|
Chapter 6:
Flash, Burst Charges and
Whistle Mix
Flash #1
Source: Lancaster[2], listed as Thunder #1 .
Comments: The sulfur can be replaced by antimony
trisulfide and the sound of a salute made with this
composition will change very little.
Preparation:
potassium perchlorate.............................50
Aluminum..........................................23
sulfur............................................27
Flash #2
Source: rec.pyrotechnics, Listed as Ellern #121'
in Ellern [4].
Comments:
Preparation:
potassium perchlorate.............................70
Aluminum (dark pyro)..............................30
Flash #3
Source: rec.pyrotechnics
Comments: Larger percentage of aluminum results
in a stronger flash. This composition is slightly less
sensitive than the usual perchlorate mixtures which
also contain sulfur.
Preparation:
Potassium perchlorate.............................65...70%
Aluminum powder...................................rest
(up to 100%)
Flash #4
Source: rec.pyrotechnics. Post by Mark Anthony
Messina <messim3@hall103.its.rpi.edu
Comments:
Preparation:
Potassium perchlorate.............................3
Aluminum, 400 mesh................................3
Sulfur............................................1
Flash #5
Source: rec.pyrotechnics. Post by Bill Nelson
<billn@hpcvaac.cv.hp.com. Composition from Allen s
book.
Comments: This is a relatively safe flash composition.
Burns with a brilliant white light in an open tube,
or when unconfined. When well confined, it produces
a loud, low pitched report and a short but intense flash.
Preparation:
Potassium nitrate.................................50
Sulfur............................................30
Aluminum..........................................20
Flash #6
Source: rec.pyrotechnics. Post by Patrick Arnold
<pcats@cryton.demon.co.uk
Comments: Can be ignited by a fairly low temperature
flame, and produces a greenish flash when magnesium
is used. Burns very fast, and produces a loud report
even in an open container.
Preparation:
Magnesium or Aluminum.............................1
Barium sulfate....................................1
Flash #7
Source: rec.pyrotechnics. Post by Barrie Hiern
<ilikecpu@nevada.edu
Comments: Relatively insensitive.
Preparation:
Barium nitrate....................................4
Alumium (fine mesh)...............................2
sulfur............................................1
Flash #8
Source: PML mailing list, post by Bill Ofca <ofca@mhv.net
Comments:
Preparation: Dampen the mix lightly with water
and mix thoroughly such that the material is crumbly
but then packs tightly into a ball. If it is at all
greasy feeling or mushy, there is way too much water.
Save some dry mix on the side just in case it becomes
too wet during the dampening. Granulate the damp comp
by rubbing the packed ball over a 20 mesh screen. Do
not use any screens larger than 20 mesh. If the screen
plugs, the comp is too damp. Add more dry comp and thoughly
mix in. After drying the granulated powder, it can be
used in flash bags. About 3 to 5 grams works well in
a 3 inch shell. Experimentation is needed to adjust
the amount of burst for good results with different
stars and shell construction. This powder can also be
used ungranulated, in a central flash bag, in larger
shells.
Potassium nitrate.................................3
Potassium perchlorate.............................3
Dark aluminum (USB 809)...........................3
Barium nitrate....................................1
Antimony sulfide (CN).............................1
Sulfur............................................1
Dextrin...........................................1/2
Flash #9
Source: rec.pyrotechnics. Post by Wouter Visser
<wfvisser@stud.chem.ruu.nl
Comments: The use of permanganate in pyrotechnic
compositions is not recommended, since it is unstable
and will decompose over time. Also, like all flash mixtures,
this mixture is quite sensitive and powerfull. Great
care should be taken when handling this mixture.
Preparation:
Potassium permanganate............................12
Aluminum..........................................7
Sulfur............................................10
Flash #10
Source: Shimizu[1], Page 44
Comments: Listed as a report formulation.
Preparation:
Potassium perchlorate.............................70
Aluminum..........................................27
Sulfur............................................3
Flash #11
Source: Shimizu[1], Page 44
Comments: Listed as a report formulation. Shimizu
states that this composition produces the loudest report
obtainable with a pottasium perchlorate/aluminum/sulfur
composition.
Preparation:
Potassium perchlorate.............................64
Aluminum..........................................23
Sulfur............................................13
Flash #12
Source: Shimizu[1]. Page 44
Comments: Listed as a report formulation. This
composition produces slightly less noise than "Flash
#11", but is safer to handle than similar compositions
containing sulfur.
Preparation:
Potassium perchlorate.............................72
Aluminum..........................................28
Flash #13
Source: Lancaster[2], page 120
Comments: Listed as a report formulation
Preparation:
Barium nitrate....................................68
aluminum, dark pyro...............................23
Sulfur............................................9
H3 Bursting charge
Source: Shimizu[1]. Page 207
Comments: This energetic burst charge is used
for small diameter shells (2...3 inch), since it makes
a large and symmetrical burst possible. Besides the
composition below, a ratio of chlorate to hemp coal
of 10:3 is also popular. The sensitivity of this mixture
to shock and friction is unexpectedly low, as long as
the composition does not come into contact with sulfur
or sulfur compounds.
Preparation:
Potassium chlorate................................75
Hemp coal (or Paulownia coal).....................25
Glutinous rice starch.............................+2%
Potassium perchlorate bursting charge #1
Source: Shimizu[1]. Page 208. Listed as KP burst
charge
Comments: This energetic burst charge can be
used for small shells, but is unsuitable for the smallest
diameters (2...3 inch). It is much safer to handle than
the H3 bursting charge since it contains no chlorates.
Preparation:
Potassium perchlorate.............................70
Hemp coal (or Paulownia coal).....................18
Sulfur............................................12
Glutinous rice starch.............................+2%
Potassium perchlorate bursting charge #2
Source: Shimizu[1]. Page 210
Comments: Shimizu lists this composition as burst
charge No. 5 . This compositions sensitivity is quite
low, although higher than that of black powder. The
explosive force of this composition is lower than that
of the Potassium perchlorate bursting charge #1 . This
burst charge is often used in shells of middle and large
diameter (6...10 inch).
Preparation:
Potassium perchlorate.............................70
Hemp coal (or Paulownia coal).....................30
Glutinous rice starch.............................+2%
Potassium perchlorate bursting charge #3
Source: Shimizu[1]. Page 210
Comments: Shimizu lists this composition as burst
charge No. 44 . The potassium bichromate catalyses the
decomposition of the potassium perchlorate. This composition s
sensitivity is quite low, although higher than that
of black powder. The explosive force of this composition
is lower than that of the Potassium perchlorate bursting
charge #1 . This burst charge is often used in shells
of middle and large diameter (6...10 inch).
Preparation:
Potassium perchlorate.............................70
Hemp coal (or Paulownia coal).....................30
Potassium bichromate..............................5
Glutinous rice starch.............................+2%
Potassium perchlorate bursting charge #4
Source: Shimizu[1]. Page 210
Comments: Shimizu lists this composition as burst
charge No. 46 . The potassium bichromate catalyses the
decomposition of the potassium perchlorate. This composition s
sensitivity is quite low, although higher than that
of black powder. The explosive force of this composition
is higher than that of the Potassium perchlorate bursting
charge #1 , especially when the particle size of the
carbon is small.
Preparation:
Potassium perchlorate.............................70
Hemp coal (or Paulownia coal).....................30
Lampblack.........................................25
Potassium bichromate..............................+5%
Glutinous rice starch.............................+2%
Smokeless flash powder
Source: "Mengen en Roeren"[6], page
224
Comments:
Preparation:
Zirconium.........................................28
Zirconium hydride.................................7
Magnesium.........................................7
Barium nitrate....................................30
Barium oxyde......................................25
Rice starch.......................................5
Photoflash
Source: Kirk-Otthmer chemical encyclopedia[8].
Chapter 'Explosives and Propellants'.
Comments: Heat of reaction: 8.989 kJ/g, Gas volume:
15 cm3/g, ignition temperature: 700 C, impact sensitivity
test: 26% of TNT. half a pound of this flash delivers
120 million candlepowder. It is used in the M120A1 and
M112A1 flare cartdriges.
Preparation:
Aluminum (20 micron; atomized)....................40
Potassium perchlorate (24 micron).................30
Barium nitrate (150 micron).......................30
Purple Flash
Source: rec.pyrotechnics
Comments:
Preparation:
Magnesium.........................................10
Potassium perchlorate.............................10
Cupric oxide......................................3
Strontium nitrate.................................3
PVC...............................................1
Yellow flash
Source: "Spelen met vuur"[9]
Comments:
Preparation:
Magnesium.........................................1
Sodium nitrate....................................6
Green flash
Source: rec.pyrotechnics
Comments:
Preparation:
potassium perchlorate.............................6
barium nitrate....................................3
Aluminum powder...................................5
Perchlorate/aluminum-based
flash powders I
|
|
Lancaster
|
Lancaster
|
Lancaster
|
Lancaster
|
Lancaster
|
Shimizu
|
Ofca
|
|
name
|
European
#1
|
European
#2
|
U.S.
mix #1
|
U.S.
mix #2
|
U.S.
mix #3
|
Flash
Thunder #1
|
|
|
Potassium
perchlorate
|
66
|
70
|
67
|
63
|
60
|
50
|
60.8
|
|
Aluminum,
German black
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26.1
|
|
Aluminum,
dark pyro
|
34
|
30
|
17
|
27
|
25
|
23
|
|
|
Sulfur
|
|
|
16
|
10
|
|
|
8.7
|
|
Antimony
trisulfide
|
|
|
|
|
15
|
27
|
|
|
Titanium,
sponge (or flake)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.3
|
|
Cab-O-Sil
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.1
|
Perchlorate/aluminum-based
flash powders II
|
|
Shimizu
|
Shimizu
|
Allen
|
Allen
|
Allen
|
Allen
|
|
name
|
Thunder
#3
|
Thunder
#4
|
Oma
formula
|
Oma
formula
|
|
Rozzi
formula
|
|
Potassium
perchlorate
|
64
|
72
|
62
|
62.5
|
64
|
50
|
|
Aluminum,
dark pyro
|
23
|
28
|
11
|
12.5
|
18
|
31
|
|
Aluminum,
-325 mesh
|
|
|
23
|
|
18
|
|
|
Sulfur
|
13
|
|
4
|
25
|
|
3
|
|
Antimony
trisulfide
|
|
|
|
|
|
16
|
Perchlorate/aluminum-based
flash powders III
|
|
Pyro-Tec
|
Allen
|
Allen
|
Allen
|
Allen
|
Allen
|
|
name
|
|
Cba
formula
|
Rozzi
formula
|
Orl
formula
|
Oma
formula
|
|
|
Potassium
perchlorate
|
50
|
48
|
61.5
|
57
|
56
|
62.6
|
|
Aluminum,
dark pyro
|
25
|
36
|
23
|
11.5
|
31
|
26.2
|
|
Sulfur
|
25
|
|
|
28.5
|
13
|
11.2
|
|
Charcoal
|
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
|
Antimony
trisulfide
|
|
16
|
15.5
|
|
|
|
Perchlorate/aluminum-based
flash powders IV
|
|
Allen
|
Klofkorn
|
Allen
|
Allen
|
Allen
|
Hitt
|
MC
341
|
|
name
|
|
|
Craig
formula
|
|
Hit
formula
|
Patent
1,253,597
|
Mil-spec
M-80 simulator
|
|
Potassium
perchlorate
|
58
|
61.5
|
40
|
25
|
47
|
46
|
64
|
|
Potassium
nitrate
|
|
|
|
25
|
|
|
|
|
Sulfur
|
|
|
10
|
25
|
3
|
14
|
10
|
|
Antimony
trisulfide
|
|
15.5
|
3
|
|
35
|
|
3.5
|
|
Aluminum,
dark pyro
|
42
|
23
|
47
|
25
|
15
|
40
|
22.5
|
Perchlorate/aluminum-based
flash powders V
|
|
Weingart
|
Weingart
|
PGI
|
PGI
|
PGI
|
APFN
|
|
name
|
|
|
Titanium
salute
|
Titanium
salute
|
Titanium
salute
|
Tenge
formula
|
|
Potassium
perchlorate
|
40
|
53
|
66
|
66
|
66
|
55
|
|
Sulfur
|
20
|
16
|
|
|
4
|
14
|
|
Antimony
trisulfide
|
|
|
16.5
|
|
|
|
|
Aluminum,
dark pyro
|
40
|
31
|
16.5
|
8
|
8
|
14
|
|
Aluminum,
bright flake
|
|
|
|
26
|
22
|
|
|
Titanium,
30 mesh
|
|
|
+8
- 15
|
+8
- 15
|
+8
- 15
|
|
|
Bran
(or sawdust, or wheat hulls)
|
|
|
|
|
|
17
|
Perchlorate/magnalium-based
flash powders
|
|
PGI
|
|
Potassium
perchlorate
|
50
|
|
Magnalium,
-325 mesh
|
50
|
Perchlorate/nitrate/aluminum-based
flash powders
|
|
Allen
|
Allen
|
Allen
|
Allen
|
Allen
|
Degn
|
|
name
|
Young/Hitt
Formula
|
Craig
formula
|
|
|
|
|
|
Potassium
perchlorate
|
37
|
39
|
17
|
43
|
25
|
30
|
|
Barium
nitrate
|
19
|
23
|
43
|
21
|
25
|
30
|
|
Sulfur
|
14
|
2
|
6
|
|
25
|
|
|
Antimony
trisulfide
|
5
|
26
|
3
|
|
|
|
|
Aluminum,
dark pyro
|
25
|
|
31
|
36
|
25
|
40
|
Perchlorate/magnesium-based
flash powders
CAUTION:
Magnesium-based
flash powders are more sensitive and violent than those
made with aluminum. Individuals inexperienced with flash
are encouraged to avoid such compositions.
|
|
Lancaster
|
Sturman
|
Degn
|
Degn
|
APFN
|
Lindsly
|
|
Potassium
perchlorate
|
38
|
45
|
50
|
40
|
40
|
70
|
|
Magnesium,
fine
|
57
|
50
|
50
|
34
|
35
|
12
|
|
Aluminum,
dark pyro
|
|
|
|
26
|
25
|
18
|
|
Graphite
powder
|
5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Potassium
dichromate
|
|
5
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cab-o-sil
|
|
|
|
|
+0.1
|
|
Perchlorate-based
report compositions I
|
|
Allen
|
Allen
|
Allen
|
Degn
|
Allen
|
Davis
|
Allen
|
Davis
|
|
name
|
|
Craig
formula
|
|
|
|
|
Hitt
formula
|
|
|
Potassium
perchlorate
|
57
|
38
|
78
|
70
|
55
|
84
|
55
|
34
|
|
Barium
nitrate
|
|
23
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sulfur
|
38
|
2
|
19
|
|
18
|
|
10
|
|
|
Charcoal,
airfloat
|
|
|
|
|
|
8
|
|
33
|
|
Antimony
trisulfide
|
|
25
|
|
|
27
|
|
35
|
|
|
Sodium
salicylate
|
|
|
|
30
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sawdust
|
5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rosin
|
|
10
|
|
|
|
8
|
|
33
|
|
Benzene
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Meal
A
|
|
2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Paraffin
|
|
|
+0.1
|
|
|
|
|
|
Perchlorate-based
report compositions II
|
|
Allen
|
Psm
|
|
name
|
Hitt
formula
|
|
|
Potassium
perchlorate
|
55
|
59
|
|
Sulfur
|
3
|
30
|
|
Antimony
trisulfide
|
42
|
|
|
Lampblack
(or charcoal,
airfloat)
|
|
11
|
MAG/55 flash powder
CAUTION:
Magnesium-based
flash powders are more sensitive and violent than those
made with aluminum. Individuals inexperienced with flash
are encouraged to avoid such compositions.
|
|
Gregory
|
Gregory
|
|
name
|
Standard
MAG/55
|
Superbright
MAG/55
|
|
Potassium
perchlorate
|
64
|
60
|
|
Aluminum,
German black
|
15
|
15
|
|
Aluminum,
American dark
|
5
|
|
|
Aluminum,
bright flake
|
5
|
5
|
|
Aluminum,
atomized
|
1
|
|
|
Magnesium,
400 mesh
|
5
|
10
|
|
Magnesium,
200 mesh
|
5
|
10
|
|
Cab-O-Sil
|
+2
|
+2
|
|
Wood
meal
|
+2
|
+2
|
|
Potassium
dichromate
|
+1
|
+1
|
Photoflash powders
I
CAUTION:
Magnesium-based
flash powders are more sensitive and violent than those
made with aluminum. Individuals inexperienced with flash
are encouraged to avoid such compositions.
|
|
Standard
Formulary
|
AMCP
|
AMCP
|
SA
Cyclopedia
|
SA
Cyclopedia
|
|
name
|
1899
composition
|
706-185
|
706-185
|
|
|
|
Potassium
perchlorate
|
|
|
40
|
|
|
|
Barium
nitrate
|
|
54.5
|
|
|
49
|
|
Ammonium
nitrate
|
6
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sulfur
|
|
|
|
|
6.5
|
|
Aluminum,
flake
|
70.5
|
|
|
|
|
|
Magnalium,
fine
|
|
45.5
|
60
|
|
|
|
Magnesium,
fine
|
|
|
|
91
|
33
|
|
Lithium
carbonate
|
|
|
|
4.5
|
|
|
Calcium
carbonate
|
|
|
|
4.5
|
|
|
Lycopodium
powder
|
23.5
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beef
suet
|
|
|
|
|
11.5
|
Photoflash powders
II
CAUTION:
Magnesium-based
flash powders are more sensitive and violent than those
made with aluminum. Individuals inexperienced with flash
are encouraged to avoid such compositions.
DANGER:
Chlorate
and sulfur/sulfide mixes are known to be very sensitive
to shock, flame, spark and friction.
DANGER:
Chlorate flash mixtures decompose faster than perchlorate
flash mixtures and are more sensitive to shock, flame,
spark and friction.
DANGER:
Chlorate
and red phosphorus mixes are extremely sensitive and
highly dangerous, and can explode with little provocation.
Even experienced individuals are encouraged to avoid
such compositions.
|
|
Fortunes
in
Formulas
|
Fortunes
in
Formulas
|
Standard
Formulary
|
unknown
|
SA
Cyclopedia
|
|
name
|
|
|
1899
composition
|
Patent
3,674,411
|
1899
composition
|
|
Potassium
chlorate
|
67
|
67
|
67
|
24.85
|
60
|
|
Aluminum,
flake
|
25
|
|
27
|
|
|
|
Magnesium,
fine
|
|
33
|
|
|
30
|
|
Titanium
powder
|
|
|
|
48.01
|
|
|
Sulfur
|
|
|
|
0.03
|
|
|
Antimony
trisulfide
|
|
|
|
|
10
|
|
Red
phosphorus
|
|
|
|
24.85
|
|
|
Sucrose
|
8
|
|
6
|
|
|
|
Magnesium
oxide
|
|
|
|
0.66
|
|
|
Sodium
lignosulfonate
|
|
|
|
0.23
|
|
|
Sodium
2-ethylhexyl
sulfate
|
|
|
|
0.03
|
|
|
Trichlorophenol
|
|
|
|
0.04
|
|
|
Hydroxyethyl
cellulose
|
|
|
|
1.30
|
|
Photoflash powders
III
CAUTION:
Magnesium-based
flash powders are more sensitive and violent than those
made with aluminum. Individuals inexperienced with flash
are encouraged to avoid such compositions.
CAUTION:Calcium
metal and calcium hydride react with water exothermically
to evolve hydrogen gas. Compositions containing calcium
metal or calcium hydride should be sealed against moisture
and not be stored.
DANGER:
Potassium
permanganate mixes are regarded as sensitive and unstable.
They should not be stored under any circumstances.
DANGER:
Chlorate flash mixtures decompose faster than perchlorate
flash mixtures and are more sensitive to shock, flame,
spark and friction.
DANGER:
Barium peroxide
is unstable and prone to spontaneous decomposition.
Flash mixtures made with barium peroxide should not
be stored under any circumstances, and extreme caution
must be exercised when handling such compositions.
|
|
unknown
|
TM1316
|
SA
Cyclopedia
|
MC277
|
Ellern
|
PSM
|
|
name
|
Patent
2,098,341
|
|
1899
composition
|
|
#50
|
|
|
Potassium
perchlorate
|
|
|
|
|
80
|
24
|
|
Strontium
perchlorate
|
|
20
|
|
|
|
|
|
Potassium
chlorate
|
|
|
|
|
|
14
|
|
Potassium
permanganate
|
|
|
40
|
|
|
|
|
Barium
nitrate
|
|
|
|
54.5
|
|
34
|
|
Barium
peroxide
|
|
|
20
|
|
|
|
|
Aluminum,
flake
|
12.5
|
|
|
+4
|
|
|
|
Magnesium,
fine
|
54
|
|
40
|
|
|
28
|
|
Magnalium,
fine
|
|
|
|
45.5
|
|
|
|
Calcium/magnesium
75/25
|
|
80
|
|
|
|
|
|
Calcium
metal
|
|
|
|
|
20
|
|
|
Calcium
carbonate
|
21
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Magnesium
oxide
|
4.5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Silica
|
8
|
|
|
|
|
|
Photoflash powders
IV
CAUTION:
Magnesium-based
flash powders are more sensitive and violent than those
made with aluminum. Individuals inexperienced with flash
are encouraged to avoid such compositions.
CAUTION:Calcium
metal and calcium hydride react with water exothermically
to evolve hydrogen gas. Compositions containing calcium
metal or calcium hydride should be sealed against moisture
and not be stored.
|
|
AMCP
|
Kirk-Otthmer
|
AMCP
|
Ellern
|
Ellern
|
TM1316
|
|
name
|
706-185
|
|
M46
Photoflash
Bomb
|
#49
|
#48
|
Pfp
054
|
|
Potassium
perchlorate
|
|
30
|
40
|
50
|
49
|
|
|
Barium
nitrate
|
60
|
30
|
|
|
|
60
(21 )
|
|
Aluminum,
flake
|
10
|
40
|
26
|
20
|
31
|
9
(1.4 )
|
|
Aluminum,
atomized
|
30
|
|
|
|
|
31
(16 )
|
|
Magnesium,
fine
|
|
|
34
|
|
|
|
|
Calcium
metal
|
|
|
|
30
|
|
|
|
Calcium
fluoride
|
|
|
|
|
20
|
|
Photoflash powders
V
CAUTION:Calcium
metal and calcium hydride react with water exothermically
to evolve hydrogen gas. Compositions containing calcium
metal or calcium hydride should be sealed against moisture
and not be stored.
|
|
Ellern
|
TM1316
|
TM1316
|
TM1316
|
TM1316
|
TM1316
|
TM1316
|
|
name
|
#47
|
Pfp
648
|
Pfp
661
|
Pfp
673
|
Pfp
675
|
Pfp
679
|
Pfp
685
|
|
Potassium
perchlorate
|
60
|
|
|
67
|
80
|
|
|
|
Sodium
perchlorate
|
|
|
15
|
|
|
57
|
|
|
Strontium
nitrate
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
70
(30 )
|
|
Barium
nitrate
|
|
50
(147 )
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Aluminum,
flake
|
40
|
50
|
|
|
|
43
|
|
|
Aluminum,
atomized
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30
(16 )
|
|
Silicon
|
|
|
|
33
|
|
|
|
|
Calcium
|
|
|
85
|
|
|
|
|
|
Boron
|
|
|
|
|
20
|
|
|
Photoflash powders
VI
CAUTION:
Magnesium-based
flash powders are more sensitive and violent than those
made with aluminum. Individuals inexperienced with flash
are encouraged to avoid such compositions.
CAUTION:Calcium
metal and calcium hydride react with water exothermically
to evolve hydrogen gas. Compositions containing calcium
metal or calcium hydride should be sealed against moisture
and not be stored.
|
|
TM1316
|
TM1316
|
TM1316
|
TM1316
|
TM1316
|
TM1316
|
TM1316
|
|
name
|
Pfp
694
|
Pfp
695
|
Pfp
716
|
Pfp
717
|
Pfp
718
|
Pfp
723
|
Pfp
726
|
|
Potassium
perchlorate
|
|
35
|
56
|
72
|
20
|
45
|
43
|
|
Sodium
perchlorate
|
37
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Aluminum,
atomized
|
10
(16 )
|
|
|
|
|
20
(16 )
|
27
|
|
Calcium
hydride
|
53
|
65
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Calcium/magnesium
75/25
|
|
|
|
|
|
35
|
|
|
Calcium
fluoride
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30
|
|
Potassium
borohydride
|
|
|
44
|
28
|
80
|
|
|
Photoflash powders
VII
CAUTION:
Magnesium-based
flash powders are more sensitive and violent than those
made with aluminum. Individuals inexperienced with flash
are encouraged to avoid such compositions.
DANGER:
Chlorate
and sulfur/sulfide mixes are known to be very sensitive
to shock, flame, spark and friction.
DANGER:
Chlorate flash mixtures decompose faster than perchlorate
flash mixtures and are more sensitive to shock, flame,
spark and friction.
|
|
TM1316
|
SA
Cyclopedia
|
SA
Cyclopedia
|
unknown
|
|
name
|
Pfp
699
|
Slow
photoflash
|
Slow
photoflash
|
Patent
3,726,728
|
|
Potassium
perchlorate
|
20
|
|
|
|
|
Sodium
perchlorate
|
|
|
|
31.4
(+60)
|
|
Lithium
perchlorate
|
|
|
|
68.6
|
|
Potassium
chlorate
|
|
18
|
9
|
|
|
Barium
nitrate
|
|
10
|
36
|
|
|
Sulfur
|
|
|
6
|
|
|
Aluminum,
flake
|
|
|
|
(+40)
|
|
Magnesium,
fine
|
|
36
|
30
|
|
|
Calcium/magnesium
75/25
|
80
|
|
|
|
|
Shellac
|
|
36
|
|
|
|
Beef
suet
|
|
|
19
|
|
Chlorate/aluminum-based
flash powders I
DANGER:
Chlorate
and sulfur/sulfide mixes are known to be very sensitive
to shock, flame, spark and friction.
DANGER:
Chlorate flash mixtures decompose faster than perchlorate
flash mixtures and are more sensitive to shock, flame,
spark and friction.
|
|
Shimizu
|
Klofkorn
|
Allen
|
Pyro-Tec
|
Allen
|
Davis
|
|
name
|
Flash
Thunder #2
|
Firecracker
mix
|
|
|
|
|
|
Potassium
chlorate
|
43
|
27
|
63
|
67
|
52
|
64
|
|
Potassium
perchlorate
|
|
29
|
|
|
|
|
|
Antimony
trisulfide
|
26
|
14
|
9
|
|
32
|
9
|
|
Sulfur
|
|
10
|
18
|
|
|
16
|
|
Sucrose
|
|
|
|
8
|
|
|
|
Aluminum,
dark pyro
|
31
|
20
|
10
|
25
|
16
|
9
|
Chlorate/aluminum-based
flash powders II
DANGER:
Chlorate
and sulfur/sulfide mixes are known to be very sensitive
to shock, flame, spark and friction.
DANGER:
Chlorate/realgar
mixes are extremely sensitive and highly dangerous,
and can explode with little provocation. Even experienced
individuals are encouraged to avoid such compositions.
DANGER:
Chlorate flash mixtures decompose faster than perchlorate
flash mixtures and are more sensitive to shock, flame,
spark and friction.
|
|
Allen
|
Degn
|
Allen
|
Allen
|
Allen
|
Allen
|
Allen
|
Allen
|
Howell
Labs
|
|
name
|
|
|
|
Rozzi
formula
|
Rozzi
formula
|
|
|
Rozzi
formula
|
|
|
Potassium
chlorate
|
61.5
|
50
|
41
|
67
|
55
|
61.5
|
30
|
50
|
30
|
|
Potassium
nitrate
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20
|
|
Barium
nitrate
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Aluminum,
dark pyro
|
23
|
16
|
16
|
16.5
|
27
|
15
|
40
|
25
|
25
|
|
Sulfur
|
|
|
|
16.5
|
|
8.5
|
30
|
25
|
25
|
|
Antimony
trisulfide
|
15.5
|
16
|
6
|
|
18
|
15
|
|
|
|
|
Realgar
|
|
|
34
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lampblack
|
|
16
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Barium
carbonate
|
|
2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chlorate/aluminum-based
flash powders III
DANGER:
Chlorate
and sulfur/sulfide mixes are known to be very sensitive
to shock, flame, spark and friction.
DANGER:
Chlorate flash mixtures decompose faster than perchlorate
flash mixtures and are more sensitive to shock, flame,
spark and friction.
|
|
Weingart
|
Allen
|
Allen
|
|
Potassium
chlorate
|
55
|
47
|
61.5
|
|
Sulfur
|
27
|
|
|
|
Antimony
trisulfide
|
|
6
|
8
|
|
Aluminum,
dark pyro
|
9
|
47
|
30.5
|
|
Charcoal
|
9
|
|
|
Chlorate/magnesium-based
flash powders
CAUTION:
Magnesium-based
flash powders are more sensitive and violent than those
made with aluminum. Individuals inexperienced with flash
are encouraged to avoid such compositions.
DANGER:
Chlorate flash mixtures decompose faster than perchlorate
flash mixtures and are more sensitive to shock, flame,
spark and friction.
|
|
Pyro-Tec
|
Pyro-Tec
|
|
Potassium
chlorate
|
69
|
43
|
|
Magnesium
|
31
|
57
|
Chlorate-based report
compositions I
DANGER:
Chlorate
and red phosphorus/realgar mixes are extremely sensitive
and highly dangerous, and can explode with little provocation.
Even experienced individuals are encouraged to avoid
such compositions.
DANGER:
Chlorate
and sulfur/sulfide mixes are known to be very sensitive
to shock, flame, spark and friction.
|
|
Shimizu
|
Shimizu
|
Chemical
Formulary
|
Allen
|
Allen
|
Allen
|
|
name
|
Red
Explosive
|
Toy
Pistol Cap
|
|
|
Lang
formula
|
|
|
Potassium
chlorate
|
63
|
60
|
8
|
58
|
63
|
74
|
|
Potassium
nitrate
|
|
|
45
|
|
|
|
|
Red
gum
|
|
|
|
|
|
19
|
|
Realgar
|
37
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Antimony
trisulfide
|
|
|
|
33
|
|
|
|
Charcoal
|
|
|
25
|
|
3
|
5
|
|
Red
phosphorus
|
|
8
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sulfur
|
|
32
|
18
|
|
32
|
|
|
Rosin
|
|
|
|
9
|
|
|
|
Zinc
carbonate
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
Stearin
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
Sand
|
|
|
4
|
|
|
|
|
Dextrin
|
|
|
|
|
|
2
|
Chlorate-based report
compositions II
DANGER:
Chlorate
and sulfur/sulfide mixes are known to be very sensitive
to shock, flame, spark and friction.
|
|
Allen
|
Allen
|
Davis
|
Weingart
|
Howell
Labs
|
Allen
|
Allen
|
|
name
|
|
Rozzi
formula
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Potassium
chlorate
|
57
|
50
|
50
|
67
|
63
|
50
|
55
|
|
Potassium
nitrate
|
|
|
|
|
11
|
|
|
|
Sulfur
|
|
12.5
|
|
22
|
21
|
|
|
|
Charcoal,
airfloat
|
|
|
|
|
|
25
|
|
|
Antimony
trisulfide
|
29
|
37.5
|
50
|
|
5
|
|
36
|
|
Antimony
powder
|
|
|
|
11
|
|
|
|
|
Rosin
|
14
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Red
gum
|
|
|
|
|
|
25
|
9
|
Chlorate-based report
compositions III
DANGER:
Chlorate
and sulfur/sulfide mixes are known to be very sensitive
to shock, flame, spark and friction.
|
|
Allen
|
Allen
|
Howell
Labs
|
Weingart
|
Weingart
|
Faber
|
|
Potassium
chlorate
|
57
|
56
|
56
|
60
|
60
|
67
|
|
Potassium
nitrate
|
|
|
|
12
|
|
|
|
Sulfur
|
|
|
31
|
23
|
30
|
16.5
|
|
Antimony
trisulfide
|
33
|
15
|
|
5
|
|
|
|
Charcoal,
airfloat
|
|
|
|
|
10
|
16.5
|
|
Lampblack
|
|
|
13
|
|
|
|
|
Calcium
carbonate
|
|
29
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rosin
|
10
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nitrate/aluminum-based
flash powders
CAUTION:
Nitrate/aluminum
compositons commonly create basic conditions evolving
heat, which may lead to spontaneous combustion. 1% to
2% of boric acid should be added to counter the reaction.
|
|
Allen
|
Lancaster
|
MC
340
|
Allen
|
Miller
|
Miller
|
|
name
|
|
|
|
|
Bangor
powder
|
Bangor
powder
|
|
Potassium
nitrate
|
50
|
|
|
|
67
|
60
|
|
Barium
nitrate
|
|
68
|
|
57
|
|
|
|
Sulfur
|
30
|
9
|
|
14
|
16.5
|
10
|
|
Aluminum,
dark pyro
|
20
|
23
|
9
|
29
|
16.5
|
30
|
|
Meal
A
|
|
|
91
|
|
|
|
Nitrate/magnesium-based
flash powders
CAUTION:
Magnesium-based
flash powders are more sensitive and violent than those
made with aluminum. Individuals inexperienced with flash
are encouraged to avoid such compositions.
|
|
Mendota
|
Danvisevich
|
|
Potassium
nitrate
|
|
23.5
|
|
Barium
nitrate
|
67
|
|
|
Strontium
nitrate
|
|
6
|
|
Sulfur
|
|
23.5
|
|
Magnesium,
fine
|
33
|
47
|
Exotic flash powders
I
CAUTION:
Magnesium-based
flash powders are more sensitive and violent than those
made with aluminum. Individuals inexperienced with flash
are encouraged to avoid such compositions.
DANGER:
Potassium
permanganate mixes are regarded as sensitive and unstable.
They should not be stored under any circumstances.
|
|
Visser
|
Visser
|
Visser
|
Degn
|
Visser
|
Visser
|
Edel
|
|
name
|
Green
flash
|
|
Permanganate
flash
|
Purple
flash
|
Green
flash
|
Yellow
flash
|
Smokeless
flash
|
|
Potassium
perchlorate
|
|
|
|
37
|
43
|
|
|
|
Zirconium
hydride
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7
|
|
Potassium
permanganate
|
|
|
41
|
|
|
|
|
|
Strontium
nitrate
|
|
|
|
11
|
|
|
|
|
Barium
sulfate
|
50
|
50
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sodium
nitrate
|
|
|
|
|
|
86
|
|
|
Barium
nitrate
|
|
|
|
|
21
|
|
29
|
|
Barium
oxide
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25
|
|
Magnesium,
-400 mesh
|
50
|
|
|
37
|
|
14
|
7
|
|
Aluminum,
dark pyro
|
|
50
|
24
|
|
36
|
|
|
|
Sulfur
|
|
|
35
|
|
|
|
|
|
Black
copper oxide
|
|
|
|
11
|
|
|
|
|
PVC
|
|
|
|
4
|
|
|
|
|
Zirconium
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
27
|
|
Rice
starch
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5
|
Exotic flash powders
II
CAUTION:
Magnesium-based
flash powders are more sensitive and violent than those
made with aluminum. Individuals inexperienced with flash
are encouraged to avoid such compositions.
DANGER:
Potassium
permanganate mixes are regarded as sensitive and unstable.
They should not be stored under any circumstances.
|
|
APFN
|
Pyro-Tec
|
Degn,
Lippy,
Palder
|
Degn
|
Degn
|
Davis
|
|
name
|
|
Red
flash
|
Redflash
|
Violet
flash
|
Yellow
flash
|
|
|
Potassium
perchlorate
|
|
|
|
|
33
|
|
|
Potassium
chlorate
|
|
12
|
|
|
|
|
|
Potassium
permanganate
|
80
|
|
|
|
|
60
|
|
Strontium
nitrate
|
|
|
50
|
24
|
|
|
|
Sulfur
|
10
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Aluminum,
dark pyro
|
10
|
|
|
|
|
40
|
|
Magnesium,
fine
|
|
50
|
50
|
48
|
34
|
|
|
Strontium
carbonate
|
|
38
|
|
|
|
|
|
Paris
green
|
|
|
|
24
|
|
|
|
Black
copper oxide
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sodium
oxalate
|
|
|
|
|
33
|
|
|
PVC
|
|
|
|
4
|
|
|
Exotic flash powders
III
CAUTION:
Magnesium-based
flash powders are more sensitive and violent than those
made with aluminum. Individuals inexperienced with flash
are encouraged to avoid such compositions.
CAUTION:
Magnesium/teflon
mixtures have been known to ignite spontaneously, however
circumstances surrounding such incidents are not well
known. Individuals intending on making such a composition
are urged to exercise extreme caution.
DANGER:
Chlorate flash mixtures decompose faster than perchlorate
flash mixtures and are more sensitive to shock, flame,
spark and friction.
DANGER:
Barium chlorate
is unstable and prone to spontaneous decomposition.
Flash mixtures made with barium chlorate should not
be stored under any circumstances, and extreme caution
must be exercised when handling such compositions.
|
|
Degn
|
Pyro-Tec
|
APFN
|
APFN
|
Pyro-Tec
|
Degn
|
PEP
12(1)
|
|
name
|
Green
flash
|
Green
flash
|
Sanford
formula
|
Sanford
formula
|
Blue
flash
|
Blue
flash
|
M22
|
|
Potassium
perchlorate
|
|
|
|
|
|
42.5
|
|
|
Potassium
chlorate
|
|
11
|
|
|
32
|
|
|
|
Barium
chlorate
|
|
36
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Barium
nitrate
|
48
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Calcium
sulfate
|
|
|
57
|
64
|
|
|
|
|
Aluminum,
dark pyro
|
|
|
|
36
|
|
|
|
|
Magnesium,
fine
|
48
|
46
|
43
|
|
42
|
42.5
|
75
|
|
Paris
green
|
|
|
|
|
22.5
|
13
|
|
|
Teflon
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10
|
|
PVC
|
4
|
7
|
|
|
3.5
|
2
|
|
|
Fluorelastomer
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15
|
Exploding target
compositions
DANGER:
Chlorate
and sulfur/sulfide mixes are known to be very sensitive
to shock, flame, spark and friction.
DANGER:
Chlorate flash mixtures decompose faster than perchlorate
flash mixtures and are more sensitive to shock, flame,
spark and friction.
CAUTION:
Magnesium-based
flash powders are more sensitive and violent than those
made with aluminum. Individuals inexperienced with flash
are encouraged to avoid such compositions.
|
|
Krywonizka
|
|
Potassium
chlorate
|
60
|
|
Sulfur
|
10
|
|
Antimony
trisulfide
|
10
|
|
Magnesium,
200 mesh
|
10
|
|
Aluminum,
-325 mesh
|
10
|
|
Calcium
carbonate
|
+5
|
|
comments
|
Reliably
ignites from impact of
standard velocity
.22 LR projectile
|
Whistle mix #1
Source: rec.pyrotechnics. Composition from Ellern[4].
Comments:
Preparation:
Potassium perchlorate.............................72.5
Sodium salicylate.................................27.5
Whistle mix #2
Source: rec.pyrotechnics. Composition from Ellern[4].
Comments:
Preparation:
Potassium nitrate.................................30
Potassium dinotrophenate..........................70
Whistle mix #3
Source: rec.pyrotechnics. Composition from Ellern[4]
and Shimizu[1].
Comments:
Preparation:
Potassium perchlorate.............................70
Sodium benzoate...................................30
Whistle mix #4
Source: rec.pyrotechnics. Composition from Oztap
Comments:
Preparation:
Potassium chlorate................................40
Sodium chlorate...................................10
Potassium nitrate.................................30
Sodium salicylate.................................10
Paraffin oil......................................10
Ferric oxide......................................+0.2
Whistle mix #5
Source: rec.pyrotechnics. Composition from Lancaster[2].
Comments: This mixture is quite sensitive to
friction and shock.
CAUTION:
Whistle compositions
have a very high rate of burning and are considered
explosive. Extreme caution must be exercised when preparing
whistle compositions.
DANGER:
Potassium picrate is a dangerously sensitive and powerful
explosive compound. Its use is strongly discouraged.
DANGER:
Potassium chlorate and gallic acid mixes are highly
sensitive to mechanical action, and can ignite when
loading. Use of such mixtures is strongly discouraged.
DANGER:
Chlorate whistle compositions are sensitive to mechanical
action. Use of such mixtures is discouraged.
Whistle Compositions
I
|
|
Shimizu
|
Shimizu
|
Lancaster
|
Shimizu
|
Lancaster
|
Ellern
|
Ellern
|
Oztap
|
|
Potassium
picrate
|
63
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Potassium
nitrate
|
37
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30
|
|
Potassium
perchlorate
|
|
|
75
|
70
|
70
|
72.5
|
70
|
|
|
Potassium
chlorate
|
|
75
|
|
|
|
|
|
40
|
|
Sodium
chlorate
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10
|
|
Sodium
salicylate
|
|
|
25
|
|
|
27.5
|
|
10
|
|
Gallic
acid
|
|
25
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sodium/potassium
benzoate
|
|
|
|
30
|
|
|
|
|
|
Potassium
hydrogen terephthalate
|
|
|
|
|
30
|
|
|
|
|
Potassium
dinitrophenate
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30
|
|
|
Paraffin
oil
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10
|
|
Red
iron oxide
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
+0.2
|
Whistle Compositions
II
|
|
Ellern
|
Ellern
|
Chemical
Formulary
|
Chemical
Formulary
|
Oztap
|
Oztap
|
Oztap
|
|
Potassium
picrate
|
|
50
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Potassium
nitrate
|
|
50
|
|
|
|
20
|
10
|
|
Potassium
chlorate
|
73
|
|
67
|
66.5
|
80
|
50
|
60
|
|
Barium
chlorate
|
|
|
5
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sodium
chlorate
|
|
|
|
|
10
|
10
|
10
|
|
Sodium
salicylate
|
|
|
|
|
9
|
10
|
10
|
|
Gallic
acid
|
24
|
|
28
|
33.5
|
|
|
|
|
Red
gum
|
3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Paraffin
oil
|
|
|
|
|
|
10
|
10
|
|
Vaseline
|
|
|
|
|
10
|
|
|
|
Red
iron oxide
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
+0.2
|
+0.2
|
Preparation:
Potassium chlorate................................75
Gallic acid.......................................25
Perchlorate-based
bursting charges
|
|
Shimizu
|
Shimizu
|
Shimizu
|
Shimizu
|
unknown
|
unknown
|
|
name
|
KP
|
No.5
|
No.44
|
No.46
|
|
Whistle
mix
|
|
Potassium
perchlorate
|
70
|
70
|
70
|
70
|
70
|
70
|
|
Sulfur
|
12
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Charcoal
|
18
|
30
|
30
|
|
|
|
|
Lampblack
|
|
|
|
25
|
|
|
|
Aluminum,
German black
|
|
|
|
|
30
|
|
|
Sodium
benzoate
|
|
|
|
|
|
30
|
|
Potassium
dichromate
|
|
|
+5
|
+5
|
|
|
|
Dextrin
|
+2
|
+2
|
+2
|
+2
|
|
|
Chlorate-based bursting
charges
CAUTION:
Chlorate-based
compositions are more sensitive and violent than nitrate
or perchlorate-based compositions.
|
|
Shimizu
|
Rozzi
|
Rozzi
|
|
name
|
H3
|
Small
shell
|
Small
shell
|
|
Potassium
chlorate
|
77
|
83.4
|
80
|
|
Charcoal
|
23
|
8.3
|
10
|
|
Lampblack
|
|
|
10
|
|
Rosin
|
|
8.3
|
|
|
Dextrin
|
+2
|
|
|
Nitrate-based bursting
charges
|
|
Shimizu
|
|
name
|
BP
|
|
Potassium
nitrate
|
75
|
|
Sulfur
|
10
|
|
Charcoal
|
15
|
|
Dextrin
|
+2
|
Ofca bursting charge
|
|
Ofca
|
|
Potassium
perchlorate
|
23
|
|
Potassium
nitrate
|
22
|
|
Barium
nitrate
|
11
|
|
Sulfur
|
11
|
|
Antimony
trisulfide
|
11
|
|
Aluminum,
flake, 325 mesh
|
22
|
Burst composition
to carrier ratios
Note: It is not necessary to employ a carrier such as rice hulls or cotton seeds
for aerial shell bursts, but using one does spread the
fire more rapidly throughout the burst composition.
It also conserves the amount of burst composition used
by filling some of the space in the shell or flash bag.
The following ratios are suggestions only; experimentation
through trial and error with various burst charges,
with or without carriers, is the best way to decide
what is right to use.
|
|
Shimizu
|
Shimizu
|
Shimizu
|
|
shell
size
|
3"
and smaller
|
4"
to 6"
|
8"
and larger
|
|
Burst
composition
|
80
|
52
|
52
|
|
Carrier
|
20
|
48
|
48
|
|
Burst
type
|
Perchlorate-based
|
Perchlorate-based,
chlorate-based
|
Perchlorate-based,
nitrate-based
|
Bursting charge
amounts for chrysanthemum shells
Note: The following bursting charge amounts are suggestions only; experimentation
through trial and error with various burst charges and
the amount used is the best way to decide what is right
to use.
|
|
Shimizu
|
Shimizu
|
Shimizu
|
Shimizu
|
Shimizu
|
Shimizu
|
Shimizu
|
|
shell
diameter
|
3"
|
4"
|
5"
|
6"
|
8"
|
10"
|
12"
|
|
Bursting
charge amount
|
40
g
|
56
g
|
70
g
|
140
g
|
395
g
|
950
g
|
1250
g
|
NOTE: Black powder is the one composition in pyrotechnics that varies greatly
from type to type. The most important component of black
powder (BP) is charcoal. It is important to use a very
reactive charcoal such as willow or grapevine that contains
many volatiles (oxygen and hydrogen) to increase the
speed of burning.
Simply
mixing the three components together does not give good
results. It is usually wise to "impregnate"
the charcoal with the potassium nitrate by ball milling
the two chemicals together for several hours, or by
the precipitation method where the potassium nitrate
is dissolved in hot water and charcoal is added.
The following
table gives a number of BP formulas. If a specific type
charcoal is required for a composition, it will be noted
in brackets beside the charcoal percentage. Bear in
mind that if the charcoal is not very reactive the BP
will merely fizzle and burn slowly. Examples of unreactive
charcoals are activated charcoal, and barbeque briquettes
which usually contain clay.
General
black powder
NOTE: The term "general" is applied loosely here, referring to any
black powder composition that was not designed for a
specific purpose, or if it was then the specific application
was not given.
|
|
Watson
|
Graecus
|
Graecus
|
Graecus
|
Bacon
|
Bacon
|
Urbanski
|
|
name
|
Standard
BP
|
(composition
as
of 8th century)
|
(composition
as
of 8th century)
|
Ignis
Volatilis
|
(composition
as of 1249)
|
(composition
as of 1252)
|
(composition
as of 1300)
|
|
Potassium
nitrate
|
75
|
66.66
|
69.22
|
50
|
41
|
37.5
|
67
|
|
Charcoal
|
15
|
22.22
|
23.07
|
|
29.5
|
31.25
|
16.5
|
|
Sulfur
|
10
|
11.11
|
7.69
|
25
|
29.5
|
31.25
|
16.5
|
|
Resin
|
|
|
|
25
|
|
|
|
General black powder
II
|
|
Arderne
|
Whitehorne
|
Bruxelles
Studies
|
British
Government
|
Allen
|
Allen
|
Allen
|
|
name
|
(laboratory
recipe,
composition as
of 1350)
|
(composition
as of 1560)
|
(composition
as of 1560)
|
(powder
made under contract,
composition as
of 1635)
|
typical
|
typical
|
Sodium
powder
|
|
Potassium
nitrate
|
66.6
|
50.0
|
75.0
|
75.0
|
76
|
72.7
|
|
|
Sodium
nitrate
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
71
|
|
Charcoal
|
22.2
|
33.3
|
15.62
|
12.5
|
12
|
18.2
|
16.5
|
|
Sulfur
|
11.1
|
16.6
|
9.38
|
12.5
|
12
|
9.1
|
12.5
|
Lift-specific powder
NOTE:
The following composition is optimized for firing aerial shells from fireworks
mortars.
|
|
Pyrotechnics
Guild
International
|
|
name
|
PGI
optimum
|
|
Potassium
nitrate
|
74
|
|
Charcoal
|
14
|
|
Sulfur
|
12
|
Firearms-specific
powder
NOTE:
These compositions are intended for firing projectiles from small-bore,
hand-held weapons. They may also be used for lifting
aerial shells from fireworks mortars, however some testing
as to the suitability of a certain composition might
be necessary.
CAUTION:
Cocoa powders
are more sensitive to friction than ordinary black powder.
Accidents have resulted from shaking of the composition
in a canvas sack.
|
|
Davis
|
Davis
|
Davis
|
Davis
|
Davis
|
Noble
and Abel
|
|
name
|
English
Cocoa
powder I
|
English
Cocoa
Powder II
|
German
Cocoa
Powder I
|
German
Cocoa
Powder II
|
French
Cocoa
Powder
|
Cocoa
powder
|
|
Potassium
nitrate
|
79
|
77.4
|
78
|
80
|
78
|
80
|
|
Charcoal
|
18
(rye straw)
|
17.6
(rye straw)
|
19
(rye straw)
|
20
(rye straw)
|
19
(rye straw)
|
18
(rye straw)
|
|
Sulfur
|
3
|
5
|
3
|
|
3
|
2
|
Military-specific
powder
NOTE:
The following compositions were used in France for military purposes. Specific
applications are listed in the table. A date as to when
these compositions were put into use was not given.
|
|
Urbanski
|
Urbanski
|
Urbanski
|
Urbanski
|
Urbanski
|
Allen
|
|
name
|
Cannon
|
Sporting
|
Normal
(rifle powder)
|
Cannon
modified
|
Delay
fuse powder
|
Navy
BP
|
|
Potassium
nitrate
|
75
|
78
|
75
|
78
|
75
|
76
|
|
Charcoal
|
12.5
|
12
|
15
|
19
|
13-15
|
14
|
|
Sulfur
|
12.5
|
10
|
10
|
3
|
10-12
|
10
|
|
grain
size
|
7
- 21 mm
|
0.1
- 1 mm
|
various
|
hexagonal
"nut"
|
0.3
- 0.6 mm
|
|
Blasting-specific
powder I
|
|
Urbanski
|
Urbanski
|
Urbanski
|
Urbanski
|
Urbanski
|
Urbanski
|
Urbanski
|
Urbanski
|
Urbanski
|
|
name
|
Strong
blasting
|
Slow
blasting
|
No.1
blasting powder
|
No.1
Bobbinite
|
No.2
Bobbinite
|
No.1
black blasting powder
|
American
blasting powder
|
No.3
black blasting powder (Petroclastite or Haloclastite)
|
No.2
black blasting powder
|
|
Potassium
nitrate
|
75
|
40
|
73-77
|
62-65
|
63-66
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sodium
nitrate
|
|
|
|
|
|
70-75
|
70-74
|
71-76
|
70-75
|
|
Charcoal
|
15
|
30
|
10-15
|
17-19.5
|
18.5-20.5
|
10-16
|
15-17
|
15-19
of coal-tar pitch
|
10-16
of lignite
|
|
Sulfur
|
10
|
30
|
8-15
|
1.5-2.5
|
1.5-2.5
|
9-15
|
11-13
|
9-11
|
9-15
|
|
Paraffin
|
|
|
|
2.5-3.5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Starch
|
|
|
|
|
7-9
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ammonium
sulfate and copper sulfate
|
|
|
|
13-17
|
|
|
|
|
|
Blasting-specific
powder II
|
|
Davis
|
Davis
|
Davis
|
|
name
|
French
Forte
|
French
Lente
|
French
Ordinaire
|
|
Potassium
nitrate
|
72
|
40
|
62
|
|
Charcoal
|
15
|
30
|
18
|
|
Sulfur
|
13
|
30
|
20
|
Ammonium-based powders
NOTE:
These compositions were generally used as propellants, but have been largely
superceded by smokeless nitrocellulose mixtures.
CAUTION:
Ammonium picrate is a sensitive high explosive.
DANGER:
Potassium picrate is a very sensitive high explosive.
|
|
Gaens
|
unknown
|
Brugere
|
Starke
|
|
name
|
Amide
powder
|
Ammonpulver
|
Brugere
powder
|
Gold
Dust Powder
|
|
Ammonium
nitrate
|
35-38
|
85
|
|
|
|
Potassium
nitrate
|
40-45
|
|
57
|
|
|
Charcoal
|
14-22
|
15
|
|
|
|
Ammonium
picrate
|
|
|
43
|
55
|
|
Potassium
picrate
|
|
|
|
25
|
|
Ammonium
dichromate
|
|
|
|
20
|
Sulfurless powders
|
|
Lancaster
|
Noble
|
Noble
|
Thomas
|
|
name
|
Sulfurless
powder
|
Sulfurless
powder
|
Sulfurless
powder
(stoichiometric)
|
Sulfurless
powder
SFG.12
|
|
Potassium
nitrate
|
70.5
|
80
|
87.1
|
70
|
|
Charcoal
|
29.5
|
20
|
12.9
|
30
|
Fireworks-specific
powders
|
|
Allen
|
|
name
|
'A'
Dust
|
|
Potassium
nitrate
|
67.1
|
|
Sulfur
|
16.8
|
|
Charcoal
|
12.5
|
|
Dextrin
|
0.7
|
|
Water
|
2.9
|
Miscellaneous black
powder
|
|
Allen
|
Guida
|
|
name
|
Hammer
powder
|
Hammer
powder
|
|
Potassium
nitrate
|
66.7
|
73.8
|
|
Sulfur
|
8.3
|
7.7
|
|
Charcoal
|
25
|
18.5
|
|
