{ 9/23/89... ! ! IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING THIS RE-PRINT: ! -------------------------------------- ! ! ! THE FOLLOWING MATERIAL SHOULD BE CONSIDERED OUT OF DATE, INACCURATE ! AND OBSOLETE. IT IS PROVIDED HERE FOR HISTORICAL INFORMATION ONLY. ! PLEASE CONSULT CURRENT CHEMICAL REFERENCE WORKS FOR KNOWN HAZARDS. ! ! ADDITIONALLY, MANY KNOWN HAZARDS AND INCOMPATABILITES ARE NOT CITED ! THIS IS NOT A CURRENT WORK OR CURRENT STATMENT OF KNOWLEDEG IN THIS ! FIELD!!! BEWARE!!! } " KNOW WHAT YOUR HANDLING " Within this booklet you will find descriptions of almost 150 chemi- cals that are used in Fireworks, Explosives, Rocket Fuels or are Explosive in themselves. This list is not complete and is not in- tended 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 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. Chemicals have a certain purpose to perform in fireworks and can be classified into four groups. 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. We believe that the information contained here-in is true and cor- rect, 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 here-in. PLEASE NOTE: ALL REFERENCES TO TEMPERATURE ARE IN DEGREES FAHREN- HEIT. Aluminum 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 This chemical must not come in contact with the skin, as severe burns can resu- lt. 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 ex- tent. Ammonium Bichromate A mild poison used in the manufacture of & Dichromate tabletop volcanoes (sometimes called Vesuvius Fire). It is available as orange crystals in a technical grade. Also used in smoke formulas. Ammonium Chloride The common name is Sal Ammoniac. Comes as colorless crystals or a white powder. The technical grade is used to manufac- ture safety explosives and smokes. Ammonium Oxalate This compound takes the form of color- less, poisonous, crystals. The technical grade is suitable for the manufacture of saft explosives. Ammonium Perchlorate 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 A moderate explosive which can be detona- ted by either heat or shock. Ammonium Picrate 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 ad- visable to keep it wet. Aniline Dyes These are used in smoke powder formulas. They are organic coal tar derivatives. Available in many different colors. Aniline Green Also known as Malachite Green. One of the many aniline dyes. The green crys- tals are used in smoke formulas. Anthracene A coal tar derivative used as a source of dyestuff and for colored smokes. Avail- able as colorless crystals which melt at 217 degrees. Antimony Another name for this metal element is Antimony Regulus. Purchase the black powder in a 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 Also known under the name of tartar Tartrate 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 This has a 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 con- centrated Nitric Acid and 3 parts con- centrated Hydrochloric Acid. Store in a well closed glass bottle in a dark place. This acid will attack all metals, includ- ing 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 This chemical is just as poisonous as its red brother and is also used in firewor- ks, somewhat. The common name is Kings Gold. Arsenious Oxide A white, highly poisonous powder used in fireworks. It is also known as Arsenious Trioxide, Arsenic Oxide and Arsenous Acid. Its uses are very similar to Paris Green. Asphaltum A black bituminous substance, best descr- ibed as powdered tar. Auramine Hydrochloride Also known as Auramine. It is used in smoke formulas. Available as yellow flakes or powder, which readily dissolve in alcohol. Auramine A certified Biological stain used in smoke cartridges. Barium Carbonate 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 Available as white powder. It is poison- ous, 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 The uses and precautions are the same as above with a comparison equal to Potas- sium 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 a powdered form. It is used in some firework formulas. Calcium Carbide These grayish, irregular lumps are nor- mally packed in waterproof and airtight metal containers. It is used in toy cannons. Mixed with water it forms Acetylene Gas. (EXPLOSIVE) Calcium Carbonate This occurs as the mineral Calcite. It is used for Phosphorus Torpedoes, but does not have any dangerous properties in itself. Also as an acid absorber in fireworks. Calcium Fluoride This finds its use in a smokeless firew- ork mixture and is not used elsewhere. It is a white powder, also known as Fluorspar. Calcium Phosphide This compound, which comes as gray lumps, must be kept dry. Upon contact with water it will form the flammable gas, Phosphine. It is used in signal fires. Camphor A ketone found in the wood of the Camphor tree, native to Formosa 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 A form of the element, Carbon, it is used in fireworks and explosives as a reducing agent. It can be purchased as a dust on 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 a paste if so desired. Confectioners Sugar Commonly called Powdered Sugar, it can be purchased as your local food store. The fineness is graded by the symbol XXXX. It is used in explosives. Copper 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 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 Arsenite A fine, light green, poisonous powder. It is used in the technical grade for fireworks. Copper Carbonate Also known as Cupric Carbonate or Artifi- cial Malachite. It is a green powder used in fireworks. Copper Chlorate Or, technically Cupric Chlorate. A poison used in fireworks as an oxidizer and to add color. Copper Chloride An oxidizer and color imparter used in fireworks. Purchase the brownish-yellow technical grade. This is a poisonous compound. Copper Nitrate Or Cupric Nitrate, Cupric and Cuprous are many times interchangeable with the word Copper. These blue crystals absorb water, as you can see from the formula. It is used in fireworks. Copper Oxide 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 an color especially to blue star formulas. It is a poison and the dust should not be inhaled. Copper Sulfate Known as Blue Vitroil, 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 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 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 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 These golden yellow crystals will explode when heated to 150 degrees. P-Diazobenzeneslfonic Another severe explosive. It can be Acid exploded by rubbing the white paste or powder, or by heating. Diazodimitrophenol An organic explosive in the same group as the above compound. Also very sensitive to shock or heat. Diazomethane Also known as Azimethylene. This yellow gas is also in the same group as above and can be exploded by heat or shock. Dinitrotoluene 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 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, even a trace of it will attack the lungs. Gallic Acid 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 Commonly known as Glycerin. It is ob- tained 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 Chrom- ium 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 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 Dicyan- odiamide. 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, frag- ments and powder. It is used as a binder in firework formulas. Hexachloroethane Also known as Carbon Hexachloride, this chemical is used in smoke formulas. It can be obtained in either powder or crystals. 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 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 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 dynamit- es. 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 do for smoke formulas. Lampblack This is another form of 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 This is a poisonous white powder which explodes by heating to 350 degrees or by concussion. The main usage is in prime- rs. It can be made from Sodium Azide and Lead Nitrate. Lead Bromate 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 strik- ing. Lead Chloride It is available as a white crystalline, poisonous powder which melts at 501 degrees. It is used in fireworks. Lead Dioxide Also known as Brown Lead Oxide, this dark brown powder is used as an oxidizor in matches and fireworks. Poisonous. Lead Nitrate Available as white or colorless crystals is the technical grade. The uses include matches and explosives. Poisonous. Lead Oxide Also known as Red Lead or Lead Totraoxi- de. 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 The technical grade is sometimes used to add color to fireworks compositions. Available as a white powder. Manganese Dioxide Used in pyrotechnic mixtures, matches and match box friction surfaces. Available as a technical grade, black powder. This oxidizer decomposes at 535 degrees. Magnesium This metal is used in a powdered state for brilliancy in flares and will even burn vigorously underwater. Mercuric Chloride 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 recrys- tallization. The U.S.P. grade is used for some firework compositions. Mercuric Oxide Available in two forms- red and yellow. Both forms give the same oxidizing ef- fects in fireworks. The technical grade is suitable. All forms are Poisonous. Mercuric Oxcyanide In the pure state it is a violent poison which will explode when touched by flame or friction. Mercuric Thiocyanate A poisonous, white odorless powder used in the making of Pharoah's Serpents. Use the technical grade. Mercurous Chloride Also known as Calomel or Mercury Monochl- oride. 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 A crystalline compound used in primers, percussion caps, blasting caps and other detonators. Explodes very easily from heat or shock. Methylene Blue 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 stabili- zer 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 degre- es. Nitric Acid Also known as Aqua Fortis. It is a clear, colorless, corrosive liquid, which fumes in moist air. It can react violen- tly with organic matter such as: Char- coal, Alcohol or Turpentine and conse- quently 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 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 of percussion. It is used as an ex- plosive and also to make other ex- plosives. Nitroguanidine A yellow solid make by dissolving Fuanid- ine in concentrated Sulfuric Acid and then diluting with water. Dangerous Explosive. Nitromethane 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 a file to make the required powder. Paranitroaniline Red A dye used in smoke formulas. It dissol- ves in alcohol and will melt at 139 degrees. It is also known as p-Aminophe- nyl. Pentaerythrityl A high explosive known at PRTN. Besides Tetranitrate being an explosive itself it is used in a detonating fuse called Irimacord. Perchloryl Fluoride A gas under normal air pressure. When brought in contact with alcohol, ex- plosions have resulted. Phosphorus This element comes in three forms, with three different ways of reacting. They resemble each other in name only. Red Phosphorus 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 Phosphorus, be sure to work with it in a wet state. This is a most dangerous chemical to work with and should be handled by the most ex- perienced. Oxidizers have been known to detonate violently without warning when mixed with Red Phosphorus. Phosphorus Pentasulfide Also known as Phosphoric Sulfide. These light yellow crystals are used in match- es. Phosphorus Trisulfide This chemical can catch fire from the moisture that is present in air, there- fore 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: Shimo- se. 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 of the for- mulas. Potassium 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 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 Also known as Potassium Bichromate. The commercial grade is used in fireworks and matches. The bright orange crystals are poisonous. Also used in smokes. Potassium Ferrocyanide Lemon yellow crystals or powder which will decompose at high temperatures. It is used in the manufacture of explosives. Potassium Nitrate Commonly called Saltpeter; this chemical is an oxidizer which decomposes at 400 degrees. It is well known as a component of gunpowder and is also used in other firework pieces. Available as a white powder. Potassium Perchlorate Much more stable than its Chlorate broth- er, 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 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 Colorless or white crystals which are used to make the Pharaoh's Serpent. The commercial grade or pure grade is suitab- le. n-Propyl Nitrite 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 fireworks formulas. Red Gum is obtained from the barks of trees. Rhodamine B A basic red 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 os Shellac and Alcohol sold in hardware stores should be avoid- ed. Purchase the powdered variety, which is orange in color. Silver Fulminate 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 Dark brown, odorless powder. It is potentially explosive and becomes in- creasingly more so with time. Keep away from Ammonia and combustible solvents. The technical grade, which is about 92% Silver, is suitable. Sodium Aluminum Floride Also known as the mineral, Cryolite. It is used in fireworks in the white pow- dered form. Sodium Bicarbonate When a formula calls for this chemical, you can use Baking Soda (NOT Baking Powder). It is a white, non poisonous powder. Sodium Carbonate This white powder is used in fireworks, but not to any great extent. The an- hydrous grade is best. Sodium Chlorate An oxidizer similar to Potassium Chlora- te, although not as powerful and also with the disadvantage of absorbing water. Decomposes at 325 degrees. Sodium Chloride This is used in fireworks. You can use the common form, table salt (or rock salt if made into a powder). Sodium Nitrate 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 This is not a strong poison but is poiso- nous, 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 This chemical is used in fireworks and explosives. It is very similar to Potas- sium Perchlorate with the exception that it will absorb water. Sodium Peroxide A yellowish-white powder. It can explode or ignite in contact with organic sub- stances. Sodium Picrate Very similar to Potassium Picrate and should be handled with the same precau- tions. It is also known under the name of Sodium Trinitrophenolate. Sodium Silicate 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 fibre glass (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 Sulfur and Charcoal in firewor- ks. Strontium Carbonate Known in the natural state as Stron- tianite, 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 A colorless or white granulated chemical used in pyrotechnics. It will absorb water and is not used often. Strontium Nitrate 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 H2O. Strontium Sulfate This does not absorb water as quick 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. Sulfur For an example type II burns as 250 degrees giving off choking fumes. Pur- chase good pyro grades low in acid. Used in many types of fireworks and ex- plosives. Sulfuric Acid Also called oil of Vitriol, it is a clear liquid with the consistency of 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 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 ex- plosives. Trinitrotoluene 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 Of all the forms, only the dust is suita- ble in the technical or high purity grade. It is a gray powder used in star mixtures and for fuel in model rockets. Zinc Borate A white amorphous powder used in making smoke formulas. A relatively safe com- pound to handle. Zinc Carbonate Another white Zinc compound used in some smoke formulas. Also a safe compound to handle. Zinc Oxide Sometimes called Flowers of Zinc. This is a white or yellowish powder used in some fireworks formulas. It has also found use as a thickening agent in water glass when a stronger pyro paste is desired.