14 replies to this topic

[fruitfulsteve]

Does anyone here know the correct procedure for making flash paper ?

My plan is to soak the paper (type undecided) possibly news paper in a saturated solution of sodium chlorate and the dry them ready for use. Will this work ok ? if not any suggestions would be welcome, also if i used barium chlorate would i get a green flame? and would their be any toxicity issues ?

[Creepin_pyro]

The procedure for making flash paper is essentially a HE synth and, as such, is outside the realms of this forum. Unless an exception has been made which I'm not sure about...

Not sure exactly what effect you're looking for but I don't think soaking paper in Chlorate is going to give the same effect as proper flash paper - more like an energetic touch paper.

[digger]

The procedure for making flash paper is essentially a HE synth and, as such, is outside the realms of this forum. Unless an exception has been made which I'm not sure about...

Not sure exactly what effect you're looking for but I don't think soaking paper in Chlorate is going to give the same effect as proper flash paper - more like an energetic touch paper.

Correct

[Mumbles]

I have heard that special paper types are required. Most commonly available papers such as news paper, bleached kraft, computer paper, tissue paper, etc wont have high enough wet strength to survive the processing. I'll see if I can dig up the paper type suggestions I've seen. I believe something with a high rag or cotton content was suggested for improved processing.

[BrightStar]

You could just call your local stage supplies / hire company. It's freely available in the UK at a price...

http://www.stage-electrics.co.uk/

Search for 'flash paper'...

and Cooperman, check out the 'Flash Cord' on the same page - it might help with the smokeless pyrogen project...

Edited by BrightStar, 22 April 2010 - 07:30 PM.

[fruitfulsteve]

Thanks for the pointers, and Brightstar for the link. It's actually for my friends sons birthday tomorrow so ordering it would not be much use. I am aware of the nitrating approach (although i'm not sure it would fall under HE) awaiting masses of response to say otherwise but in any case it's a lot of hassle for a few party tricks.

I'll give the sodium chlorate a try on a few different papers and report back.

[fruitfulsteve]

just had another thought, i do have some perchloric acid would it be possible to use this or will it just dissolve my paper ?

[portfire]

Don't waste your time with NaClO3, the slightest bit of moisture and its just like blue touch paper and less reliable, at best all you get is a energetic touch paper (as said)


What about NC soaked paper? This is just an idea, got no real clue what it will do

[crystal palace fireworks]

Im not sure if this article is inappropriate on how to make flash paper,...http://www.classicmagic.net/tricks/341.php but I would stay clear (too dangerous for my liking), my advice would be to buy it through trusted suppliers like flint hire http://www.flints.co...FXFP01#aSFXFP01

Edited by crystal palace fireworks, 22 April 2010 - 07:44 PM.

[CCH Concepts]

from what i gather its nitrating the paper, like making gun cotton. thats where the HE comes in. i have tried nitrating before, and i gave up as i found it was to hard too do it safely and get decent results.

[cooperman435]

fruitfullsteve: I often get confused as to why people fail to understand that something IS something specific, Im in no way trying to be nasty so please dont take offence but flash paper IS nitrated paper. Paper soaked in oxidiser is a form of touch paper, there is no more to it.

[parabolic]

fruitfulsteve;

if you wait till I get home later this evening then I will try to dig out and send you a PM with what I believe is the official way a making it but until I get back to my home Pc I can't PM you with it.

[martyn]

Hello fruitfull, at the risk of sounding like a well known old fart:D, It's probably not that sensible to be at a kiddies birthday party with sodium chlorate all over your hands, it will spoil the taste of the cakes.

[Arthur Brown]

Was that mars bar crispie or BP on hulls!

[fruitfulsteve]

The sodium chlorate soaked tissue paper was fairly effective although not ashless, i think this may be down to the sodium chlorate not being very pure i have some lab grade stuff so i'll try with that and maybe a few other oxidisers and do a compare and contrast..