7 replies to this topic

[Yugen-biki]

I have got 100g of Zirconium. That?s what the rusty can says. Reading about sparklers, sfx "bullet hit" flash and "not mix with chlorate" on this forum, I?m surprised there is so little mentioned about this metall. Searching the net I found smokeless flash powder and electric matches as well. My question is what to do with this powder?

Reading an interesting text some month ago about Zirconium hydride, Zirconium metall and reaction sensitivity. I found out that zirc metall is very sensitive and is stored in water. Mine is not --> a rusty old tin can. Therefor I draw the conclution I have got the Zirconium hydride witch is much less sensitive...*. The powder is grey-ish with a hint of brown.

A big fountain feels like a waste of the presious zirc., electric match takes away the joy of lighting fuses, "bullet hits" makes me sleepy and flash frightens me out of my pants.

What am I going to do with it? Is it possible to make some flash with perc.? Is there someting else it can be used for? Help please.

*The can comes from a company specialised in pyrotechnical special effects.

[adamw]

What mesh is it? Is the metal oxidised, clumpy or otherwise degraded (like the can is)?

I can't think of any immediate uses for it other than what you have specified, so maybe keep it for future use if it safe enough to do so.

[Yugen-biki]

The mesh is unknown to me but very fine, enough for flash I guess. The zirc. powder is not effected by the rust or moisture (clumpy). But some small particles of rusty iron and cromium have fell from the walls into the powder.

I think the can is safe to store, but on the other hand I don?t know. I can see no reason to keep it if there is nothing really to make out of it. Is it OK to make flash with it?

I have found a formula using Zirconium 28%; Barium Nitrate 30%; Barium Oxide 25%; Magnesium 7%; Zirconium Hydride 7% and Starch 5%. The thing is I don?t have the Zirconium and BaOxide. Is it possible to replace the Al in Shimizu?s Thunder #3? (#3 = Al, perc and sulfur).

The last alternative is to put the can in a bonfire :-(

/Thanks

[alany]

Or you could give it to me and I'll see what I can do with it!

[BigG]

Zirconium does need not to be stored in water, but it better to store it "Under Water". Modern packing surrounds the zirconium shipment under sort of plastic material seals water inside. Reason is that Zirconium easily ignites, and has known to take fire from a hot surface on a hot day.

Zirconium can be used for good white sparks in a verity of formulas, but its advantage over aluminium is not great and it's great price and greater sensitivity keeps it away from regular use.

[Yugen-biki]

Thanks for the info! I think I?ll make some thing of it in the future.

alany

Or you could give it to me and I'll see what I can do with it!

Ha ha!

[pyrotrev]

I remember reading somewhere that zirconium powder was used for flash b**bs used for taking aerial photos in WW2. A fair few Kg at a time as well, they would be an interesting addition to a display (if one was brave enough to make them!)

[Yugen-biki]

I did not know that! Thanks for the info.
Zirconium woll/turns were used in old flash bulbs used in cameras.