5 replies to this topic

[fruitfulsteve]

I recently found a container of pentalyn resin in my shed,and after a little research believe it is basically Rosin. Can anyone confirm (A) weather or not this is true and ( if it has any interesting pyro uses, it looks like it might make a good fuel/binder for water sensitive stars/comps. It is amber in colour and looks rather like a lump of pine resin which has been left to harden and then broken up with a hammer.
Also can it be ball milled ? and if it is useful is it generally available ?

[fruitfulsteve]

According to passfire 'Rosin' is distilled from turpentine and is used in blue formulas, but doesn't give any examples.

[MDH]

I recently found a container of pentalyn resin in my shed,and after a little research believe it is basically Rosin. Can anyone confirm (A) weather or not this is true and ( if it has any interesting pyro uses, it looks like it might make a good fuel/binder for water sensitive stars/comps. It is amber in colour and looks rather like a lump of pine resin which has been left to harden and then broken up with a hammer.
Also can it be ball milled ? and if it is useful is it generally available ?

It is rosin complexed with other acids. I believe the composition varies. I know what you are talking about as I have used this before from a hobby shop resource with potassium perchlorate and an experimental copper salt. It does burn quite well.

[fruitfulsteve]

I tried a mix with this stuff yesterday, pot perc,pentalyn resin,cuperous chloride,acetone. rather unscientific as may scales are knackered so i just guestimated amounts. The end result was rather slow burning orange with a few small flecks of blue/green flame, but a lot of black smoke.

Not the most successful test ever.

[seymour]

The orange flame and black smoke are signs that there is incomplete combustion.

This could be caused by the formula being too fuel rich, or it could be a result of the particle size of the rosin being too large. If it all dissolved in the acetone however, particle size should not be a problem.

I've heard thast it can be ball milled as long as it does not get too warm. Keeping it damp during ball milling might be a good idea too.

[fruitfulsteve]

I think you hit the nail on the head, under oxidised.
I'll give it another go when i get some new scales.