4 replies to this topic

[zombiesDONTwipe]

I am about to make a batch of green potassium chlorate stars, but I'm not sure if I should use a BP burst in the aerial shell I would put them in. I've heard that potassium chlorate reacts with sulfur so I'm not going to make these stars until I know what I'm getting into. Here is the star recipe I'm using btw. I found this recipe on this site so here is the link as well.

http://www.amateurpy...en-tailed-star/

38 potassium chlorate
38 barium nitrate
13 charcoal
6 red gum
5 dextrin

[rogeryermaw]

Prime with a good layer of kp minus sulfur on your stars and b.p. burst should be ok. A good layer of prime will give a nice barrier between the stars and the burst.

[Mike]

No there isn't a problem, specially since your stars will be protected by a layer of prime anyway, Add 1mm of monacapa or pinnball and a layer of bp.

[lloyd]

Let's not ignore the basic history of making shells.  Chlorate-based stars have been primed with black powder, almost from 'day one'.

 

There's virtually no chance of any 'spontaneous' reaction between chlorates and modern pure sulfur -- it only happens upon friction between the materials.

 

Proper priming provides a cushion; it allows the priming layer to absorb any friction between stars upon lift.  It should be adequately thick, but not excessively-so.

 

Talk to Mike Swisher about traditional cylinder shell construction, if you want a full run-down on how chlorate stars are prepared.  As far as I know, ALL of his are black powder-primed, and he does not have difficulties.  If you cannot contact him personally, read his articles on "Traditional Cylinder Shell Construction" (A. Fulcanelli) in Pyrotechnica IX and XI.

I worked at a fireworks factory for a time (a little over a decade as GM of the company) -- a traditional Italian-owned company.  We had many dozens of old shells on the shelves being saved for "special family celebrations".  ALL of them had chlorate stars with black powder priming.  None ever failed, even thirty years after they were made.

 

Lloyd

[Sparx88]

It's because of the sulfuric acid right? Couple drops on some chlorate and poof it's intense. Older sulfur products had a higher % acid. I was told that if you stick with rubber makers sulfur it's in the 99.8% pure club. I have been using this and swear by it.>>>>

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