Teen Chemist
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Stars
I've recently become intrested in the science behind pyrotecnics and stars seem to come up alot. I know what they basicaly are but I would like to
know more.
[Edited on 29-5-2012 by Teen Chemist]
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Mumbles
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Is there anything specific you had in mind? There are a number of different varieties of stars with different effects. Each effect will have it's
own related chemistry.
Generally speaking a star is a composition of an oxidizer, a fuel, and a binder. The binder is activated by an appropriate solvent and holds the
star's shape once it's dried or cured. Stars may contain several oxidizers and fuels to achieve different effects. There are additional additives
sometimes used, such chlorine donors to enhance colors, or things like carbonates and oxalates to enhance glitters.
If you want to know more about the chemistry behind certain effects I'd suggest Lloyd Oglesby's book "Glitter, Chemistry, and Techniques". It
contains a good amount on one proposed view of the chemistry involved in the glitter effect. There is a book called "Chemistry of Pyrotechnics" by
John Conkling, though it doesn't actually have a great deal of detailed chemistry in it. "Principles of Pyrotechnics" by A. A. Shidlovskiy is also
quite good. I don't actually have it, but I've heard "Fireworks from a Physical Standpoint" by Dr. Takeo Shimizu is good as well. There are a
variety of articles in the Pyrotechnica papers series that have good chemical and mechanistic insight in them.
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hyfalcon
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Davis even has a chapter on pyrotechnics in "Chemistry of Powder and Explosives". You can get a copy in the reference section of Science Madness.
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Bert
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Go here:
(Passfire)
http://passfir1.w07.winhost.com/Home/tabid/41/Default.
And here:
(Pyrotechnics Guild International)
http://www.pgi.org/
Davis is an excellent source for classic explosives chemistry, but the pyrotechnics and fireworks section is more of historical interest than
practical. By all means read it, but also look to such works as Alexander Hardt's Pyrotechnics and Takeio Shimizu's Fireworks: The Art, Science and
Technique.
Rapopart’s Rules for critical commentary:
1. Attempt to re-express your target’s position so clearly, vividly and fairly that your target says: “Thanks, I wish I’d thought of putting it
that way.”
2. List any points of agreement (especially if they are not matters of general or widespread agreement).
3. Mention anything you have learned from your target.
4. Only then are you permitted to say so much as a word of rebuttal or criticism.
Anatol Rapoport was a Russian-born American mathematical psychologist (1911-2007).
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Teen Chemist
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Quote: Originally posted by hyfalcon  | | Davis even has a chapter on pyrotechnics in "Chemistry of Powder and Explosives". You can get a copy in the reference section of Science Madness.
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I have that book. To everyone else I just want a bit more info than I already have. Oh and thanks for all the help already.
[Edited on 30-5-2012 by Teen Chemist]
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