I used to make quite a bit of black powder with potassium nitrate, sulphur and charcoal. This was an excellent mix for producing showers of sparks when put in cardboard tubes. Me and my dad years ago made a whole lot of fireworks one year, and had lots of fun.
A couple of years later, i decided to make a mixture of sodium chlorate, sulphur and charcoal (I didnt grind it together!! I powdered it all first)...then i put it into a bottle and put a rocket fuse in it. My friend and I lit it and ran away (on guy fawkes night)...I was really surprised that it exploded! even without being compressed or compacted. I was expecting a fast burning mixture.
What is it about chlorate over nitrate that caused this to happen? is it like a chain reaction?..i've tried lighting chlorate and sulphur together and it simply burned..but with the charcoal it was really savage.
anyway, just curious..
wish i had some strontium nitrate!! love that bright red colour
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