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We believe that the information contained herein is true and correct, however it is offered only as a guide and not to be used as a guarantee. We cannot assume responsibility nor liability for the use or misuse of the information contained herein. If you do find an error, PLEASE contact us and we will fix it as soon as possible.
The following is a compilation of information gathered over the years from various research and sources too numerous to remember.
Within these pages you will find descriptions of almost 150 chemicals that are used in Fireworks, Explosives, Rocket Fuels or are explosives in themselves. This list is not complete and is not intended to be complete. All of the uses are not given and only the related purposes of each are stated.
Whenever possible we explain which grades are thought to be the best, the chemical formula, melting temperature, decomposition temperature, form (liquid, powder, crystal, etc.), if it will explode, if it is poisonous and its usage. Some of these chemicals cannot be purchased and are offered as a guide for information purposes only.
GROUP I. These chemicals are the chemicals which produce
the oxygen and are called oxidizers.
GROUP II. Those which combine with the oxidizers are called
reducers.
GROUP III. These are the chemicals which regulate the rate
of burning and help to produce the desired effect.
GROUP IV. This group of chemicals are those which impart
color to the flame.
Certain combinations of chemicals are remarkable explosive, poisonous or hazardous in some other way, and these are generally avoided as a matter of course. There are many others that are perhaps equally dangerous but do not come to mind as readily. The following list, although not complete, may serve as a memory refresher. Stop and think for a moment before starting any work, especially if one hazardous chemical is involved.
Alkali metals, such as calcium, potassium and sodium with water, carbon dioxide, carbon tetrachloride, and other chlorinated hydrocarbons.
Acetic Acid with chromic acid, nitric acid, hydroxyl-containing
compounds, ethylene glycol, perchloric acid, peroxides and permanganates.
Acetone with concentrated sulfuric and nitric acid
mixtures.
Ammonia, Anhydrous with mercury, halogens, calcium
hypochlorite or hydrogen fluoride.
Ammonium Nitrate with acids, metal powders, flammable
fluids, chlorates, nitrates, sulphur and finely divided organics
or other combustibles.
Aniline with nitric acid, hydrogen peroxide or other
strong oxidizing agents.
Bromine with ammonia, acetylene, butadiene, butane,
hydrogen, sodium carbide, turpentine or finely divided metals.
Chlorates with ammonium salts, acids, metal powders,
sulfur, carbon, finely divided organics or other combustibles.
Chromic Acid with acetic acid, naphthalene, camphor, alcohol,
glycerine, turpentine and other flammable liquids.
Chlorine with ammonia, acetylene, butadiene, benzene and
other petroleum fractions, hydrogen, sodium carbides, turpentine
and finely divided powdered metals.
Cyanides with acids.
Hydrogen Peroxide with copper, chromium, iron, most metals
or their respective salts, flammable fluids and other combustible
materials, aniline and nitromethane.
Hydrogen Sulfide with nitric acid, oxidizing gases.
Hydrocarbons, generally, with fluorine, chlorine,
bromine, chromic acid or sodium peroxide.
Iodine with acetylene or ammonia
Mercury with acetylene, fulminic acid, hydrogen.
Nitric acid with acetic, chromic and hydrocyanic
acids, aniline, carbon, hydrogen sulfide, flammable fluids or
gases and substances which are readily nitrated.
Oxygen with oils, grease, hydrogen, flammable liquids,
solids and gases.
Oxalic Acid with silver or mercury.
Perchloric Acid with acetic anhydride, bismuth and
its alloys, alcohol, paper, wood and other organic materials.
Phosphorous Pentoxide with water
Sodium Peroxide with any oxidizable substances, for instance:
methanol, glacial acetic acid, acetic anhydride, benzaldehyde,
carbon disulfide, glycerine, ethylene glycol, ethyl acetate, furfural,
etc.
Sulfuric Acid with chlorates, perchlorates, permanganates
and water.
While it is assumed that the individual who is dispensing these
materials is responsible and knowledgeable as to their use, the
following pointers will prove helpful:
Aluminum
Al
An element used for brilliancy in the fine powder form. It can
be purchased as a fine silvery or gray powder. All grades from
technical to superpure (99.9%) can be used. The danger is from
inhaling the dust and explosive room condition if too much dust
goes into the air.
Aluminum Chloride AlCl3
This chemical must not come in contact with the skin as severe
burns can result. The yellowish-white crystals or powder have
a strong attraction for water. Purchase only in the anhydrous
grade.
Amber
This is a fossil resin of vegetable origin and is yellowish-brown
in color. It is used in fireworks to a small extent.
Ammonium Bichromate and Dichromate
(NH4)7
A mild poison used in the manufacture of tabletop volcanoes (sometimes
called Vesuvius Fire). It is available as orange crystals in a
technical grade. Also used in smoke formulas.
Ammonium Chloride NH4Cl
The common name is sal ammoniac. Comes as colorless crystals or
a white powder. The technical grade is used to manufacture safety
explosives and smokes.
Ammonium Oxalate (NH4)2C2O4
This compound takes the form of colorless, poisonous, crystals.
The technical grade is suitable for the manufacture of safety
explosives.
Ammonium Perchlorate
(NH4ClO4)
This chemical can be made to explode by either heat or shock.
Besides exploding in itself, it is used to manufacture other explosives.
Ammonium Permanganate NH4MnO4
A moderate explosive which can be detonated by either heat or
shock.
Ammonium Picrate (NH4C6H3O7)
These bright orange crystals are used in armor piercing shells
and fireworks. If heated to 300 degrees it will explode or it
can be set off by shock. If you do any work with this chemical,
it is advisable to keep it wet.
Aniline Dyes
These are used in smoke powder formulas. They are organic coal
tar derivatives. Available in many different colors. Also suspected
or proven carcinogens....use with caution.
Aniline Green C23H25CIN2
Also known as Malachite Green. One of the many Aniline dyes. The
green crystals are used in smoke formulas.
Anthracene
A coal tar derivative used as a source of dyestuff and for
colored smokes. Available as colorless crystals which melt at
217 degrees.
Antimony Sb
Another name for this metal element is Antimony Regulus. Purchase
the black powder in 99% purity. Not the yellow variety. It is
used in pyrotechnics.
Antimony Fulminate
One of a group of unstable, explosive compounds related to Mercury
Fulminate.
Antimony Potassium Tartrate
Also known under the name of Tartar Emetic. These poisonous,
transparent, odorless crystals (or white powder) are used to make
Antimony Fulminate. The moisture that is present can be driven
off by heating to 100 degrees. Do not exceed this temperature
or the chemical will decompose.
Antimony Sulfide (Sb2S3)
This has usefulness in sharpening the report of firecrackers,
salutes, etc. or to add color to a fire. The technical black powder
is suitable. Avoid contact with the skin; dermatitis or worse
will be the result.
Aqua Regia
A strong acid containing 1 part concentrated Nitric Acid and
3 parts concentrated Hydrochloric Acid. Store in a well closed
glass bottle in a dark place. This acid will attack all metals,
including gold and platinum. It is used in making some explosives.
Arsenic Sulfide, Red
The common name is Realgar and it is also known as Red Arsenic.
Purchase the technical grade, which is available as a poisonous
orange-red powder. It is used in fireworks to impart color to
the flame.
Arsenic Sulfide,Yellow (As2S3)
This Chemical is just as poisonous as its red brother and is also
used in fireworks, somewhat. The common name is Kings Gold.
Arsenious Oxide (As4O6)
A white, highly poisonous powder used in fireworks. It is also
known as Arsenic Trioxide, Arsenious Oxide and Arsenous Acid.
Its uses are similar to Paris Green.
Asphaltum
A black bituminous substance, best described as powdered tar.
Auramine Hydrochloride
Also known as Auramine. It is used in smoke formulas. Available
as yellow flakes or powder, which readily dissolves in alcohol.
Auramine
A certified Biological stain used in smoke cartridges.
Barium Carbonate BaCO3
This is a poisonous salt of Barium, which decomposes at a
fairly high temperature, 1300 degrees. It is available as a fine
white powder in the technical grade. It is used in fireworks as
a color imparter.
Barium Chlorate Ba(ClO3)2H2O
Available as a white powder. It is poisonous, as are all Barium
salts. It is used in fireworks, both as an oxidizer and color
imparter. It is as powerful as Potassium Chlorate and should be
handled with the same care. Melting point is 414 degrees.
Barium Nitrate Ba(NO3)2
The uses and precautions are the same as above with a comparison
equal to Potassium Nitrate instead of the Chlorate. It melts at
500 degrees.
Bismuth Fulminate
One of a group of unstable, explosive compounds derived from Fulminic
Acid.
Brass This is an alloy of Copper and Zinc. Some also contain
a small percentage of Tin. The commercial grade is suitable in
powdered form. It is used in some fireworks formulas.
Calcium Carbide CaC2
These grayish, irregular lumps are normally packed in waterproof
and airtight metal containers. It is used in toy cannons. Mixed
with water it forms Acetylene Gas (EXPLOSIVE).
Calcium Carbonate CaCO3
This occurs as the mineral Calcite. It is used for Phosphorous
Torpedoes, but does not have any dangerous properties in itself.
Also as an acid absorber in fireworks.
Calcium Fluoride CaF2
This finds its use in a smokeless firework mixture and is
not used elsewhere. It is a white powder, also known as Fluorspar.
Calcium Phosphide Ca3P2
This compound, which comes as gray lumps, must be kept dry.
Upon contact with water it will form the flammable gas, Phosphine
(highly toxic!). It is used in signal fires.
Camphor OC16
A ketone found in the wood of the Camphor tree, native to
Taiwan and a few of our states. For the best results, buy the
granulated, technical grade. Used in explosives and fireworks.
Castor Oil
The common drug store variety is used in some powders to reduce
the sensitiveness and to waterproof the mixture.
Charcoal C
A form of the element, Carbon, it is used in fireworks and
explosives as a reducing agent. It can be purchased as a dust
up to a coarse powder. The softwood variety is best and it should
be black, not brown.
Chrysoidine
An organic dye available as a red-brown powder. It is used
in smoke formulas.
Clay
This can be purchased in the powdered form. It is used dry
for chokes, nozzles and sealing firework cases. You can mix it
with water to form paste if so desired.
Confectioners Sugar
Commonly called powdered sugar, it can be purchased at your local
food store. The fineness is graded by the symbol XXXX. It is used
in explosives.
Copper Cu
As any pure metal used in fireworks, this must also be in a powdered
state. It is reddish in color, in fact, it is the only element
to be found in nature having that color.
Copper Acetoarsenite
(Cu)3As2O3Cu(C2H2)2
The popular name for this is Paris Green. It is also called Kings
Green or Vienna Green. It is readily available as an insecticide
or as a technical grade, poisonous, emerald green powder. It is
used in fireworks to add color.
Copper Arsenate CuHAsO3
A fine, light green, poisonous powder. It is used in the technical
grade for fireworks.
Copper Carbonate CuCO3.Cu(OH)2
Also known as Cupric Carbonate or Artificial Malachite. It is
a green powder used in fireworks.
Copper Chlorate Cu(ClO3)2.6H2O
Or, technically, Cupric Chlorate. A poison used in fireworks
as an oxidizer and to add color.
Copper Chloride CuCl2
An oxidizer and color imparter used in fireworks. Purchase
the brownish-yellow technical grade. This is a poisonous compound.
Copper Nitrate
Cu(NO3)2.3H2O
Or Cupric Nitrate. These blue crystals absorb water, as you
can see from the formula. It is used in fireworks.
Copper Oxide
CuO
When ordering be sure to specify the black powder. It is also
available in red. The technical grade will serve the purpose for
fireworks.
Copper Oxychloride
A green powder used to impart oxygen and color especially to blue
star formulas. It is a poison and the dust should not be inhaled.
Copper Sulfate
CuSO4.5H2O
Known as Blue Vitriol, this poisonous compound is available as
blue crystals or blue powder. It can be purchased in some drugstores.
Used in fireworks for blue stars.
Copper Sulfide
CuS
As are the other copper salts, this is also used in fireworks
to add color. The technical grade is suitable and is black in
color. You can make your own by passing Hydrogen Sulfide into
a Copper salt.
Decaborane
B10H14
This chemical is classed as a flammable solid and is used
for rocket fuels. It will remain stable indefinitely at room temperature.
Dextrin
This can be purchased as a white or yellow powder. It is a good
cheap glue for binding cases and stars in fireworks.
Diazoacetic Ester
C4H6N2O2
A very severe explosive in the form of a yellow oil. It will explode
on contact with Sulfuric acid or when heated. Very volatile and
explosive.
Diazoaminobenzene C6H5N:N.NH.C5
These golden yellow crystals will explode when heated to 150 degrees.
P-Diazobenzeneslfonic Acid
C6H4NSO3N
Another severe explosive. It can be exploded by rubbing the
white paste or powder, or by heating.
Diazodinitrophenol
HOC6H3(NO2)2N(:N)
An organic explosive in the same group as the above compound.
Also very sensitive to shock or heat.
Diazomethane CH2
Also known as Azimethylene. This yellow gas is also in the above
group and can be exploded by heat or shock.
Dinitrotoulene
Known as DNT for short. These yellow crystals are used in
the manufacture of other explosives.
Ethyl Alcohol
This alcohol is the only one that is useful for fireworks.
It should be about 95% pure. It is poisonous because of the impurities.
It is clear, like water, and also a very flammable liquid.
Fluorine Perchlorate
FClO4
A very sensitive colorless gas which will explode on the slightest
contact with a rough surface. It can also be detonated by heating
to 168 degrees. Avoid all contact with this gas, as even a trace
of it will attack the lungs.
Gallic Acid C7H6O5.H2O
A white or pale fawn colored powder used in fireworks to make
whistles. When mixed with some chlorates, Permanganates or Silver
salts, it may explode.
Glycerol
C3H8O3
Commonly known as Glycerin. It is obtained from oils and fats
as a by-product when making soaps. It is a sweet warm tasting
syrupy liquid which is used in several explosives. Contact with
Chromium Trionide or potassium Permanganate may cause an explosion.
Gold Explosive
A dark brown powder which explodes when heated or rubbed. Upon
exploding, it yields Gold, Nitrogen and Ammonia. The exact composition
is unknown because it is too explosive to be dried.
Guanidine Nitrate
CH5N3.HNO3
Guanidine is found in turnip juice, rice hulls and earthworms.
It is used in the preparation of this chemical, or, it can be
made from Ammonium Nitrate and Dicyanodiamide. To be of any value,
it should be 95% pure. Guanidine Nitrate is not explosive itself,
but is used in the manufacture of explosives. It is a white powder
which melts at 210 degrees.
Gum Arabic
A dried, gummy, exudate from tropical trees. It is available
as flakes, fragments and powder. It is used as a binder in firework
formulas.
Hexachlorethane CCl3.CCl3
Also known as Carbon Hexachloride, this chemical is used in smoke
formulas It can be obtained in either powder or crystals. Treat
as toxic.
Indigo
A dark blue crystalline powder which is a commercial dye.
You can purchase either the technical or pure grade for smokes.
Iodine
Heavy grayish metallic looking crystals or flakes. Poisonous.
Purchase the U.S.P. grade. It is being used in making explosives.
Iron Fe
The granular powder (at least 99% pure) is needed for several
firework pieces. It is not a dangerous element but will rust very
easily, making it useless.
Iron Oxide FeO
These black crystals are used in thermite mixtures. When ordering,
it may be listed as Ferrous Oxide. Black.
Kieselguhr
This is a whitish powder used in dynamites. It is a siliceous
earth, consisting mainly of diatoms. A good grade will absorb
about four times its own weight.
Lactose
Also called milk sugar. This white powder has a sweet taste.
The crude grade will work for smoke formulas.
Lampblack
This is another name for the element, carbon. It is a finely
powdered black dust, resulting from the burning of crude oils.
It is used for special effects in fireworks.
Lead Azide PbN6
This is a poisonous white powder which explodes by heating
to 350 degrees or by concussion. The main usage is in primers.
It can be made from Sodium Azide and Lead Nitrate.
Lead Bromate Pb(BrO3)2.H2O
Poisonous, colorless crystals. Pure Lead Bromate is not explosive
unless it is made from precipitated Lead Acetate with an alkali
bromate. Made in this manner, it can be exploded by rubbing or
striking.
Lead Chloride PbCl2
It is available as a white crystalline, poisonous powder which
melts at 501 degrees. It is used in fireworks.
Lead Dioxide PbO2
Also known as Brown Lead Oxide, this dark brown powder is
used as an oxidizer in matches and fireworks. Poisonous.
Lead Nitrate Pb(NO2)2
Available as white or colorless crystals in the technical
grade. The uses include matches and explosives. Poisonous.
Lead Oxide Pb3O4
Also known as Red Lead or Lead Tetroxide. A 95% purity is
desired for matches. Also poisonous.
Linseed Oil
Available in many forms: Brown, boiled, raw and refined. All
are made from the seed of the flax plant. The cheapest form is
suitable for fireworks. Purchase from a paint store.
Lithium Chloride LiCl
The technical grade is sometimes used to add color to fireworks
compositions. Available as a white powder.
Manganese Dioxide MnO2
Used in pyrotechnic mixtures, matches and match box friction
surfaces. Available as a technical grade, black powder. This oxidizer
decomposes at 535 degrees.
Magnesium Mg
This metal is used in a powdered state for brilliancy in flares
and will even burn vigorously underwater.
Mercuric Chloride HgCl2
A white, poisonous powder. Also known as Corrosive Sublimate.
It can be made by subliming Mercuric Sulfate with ordinary table
salt and then purified by recrystallization. The U.S.P. grade
is used for some firework compositions.
Mercuric Oxide HgO
Available in two forms; red and yellow. Both forms give the same
oxidizing effects in fireworks. The technical grade is suitable..
All forms are poisonous.
Mercuric Oxycyanide
HgO.Hg(CN)2
In the pure state it is a violent poison which will explode when
touched by flame or friction.
Mercuric Thiocyanate
Hg(SCN)2
A poisonous, white odorless powder used in the making of Pharaoh"s
Serpents. Use the technical grade.
Mercurous Chloride
HgCl
Also known as Calomel or Mercuric Monochloride. This white, non-
poisonous powder will brighten an otherwise dull colored mixture.
Sometimes it is replaced by PVC or Hexachlorobenzene and even
Antimony Sulfide, for the same purpose. Note that it is non poisonous
only when it is 100% pure. Never confuse this chemical with Mercuric
Chloride, which is poisonous in any form.
Mercury Fulminate Hg(ONC)2.«H2O
A crystalline compound used in primers, percussion caps, blasting
caps and other detonators. Explodes very easily from heat or shock.
Methylene Blue C16H18N3SCl
This dark green powder is used for smokes in the technical grade.
Also called Methylthionine Chloride.
Mineral Jelly Also known as Vaseline, Petrolatum or Petroleum
Jelly. This acts as a stabilizer in fireworks and explosives.
Naphthalene This is a tar product that you may know better
as Moth Flakes. Only the 100% pure form should be used in making
smoke powders. The melting point is 100 degrees.
Nitric Acid HNO3
Also known as Aqua Fortis. It is a clear, colorless corrosive
liquid, which fumes in moist air. It can react violently with
organic matter such as Charcoal, Alcohol or Turpentine and consequently
must be handled Very carefully. It is available in three forms:
White fuming, Red Fuming and Concentrated (70 to 71%). The latter,
with a specific gravity of 1.42, is the proper grade to buy. Whatever
grade, avoid contact with the fumes or the liquid. Contact with
the skin will cause it to burn and turn yellow. It is used to
manufacture many explosives.
Nitroglycerin C3H5N3O9
A liquid with a sweet burning taste, but do not taste it or it
will produce a violent headache or acute poisoning. It can be
made to explode by rapid heating or percussion. It is used as
an explosive and also to make other explosives.
Nitroguanidine H2NC(NH)NHNO2
A yellow solid made by dissolving Fuanidine in concentrated
Sulfuric Acid and then diluting with water. Dangerous Explosive.
Nitromethane CH3NO2
An oily, poisonous liquid, which is used as rocket fuel.
Oil of Spike
This is a volatile oil obtained from the leaves of certain
trees. Keep this colorless (or pale yellow) liquid well closed
and away from light. It is used in some fireworks.
Paraffin
This is a white or transparent wax. It is normally sold in a solid
block. You can use it to make the required powder.
Paranitroanaline Red
(H2NC6H4)3COH
A dye used in smoke formulas. It dissolves in alcohol and will
melt at 139 degrees. It is also known as P-Aminophenyl.
Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate C5H8N4O12
A high explosive known as PRTN. Besides being an explosive itself
it is used in a detonating fuse called Primacord.
Perchloryl Fluoride
ClFO3
A gas under normal air pressure. When brought in contact with
alcohol, explosions have resulted.
Phosphorus P
This element comes in three forms, with three different ways
of reacting. They resemble each other in name only. Red Phosphorous
is the only suitable form for fireworks and matches. It is a non-poisonous
violet-red powder. It will ignite at 260 degrees. When making
a formula containing Phosphorous, be sure to work with it in a
WET STATE. This is a most dangerous chemical to work with and
should be handled only by the most experienced. Oxidizers have
been known to detonate violently without warning when mixed with
Red Phosphorous.
Phosphorous Pentasulfide
Also known as Phosphoric Sulfide. These light yellow crystals
are used in matches.
Phosphorus Trisulfide
P2S3
This chemical can catch fire from the moisture that is present
in air, therefore the container should be kept tightly capped.
The technical grade, purchased as grayish-yellow masses, is used
in making matches.
Picric Acid
This is used to bring out and improve the tone of colors in various
fireworks. It is also used to make other chemicals that are used
in fireworks and explosives. Picric Acid can explode from heat
or shock. It is interesting to note what it is called in other
countries: Britain - Lyddite; France - Melinite; Japan - Shimose.
Plaster of Paris
This is a white powder, composed mostly of Calcium Sulfate. It
is used, by mixing with water, for end plugs in fireworks and
also in some formulas.
Potassium K
A soft silvery metal element. It will react vigorously with water
and several acids. It is not used directly except for some experiments.
Potassium Chlorate
KClO3
This, perhaps, is the most widely used chemical in fireworks.
Before it was known, mixtures were never spectacular in performance.
It opened the door to what fireworks are today. It is a poisonous,
white powder that is used as an oxidizer. Never ram a mixture
containing Potassium Chlorate. Do not store mixtures which contain
this chemical for any great length of time, as they may explode
spontaneously.
Potassium Dichromate
K2Cr2O7
Also known as Potassium Bichromate. The commercial grade is used
in fireworks and matches. The bright orange crystals are poisonous.
Also used in smokes. Carcinogenic.
Potassium Ferrocyanide 4Fe(CN)6.3H2O
Lemon yellow crystals or powder which will decompose at high
temperatures. It is used in the manufacture of explosives.
Potassium Nitrate KNO3
Commonly called Saltpeter; this chemical is an oxidizer which
decomposes at 400 degrees. It is well known as a component in
gunpowder and is also used in other firework pieces. Available
as a white powder.
Potassium Perchlorate
KClO4
Much more stable than its Chlorate brother, this chemical is a
white or slightly pink powder. It can often substitute for Potassium
Chlorate to make the formula safer. It will not yield its oxygen
as easily, but to make up for this, it gives off more oxygen.
It is also poisonous.
Potassium Picrate C6H2KN3O7
A salt of Picric Acid, this chemical comes in yellow, reddish
or greenish crystals. It will explode when struck or heated. It
is used in fireworks.
Potassium Thiocyanate
KCNS
Colorless or white crystals which are used to make the Pharaoh's
Serpent. The commercial grade or pure grade is suitable.
n-Propyl Nitrate C3H7NC2
Prepared from Silver Nitrate and n-Propyl Bromide and is used
as a jet propellant
Red Gum
Rosin similar to shellac and can often replace it in many firework
formulas. Red gum is obtained from the bark of trees.
Rhodamine B
A basic fluorescent organic pigment also known as Rhodamine Red.
Available in green or red crystals or powder. It is used in smoke
formulas.
Shellac
An organic rosin made from the secretion of insects which live
in India. The exact effect it produces in fireworks is not obtainable
from other gums. The common mixture of Shellac and Alcohol sold
in hardware stores should be avoided. Purchase the powdered variety,
which is orange in color.
Silver Fulminate AgONC
A crystalline salt similar to Mercury Fulminate but more sensitive.
In fact, too sensitive for commercial blasting. It is used for
toy torpedoes and poppers.
Silver Oxide Ag2O
Dark brown, odorless powder. It is potentially explosive and becomes
increasingly more so with time. Keep away from Ammonia and combustible
solvents. The technical grade, which is about 92% pure, is suitable.
Sodium Aluminum Fluoride
NA3AlF6
Also known as mineral, Cryolite. It is used in fireworks in
the white powdered form.
Sodium Bicarbonate
NaHCO3
When a formula calls for this chemical, you can use Baking Soda
(NOT Baking Powder). It is a white, non-poisonous powder.
Sodium Carbonate Na2CO3
This white powder is used in fireworks, but not to any great
extent. The anhydrous grade is best.
Sodium Chlorate NaClO3
An oxidizer similar to Potassium Chlorate, although not as
powerful and also with the disadvantage of absorbing water. Decomposes
at 325 degrees.
Sodium Chloride NaCl
This is used in fireworks. You can use the common form, table
salt (or rock salt if made into a powder).
Sodium Nitrate NaNO3
Also known as Chile Saltpeter; very similar to Saltpeter,
(Potassium Nitrate). It is used where large amounts of powder
are needed in fireworks and explosives. It will absorb water as
do other sodium salts.
Sodium Oxalate Na2C2O4
This is not a strong poison, but is poisonous, and you should
not come in contact with it or breathe the dust for any prolonged
period. The technical grade is best for making yellow fires.
Sodium Perchlorate
NaClO.4H2O
This chemical is used in fireworks and explosives. It is very
similar to Potassium Perchlorate with the exception that it will
absorb water.
Sodium Peroxide Na2
A yellowish-white powder. It can explode or ignite in contact
with organic substances.
Sodium Picrate
Very similar to Potassium Picrate and should be handled with
the same precautions. It is also known under the name of Sodium
Trinitrophenolate.
Sodium Silicate Na2SiO3.9H2O
This chemical, commonly called water glass, is used as a fireproof
glue. It is available in syrupy solution and can be thinned with
water if necessary. When dry it resembles glass, hence the name.
It can, when desired, be thickened with calcium carbonate, zinc
oxide, powdered silica, or fiberglass (chopped) if extra strength
is desired.
Stearin
Colorless, odorless, tasteless, soapy crystal or powder. Sometimes
referred to as Stearic Acid. Purchase the technical grade, powder.
It can often take the place of Sulphur and Charcoal in fireworks.
Strontium Carbonate
SrCO3
Known in the natural state as Strontianite, this chemical
is used for adding a red color to fires. It comes as a white powder
in a pure, technical or natural state.
Strontium Chloride
SrCl2.6H2O
A colorless or white granulated chemical used in pyrotechnics.
It will absorb water and is not used often.
Strontium Nitrate Sr(NO3)2
By far the most common chemical used to produce red in flares,
stars and fires. Available in the technical powder grade. An oxidizer
with 45% oxygen and absorbs water.
Strontium Sulfate SrSO4
This does not absorb water as quickly as nitrate and is used when
storage is necessary. In its natural state it is known as Celestine,
which compares to grades used in fireworks.
Sulphur (Sulfur) S
For example type II burns at 250 degrees giving off choking fumes.
Purchase good pyro grades low in acid. Used in many types of fireworks
and explosives.
Sulfuric Acid H2SO4
Also called Oil of Vitriol, it is a clear liquid with the
consistency of a thin syrup. Bottles should be kept tightly closed
as it is a very corrosive and dangerous chemical. It has a great
affinity for water and will absorb it from any source. The effect
can be a charred surface or fire. The grade used in explosives
is 93-98%.
Sulfur Trioxide SO3
This powder will combine with water with explosive violence
to form Sulfuric Acid. If brought in contact with wood flour and
a drop of water is added, a fire will start. It is used to make
some explosives.
Trinitrotoluene (NO2)3C6H2CH3
Commonly known as TNT. The poisonous crystals are colorless
in the pure state. It is more powerful and expensive than Dynamite.
If not confined it will burn like dynamite. Used as a high explosive
and to make others.
Wood Flour
This is merely another name for sawdust or wood meal. It is
used in fireworks and explosives.
Zinc Zn
Of all the forms, only the dust is suitable in the technical
or high purity grade. It is a gray powder used in star mixtures
and for fuel in model rockets.
Zinc Borate
3ZnO.2B2O3
A white amorphous powder used in making smoke formulas. A
relatively safe compound to handle.
Zinc Carbonate ZnCO3
Another white Zinc compound used in some smoke formulas. Also
a safe compound to handle.
Zinc Oxide ZnO
Sometimes called Flowers of Zinc. This is a white or yellowish
powder used in some firework formulas. It has also found use as
a thickening agent in water glass when a stronger pyro paste is
desired.