium chlorate. For barium nitrate/potassium chlorate comps. is it advisable to use a chlorine donor like parlon?

[Jerronimo]

Hey lord dranack,

Without a clorine donor like parlon or pvc you will get a green color.

But yes if you want an realy deep green color it is advisable to use either of these two donor's preferably parlon.

The only problem is offcourse where to get it, as far as I know parlon can only be bought at special pyrochemical stores like skylighter .

Edited by Jerronimo, 18 October 2003 - 05:23 PM.

[BigG]

Hey lord dranack,

Without a clorine donor like parlon or pvc you will get a green color.

But yes if you want an realy deep green color it is advisable to use either of these two donor's preferably parlon.

The only problem is offcourse where to get it, as far as I know parlon can only be bought at special pyrochemical stores like skylighter .

This is one chimical you can ship with no problem. Just order it from skylighter.

BigG

[phildunford]

I'm sure you can get parlon from skylighter, the reason I've held back is that shipping costs as much as the product!

What I have noticed is that if you opt for non-air shipping the costs are cheaper when the weight goes up - possibility of a few of us clubbibg together??

I've tried everywhere to get parlon or PVC but it seems really hard to get. PVC is used as a hot-dip powder coating, but it's not the most common one. I'm sure this material will work but none of the coating suppliers I've talked to stock it.

I have had success 'powdering my own' (PVC conduit), but it's hard to do as the MP is low and power tools tend to make it soften and stick together...

[Stuart]

To order I think you would want to order a lot or do what Phil said, form an alliance. Would they ship Strontium Carbonate or is there somewhere cheaper or easier to buy in the UK

Stuart

[Jerronimo]

Yes I know skilighter will ship parlon, but yes the shippingcharges are way to high .

As for strontium/bariumcarbonate, I think you will find it in most ceramic suplies shops.

[phildunford]

There is a company called CTM supplies that are very good and very cheap.

They can supply Strontium carbonate, copper oxide, bentonite and all sorts of other goodies...

ctm

Don't tell them what you want it for though!

[Stuart]

Good idea Phil, will beare that in mind next time I order some chems.

Bit of sarcasm there. Thanks for the link Phil.

Stuart