User:LoyalSoldier/WIP Firework Chemicals

The basics
In the world of fireworks you need two key components in order for fireworks to burn. You need an oxidizer and a fuel. The definitions of these two are

Oxidizer: A chemical compound that supports burning, but is not flammable in of itself

Fuel: A chemical that releases energy when chemically changed.

A very simple mixture of these two is Powdered sugar and Potassium nitrate (5 Parts KNO3/3 parts sugar). In this mixture the sugar serves as the fuel because it will change chemical form in this reaction.

C6H12O6 + 6 O2 -> 6 CO2 + 6 H20

This reaction will happen by itself once enough heat is added, but in order to make this burn faster an oxidizer must be added. Potassium nitrate is the oxidizer used in this mixture. It supplies addition oxygen to speed the rate of the reaction. This very simple mixture will burn faster than the sugar normally would on its own. Of course most mixtures are far more complex than this, but the general idea remains the same.

Ionic Compounds
A large portion of firework chemicals are ionic compounds. Each and every ion has its own properties so one can mix and match with the ions. For example, all nitrate compounds are oxidizers. Potassium Nitrate and Copper(I) Nitrate act in a similar fashion. Like wise all copper(I) salts will produce the same blue flame.


 * Carbonates can be used to neutralize acid in mixtures because of the ion's status as a weak lewis base. Some carbonates also serve as a delay agent in glitter mixtures. Some of the salts are also cheaper because of how easy carbonates are to produce.

** Ammonium salts have other use in pyrotechnics. Ammonium Chloride can be used to make smoke and also serve as a chlorine donor.

*** Even though Potassium will produce a purple flame, this flame can easily be masked by another colored flame. For this reason it is prefered to use potassium salts as the primary oxidizer.

Metals and Fuels
Metals play a key role in the production of fireworks. If you have ever gone to see a fireworks display then you may have noticed sparkeling fireworks and/or fireworks that make a quick white flash. Many of these mixtures use a metalic powder of some sort.

Some common metals used.


 * This is known as "dark aluminum" because of its apperence. There are a couple variants of this such as German Black Head and Indian Black Head. This metal has been treated in order to raise reactivity. Most places will not let you buy more than about two pounds per year without providing a High Explosives Licence and for good reason.  When used in place of the aluminum into normal flash powders it can become quite hazardous.

Oxidizers

 * The reason it is unsafe to use in sulfur compounds it because small ammounts of acid can be produced. If chloric acid is produced the mixture has a chance of self ignition.   Perchloric acid will not cause the mixture to ignite.

Special compounds
While most fireworks follow the oxidizer/fuel/binder/donor type mixtures, there are some exceptions to this. For example thermite is a mixture of Aluminum powder and Iron Oxide.