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Abstract: The utilization of free energy minimization computer programs in areas of combustion research is likely to increase in the future. These programs require the specification of the reactant chemical formulas and their respective formation enthalpies as part of the input data set. Frequently, for common compounds, the values required are readily available in hand-books. Complex organic compounds or poorly characterized mixtures may not have the required data available in a directly usable form. This article evaluates a variety of organic fuels used in pyrotechnics from the perspective of establishing useful chemical formulas and formation enthalpies. Along the way, it is the author's intention to simplify the methods used, to illustrate how many disparate sources of information may be drawn upon to achieve the estimation of the required values, and to demonstrate that each of the methods used is itself relatively easy to perform or calculate.

Keywords: Benson group, cellulose, cellulose-carboxymethyl, hydroxyethly cellulose nitrate, di-saccharide, enthalpy of formation, free energy minimization, organic fuel, gum-arabic, guar gum, gum tragacanth, higher heating value, hydroxyethly cellulose, lactose, lignin, mono-saccaride, oligosaccaride, poly-saccharide, rosin, saccharide, various, starch, sucrose, sugar, wood

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Abstract: Ammonium perchlorate has long been used to produce high-quality color stars and lances. In this article the author uses the basic ingredients of composite rocket propellant to generate colored flame suitable for pyrotechnic display. The use of composite materials has several advantages over classic formulations in that the material is handled in a semi-liquid state prior to cross-linking, produces low smoke, vibrant color, and uses no water in the manufacturing process. Several formulations are discussed along with visual observations from ground burn and star gun tests.

Keywords: ammonium perchlorate, chromaticity, colored flame, composite rocket propellant, flame color, HTBP, hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene, composite rocket propellant, colored star, composite star

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Abstract: This paper presents some initial work on the use of silicones including GE Silicone II(r) (GE280 and GE5000) as a fuel and binder in fireworks. Some of the pros and cons of silicones are covered, as well as a partial list of safety concerns. A brief review of silicone chemistry is included as a background for the choice of suitable silicone materials. This is followed by some pyrotechnic chemistry, including observations, methods, and ideas for how to use silicone compositions in fireworks. Silicones show great promise for certain applications and may prove to be safer and less costly than some of the materials they could replace. Determination of the Velocity of Fragments Produced from Exploding Firework Maroon Shells.

Keywords: silicone binder, silicone fuel, rocket propellant, silicone, strobe rocket

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Abstract: This paper describes a method for determining the velocity of fragments produced when firework maroon shells explode. Fragment velocities for shells fired in free air and in steel mortar tubes (causing them to rupture) are reported. The maximum velocity of plastic shell casing fragments that was recorded (964 m/s) was substantially higher than that measured for steel mortar fragments (512 m/s). The magnitude of the velocities measured indicates the potential hazard associated with these fragments and the need to consider methods of reducing such hazards.

Keywords: fragment, steel mortar, mortar, fireworks explosion, fireworks mortar, mortar fragment, mortar velocity, steel mortar, safety, explosion, salute-in-mortar explosion

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Abstract: Pyrotechnic glitter is characterized by a liquid spark terminating in a delayed flash. The chemical mechanisms responsible for the delay and the flash are not known with certitude. Several pyrotechnists have proposed hypothetical mechanisms to account for the phenomena. The different proposals engender different predictions regarding how a glitter performs as a function of its composition. Consequently the behavior of experimental glitter compositions sheds light on the validity of the various proposals. Although experiments on colored glitter are hitherto disappointing, with the exception of yellow, further work may yet yield useful results. The most significant safety concern that glitter compositions present is a potential exotherm upon dampening. This can largely be avoided by careful selection of the combination of metal and glitter additives.

Keywords: glitter chemistry, glitter theory

Reprint Information: Number of pages = 18. The price for this reprint is $9.00.
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