diff --git a/chapters/99-1-chemical-copper-i-chloride.md b/chapters/99-1-chemical-copper-i-chloride.md index a457f25..d0d895e 100644 --- a/chapters/99-1-chemical-copper-i-chloride.md +++ b/chapters/99-1-chemical-copper-i-chloride.md @@ -2,20 +2,28 @@ **Formula** -$C2H5OH$ +$CuCl$ **Synonyms** -Alcohol, Undenatured Alcohol, Ethyl Alcohol, Dehydrated Alcohol, Spiritus +Cuprous Chloride, Cuprous monochloride, Nantokite **Description** -Ethanol is used as a solvent. Red gum and shellac, two common binders both dissolve in ethanol well. Ethanol/water mixtures are also often used since the ethanol increases the 'wetness' of the water (it reduces the surface tension of the water) and reduces the solubility of common oxidisers. +CuCl is a white or green powder, the green color comes from oxidized impurities. It is insoluble in water, but soluble in hydrochloric acid. It is almost never used in pyrotechnics. **Sources** -Chemically pure ethanol can be quite expensive due to increased tax, unless it is used for laboratory purposes. Denaturated alcohol (usually a mixture of ethanol and methanol) has been made undrinkable and therefore a lot cheaper. It can be used for pyro purposes. Some types of denaturated alcohol exist with other chemicals mixed in besides methanol to make it undrinkable and recognisable as such (colorants etc). I have no idea what these extra additives are and whether they can cause problems in compositions. I have been using 'spiritus' (a well known type of denaturated alcohol in The Netherlands) for several years without problems. +TBD + +**Synthesis** + +Method 1: Boil an aqueous solution of Copper (II) chloride together with powdered or granulated copper metal. The copper (I) chloride will form in the water as a green powder. Filter it and dry. + +Method 2: Make a solution of Copper sulfate. Then add Sodium chloride and Potassium metabisulfite. When the reaction is finished you will see white Copper (I) chloride on the bottom of container. Then decant the supernatent solution to leave Copper (I) chloride. Wash it with Ethanol (water works well too) two or three times to obtain a purer product. + +Method 3: Pure white Copper (I) chloride can be produced from red Copper (I) oxide (Cu2O)and a stochiometric quantity of Hydrochloric acid. This method also produces soluble Copper (II) chloride (CuCl2). Too much Hydrochloric acid will convert the CuCl to CuCl2. The two chlorides, if done well, can be separated by simple decantation. Wash with water then dry. **Hazards** -Ethanol is flammable and volatile. Ethanol vapour is heavier than air and spreads over the ground. Provide adequate ventilation when working with ethanol. +Xn, N diff --git a/chapters/99-1-chemical-copper-ii-chloride.md b/chapters/99-1-chemical-copper-ii-chloride.md index 5148a23..64815d7 100644 --- a/chapters/99-1-chemical-copper-ii-chloride.md +++ b/chapters/99-1-chemical-copper-ii-chloride.md @@ -2,20 +2,32 @@ **Formula** -$C2H5OH$ +$CuCl2$ + +**Pyrotechnic use** + +Blue colorant **Synonyms** -Alcohol, Undenatured Alcohol, Ethyl Alcohol, Dehydrated Alcohol, Spiritus +Cupric Chloride,Copper Chloride, Campfire Blue **Description** -Ethanol is used as a solvent. Red gum and shellac, two common binders both dissolve in ethanol well. Ethanol/water mixtures are also often used since the ethanol increases the 'wetness' of the water (it reduces the surface tension of the water) and reduces the solubility of common oxidisers. +Not to be mistaken with Copper-I-oxide, copper II chloride is a yellow-brown solid which slowly absorbs moisture to form a blue-green dihydrate. It is used as a color producing agent in some blue star compositions. It is also employed to achieve a blue fire in campfires by soaking wood chips in a water/copper chloride solution and throwing them in the fire. Another way is to sprinkle the powder into the flame. The boilling temperature of CuCl2 is very low thus it can create great blue fire at low temperature. **Sources** -Chemically pure ethanol can be quite expensive due to increased tax, unless it is used for laboratory purposes. Denaturated alcohol (usually a mixture of ethanol and methanol) has been made undrinkable and therefore a lot cheaper. It can be used for pyro purposes. Some types of denaturated alcohol exist with other chemicals mixed in besides methanol to make it undrinkable and recognisable as such (colorants etc). I have no idea what these extra additives are and whether they can cause problems in compositions. I have been using 'spiritus' (a well known type of denaturated alcohol in The Netherlands) for several years without problems. +TBD + +**Synthesis** + +Method 1: CuCl2 can be produced by the reaction between Copper (II) oxide (CuO),Copper carbonate (basic) (CuCO3), and/or Copper hydroxide (Cu(OH)2) and Hydrochloric acid. (Do not dilute the acid after dissolving otherwise Copper (I) Chloride will precipitate out) Evaporate to obtain crystals. These will be contaminated with HCl, so dissolve and recrystallize them in distilled water to obtain purer product. + +Method 2: Dissolve copper metal in a warm 15% Hydrochloric acid by adding hydrogen peroxide or bubbling air through the solution. Evaporate to obtain crystals. These will be contaminated with HCl, so dissolve and recrystallize them in distilled water to obtain purer product. + +Method 3 (Note: I have not tried this method. It will undoubtably be tricky to get right, but hopefully faster than the Method 2): Dissolve copper metal in FeCl3. Once as much copper as possible will dissolve, decant the solution. Evaporate this until light greenish blue CuCl2 crystals form, but not lime green FeCl2 crystals. These will be contaminated with FeCl2, so dissolve and recrystallize them in distilled water to obtain purer product. **Hazards** -Ethanol is flammable and volatile. Ethanol vapour is heavier than air and spreads over the ground. Provide adequate ventilation when working with ethanol. +The gases produced from the burning of CuCl2 should be avoided. The compound itself is not very poisonous but careful handling is advisable. diff --git a/chapters/99-1-chemical-copper-ii-oxide.md b/chapters/99-1-chemical-copper-ii-oxide.md index cb965ea..e72fb1c 100644 --- a/chapters/99-1-chemical-copper-ii-oxide.md +++ b/chapters/99-1-chemical-copper-ii-oxide.md @@ -2,20 +2,28 @@ **Formula** -$C2H5OH$ +$CuO$ **Synonyms** -Alcohol, Undenatured Alcohol, Ethyl Alcohol, Dehydrated Alcohol, Spiritus +Cupric oxide, black copper oxide **Description** -Ethanol is used as a solvent. Red gum and shellac, two common binders both dissolve in ethanol well. Ethanol/water mixtures are also often used since the ethanol increases the 'wetness' of the water (it reduces the surface tension of the water) and reduces the solubility of common oxidisers. +Copper oxide is a black powder employed in blue color compositions in combination with chlorine donors. It is also used in high temperature thermite mixtures. (like crackling microstars) Cupric oxide is used in the ceramic industry for imparting blue, green or red tints in glasses, glazes and enamels. It is occasionally employed for incorporation in mineral supplements for insuring against an insufficiency of copper in the diet of animals. Among its other uses is the preparation of copper ammonium hydroxide solutions for the rayon industry. **Sources** -Chemically pure ethanol can be quite expensive due to increased tax, unless it is used for laboratory purposes. Denaturated alcohol (usually a mixture of ethanol and methanol) has been made undrinkable and therefore a lot cheaper. It can be used for pyro purposes. Some types of denaturated alcohol exist with other chemicals mixed in besides methanol to make it undrinkable and recognisable as such (colorants etc). I have no idea what these extra additives are and whether they can cause problems in compositions. I have been using 'spiritus' (a well known type of denaturated alcohol in The Netherlands) for several years without problems. +Copper(II)oxide is usually available from ceramic supply stores. + +**Synthesis** + +Method 1: Add a solution of sodium or potassium hydroxide to a hot solution of a soluble copper(II) compound (Copper sulfate or Copper (II) chloride for example). This will yield a blue gel-like precipitate of Copper hydroxide. Then bring the solution to a boil. The precipitate will turn black and powdery. Boil for a minute or two to complete the reaction and allow the black copper (II) oxide precipitate to settle. Then decant the liquid. Add some boiling hot water to the precipitate, stir and allow to settle again. Then decant and repeat 5 more times. This will remove all soluble impurities from the copper(II)oxide. Then the precipitate is filtered and allowed to dry. + +Method 2: Electrolysis of a oxidizing solution like chlorate solution yield copper (II) oxide as long as enough chlorate is present. The chlorate, sadly, convert back to chloride in this process. The result salt can be decanted and washed 3-4 times for purity. Other oxidizing soluble salts like bleach (Sodium hypochlorite) can be used. Once the oxidizing substance is depleted, the electrolysis will form Copper (I) oxide (Cu2O) which can be turned into Copper (II) oxide by roasting it in air. + +Method 3: Heat dry Copper hydroxide to 185oC, wet Copper hydroxide to 80oC, or Copper carbonate (basic) to 290oC. **Hazards** -Ethanol is flammable and volatile. Ethanol vapour is heavier than air and spreads over the ground. Provide adequate ventilation when working with ethanol. +Copper(II)oxide is harmful and should be handled wearing a dust mask.Copper(II) oxide is an irritant. It also can cause damage to the endocrine and central nervous system. Contact to the eyes can cause irritation and damage to the corneas, and potentially can cause conjunctivitis. Contact to the skin can cause irritation and discoloration. Ingesting cupric oxide can lead to central nervous system depression, liver and kidney damage, gastrointestinal damage, circulatory system failure or damage to the vascular system. Inhalation can lead to damage to the lungs and septum. Inhalation of fumes of cupric oxide can lead to a disease called metal-fume fever, which has symptoms similar to influenza. Prolonged exposure to cupric oxide can lead to dermatitis, and can cause a toxic build-up of copper in people with Wilson's disease. Handling copper(II) oxide should be done in well ventilated area, and care should be taken to avoid contact with the skin or eyes. After handling, one should wash thoroughly. diff --git a/chapters/99-1-chemical-dechlorane.md b/chapters/99-1-chemical-dechlorane.md index 6015fe3..0789f4b 100644 --- a/chapters/99-1-chemical-dechlorane.md +++ b/chapters/99-1-chemical-dechlorane.md @@ -1,20 +1,24 @@ ## Dechlorane **Formula** - + +$C10Cl12$ **Pyrotechnics use** +Chlorine donor **Synonyms** - + +Mirex **Description** +Sold under the name Mirex, was used as a insecticide until banned. It can be used as an exotic Chlorine donor, which while effective, has been banned in fireworks by many authorities due to the toxicity. **Sources** **Hazards** - +Prolonged and repeated exposure to Mirex can result in damage to the liver and it can enter the body via inhalation, ingestion, and absorption via skin. Any contact should be avoided and appropriate safety precautions should be taken. \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/chapters/99-1-chemical-dextrin.md b/chapters/99-1-chemical-dextrin.md index 94a91b4..879f73e 100644 --- a/chapters/99-1-chemical-dextrin.md +++ b/chapters/99-1-chemical-dextrin.md @@ -1,20 +1,26 @@ ## Dextrin **Formula** - + +Mixture of polysaccharides. **Pyrotechnics use** +Binder (water soluble) **Synonyms** - + + TBD **Description** +Dextrin is one of the most commonly used binders in pyrotechnics as it is very cheap and readily available. It is water-soluble and can produce rock hard stars. Its cohesive power is weaker than that of SGRS anyway. Dextrin should not be used in a very damp climate as the stars tend to get wet rather than non-dextrin stars. Western pyrotechnics uses dextrin rather than SGRS, while the former is not popular in Japan and China. **Sources** +Dextrin is easily prepared from starch. Potato and cornstarch will both work fine. The starch is spread out on a sheet in a layer about 1 cm thick and placed in the oven. The oven is then heated to 220°C (400°F) for several hours. The dextrin will turn slightly yellowish brown. One way to check if all the starch has been converted is to dissolve a small sample in boiling hot water and add a drop of KI3 solution (Lugol's iodine solution). A blue colour indicates presence of starch, which means the conversion hasn't completed yet. KI3 solution is conveniently prepared by dissolving a crystal of elemental iodine in a potassium iodide solution. **Hazards** - + +Dextrin is not particularly toxic or dangerous. diff --git a/chapters/99-1-chemical-dextrose.md b/chapters/99-1-chemical-dextrose.md index 750c754..482b478 100644 --- a/chapters/99-1-chemical-dextrose.md +++ b/chapters/99-1-chemical-dextrose.md @@ -1,20 +1,25 @@ ## Dextrose **Formula** - + +$C6H12O6$ **Pyrotechnics use** +Fuel **Synonyms** - + +TBD **Description** +In pyrotechnics, Dextrose is primarily used as a fuel in Candy propellant. It does not caramelize as readily as Sucrose, and it is somewhat less hygroscopic. It can be utilized as its monohydrate or it can be desiccated into it's anhydrous form. See Nakka's rocketry page for more information. **Sources** +Dextrose is available as weightlifting dietary supplement. **Hazards** - +Dextrose is not particularly toxic or dangerous. diff --git a/chapters/99-1-chemical-ferro-silicon.md b/chapters/99-1-chemical-ferro-silicon.md index c7f93d4..bba3b5e 100644 --- a/chapters/99-1-chemical-ferro-silicon.md +++ b/chapters/99-1-chemical-ferro-silicon.md @@ -1,20 +1,25 @@ ## Ferro-silicon **Formula** - + +Sometimes written $FeSi$ **Pyrotechnics use** +TBD **Synonyms** - + +TBD **Description** +Alloy of iron and silicon. Comes as a powder with a black grey metallic lustre. Reacts with and dissolves in alkali solution generating hydrogen gas. Shows no reaction with acids. Mainly used as fuel in red thermite (high temperature ignition composition), where the heat of combustion generally increases with the Si content. Commercial standards discern 6 classes of the material, of which class one shows the highest Si-content (88-93%) and is therefore recommended for fireworks use. Differences between classes are quite large: e.g. class 3 shows only about 45% of Si. **Sources** +TBD **Hazards** - +TBD diff --git a/chapters/99-1-chemical-ferro-titanium.md b/chapters/99-1-chemical-ferro-titanium.md index edf42fe..63dcb70 100644 --- a/chapters/99-1-chemical-ferro-titanium.md +++ b/chapters/99-1-chemical-ferro-titanium.md @@ -2,19 +2,25 @@ **Formula** +Fe-Ti (60%-40%) **Pyrotechnics use** +Spark effect **Synonyms** +TBD **Description** +An alloy of iron and titanium. Granular, silvery powder. Gives yellow-white sparks. Used in fountain, or palm-tree comet-type star compositions. **Sources** +Pyrotechnic supplies, such as skylighter. **Hazards** - + +See iron and titanium. diff --git a/chapters/99-1-chemical-glass.md b/chapters/99-1-chemical-glass.md index bfea174..df1d701 100644 --- a/chapters/99-1-chemical-glass.md +++ b/chapters/99-1-chemical-glass.md @@ -5,16 +5,20 @@ **Pyrotechnics use** +Striker composition ingredient **Synonyms** - + +TBD **Description** +It finds only little use in pyrotechnics, where it is generally contained in striker compositions (to provide initial energy caused by friction). Glass powder is an important ingredient in safety matches. **Sources** +TBD **Hazards** - +Glass powder, or dust, is an irritant to the lungs and eyes. The same precautions for asbestos apply. Glass powder in the lungs will cause scaring and silicosis, an incurable and painful affliction. Respirator and eyes goggles required. diff --git a/chapters/99-1-chemical-graphite.md b/chapters/99-1-chemical-graphite.md index ae2705b..8881394 100644 --- a/chapters/99-1-chemical-graphite.md +++ b/chapters/99-1-chemical-graphite.md @@ -1,20 +1,25 @@ ## Graphite **Formula** - + +$C$ **Pyrotechnics use** +TBD **Synonyms** - + +TBD **Description** +Graphite is a black and shiny powder or rods. Used for glazing black powder grains to give it a better flow, or as dry lubricant for different tools. Also used to opacify rocket fuel grains. The opacifier accelerates the rate of surface burning and prevents infrared energy from penetrating the propellant grain and causing it to explode. **Sources** +TBD **Hazards** - +TBD diff --git a/chapters/99-1-chemical-guanidine-nitrate.md b/chapters/99-1-chemical-guanidine-nitrate.md index 744e31e..7ac838d 100644 --- a/chapters/99-1-chemical-guanidine-nitrate.md +++ b/chapters/99-1-chemical-guanidine-nitrate.md @@ -1,20 +1,27 @@ ## Guanidine nitrate **Formula** - + +$NH:C(NH2)2.HNO3$ **Pyrotechnics use** +Oxidizer **Synonyms** +TBD **Description** +White crystals. It is quite stable against shock and friction and not hygroscopic. It is used in some strobe compositions where it is decomposed by copper salts or other compounds acting as catalysts. Some smoke formulas employ guanidine nitrate. It also found use in toy rocket fuels such as JETEX and may be found in some explosives. It is quite attractive because it has a high gas output, low flame temperature, and non-toxic combustion products. **Sources** +TBD **Hazards** + +O, Xn