60 replies to this topic

[Jerronimo]

You are right BigG,in the future when posting formulations containing potassiumchlorate I will mention the hazards regarding chlorate mixtures.

But I must add that everybody on this forum should know that you have to handle chlorate mixtures with the greatest of care.

[PanMaster]

I do know three things about chlorates: they go BANG when you hit them with a big hammer.
They burn real fast.
Only use H3.

[Gor]

Can I just be clear on one chlorate/sulphur question?

Chlorates do not mix well with SULPHUR containing compounds, sure, but thay can br used with metal SULPHATES, e.g. copper sulphate?

That was my understanding but is has got a little blurred reading this thread.

[phildunford]

Just to stir things up a bit more...

Ron Lancaster suggests in his book that it is OK to use chlorate stars in roman candles etc as long as there is no free sulphur. Gunpowder is considered to be OK. Now this is a pretty fine line, as gunpowder is a mixture (not a compound) and technically the sulphur in it is free to react... Remains true though that many such devices are made without accident (not in this country I think). Obviously sulphur/chlorate mixtures are a no-no.

[BigG]

Just to stir things up a bit more...

Ron Lancaster suggests in his book that it is OK to use chlorate stars in roman candles etc as long as there is no free sulphur. Gunpowder is considered to be OK. Now this is a pretty fine line, as gunpowder is a mixture (not a compound) and technically the sulphur in it is free to react... Remains true though that many such devices are made without accident (not in this country I think). Obviously sulphur/chlorate mixtures are a no-no.

Hmmm, interesting. The Maltese use Chlorate/Sulphur mixture on regular bases with only a few accidents. Still, the level of safety in commercial plants is very high, allowing fewer chances for accidents. I don't think as amateurs we can keep the same level of separation as in fireworks plants.

[lord_dranack]

The main problem is that chlorates, while more dangerous, are easily avaliable from a variety of sources, while perchlorates are much harder to find ( I'm still looking!)

As I use chlorates for all my colours I have almost eliminated sulfur from my work, except for bp. I am lucky in that i have 2 work areas now, so my new one (in a shed) is sulfur free.

[pyrotechnist]

i have found a place for bying potassium perchlorate called brettmartin it sells loads of chemicals for firework uses.

[Pazza]

pyrotechnist, im guessing that you live in the US

[Pyromaster2003]

no, he lives in the UK. this company however does not sell all the chemicals they list i dont think. the title of the page is 'how chemicals react to xxx' and then gives a very long list of chemicals such as potassium perchlorate,sodium benzoate,sulphur,KNO3... with a - or + against them which indicates wheather they hold up against xxx or not.

[pyrotechnist]

yer still didn't get the email off them.

[Pyromaster2003]

i also e-mailed and had no responce.

[pyrotechnist]

i know how to make it but it is too hard and i do not have the tools or equipment to process it and make it pure.

[PanMaster]

the only source i thought was that chemikus seller, slightly extortionate

[pyrotechnist]

wy how much was it to by from them.

[PanMaster]

why don't you get yourself a few brief cases lined with lead and take yourself to america, while you're there pick up some dark aluminium, magnesium and kclo4 from firefox or skylighter, and put it in sugar bags or some other disguise inside the cases lined with lead and try to evade customs, the lead blocks x-ray detection, but creates suspicion, you might make it or end up in the terrorist camp indefinitely