Substitute PVC for Parlon

[Steigede]

I'm making some stars and a lot of recipes I want to try call for Parlon. I searched around a bit and haven't found a definitive answer. Some say it can be used but it's a weaker chlorine donor. If that's the case, can I add additional PVC to compensate or will that throw things off? Making the following green star formula:

 

18 Potassium Perchlorate

45 Barium nitrate

10 Red gum

9 Parlon

14 Magnalium 230-mesh

4 Dextrin

 

Thank you

[Arthur]

PVC has more fuel value and less chlorine per unit weight. PVC can be subbed in bit usually with some changes and maybe with some impaired effect.

[Steigede]

PVC has more fuel value and less chlorine per unit weight. PVC can be subbed in bit usually with some changes and maybe with some impaired effect.

What type of changed? Reduce the red gum and add more PVC?

[Carbon796]

Is PVC the only chlorine donor you have available ?

 

The difference in fuel value between parlon and pvc is 0.48 versus 0.51

But that doesn't necessarily equal the difference in burning characteristics.

[Steigede]

Is PVC the only chlorine donor you have available ?

 

The difference in fuel value between parlon and pvc is 0.48 versus 0.51

But that doesn't necessarily equal the difference in burning characteristics.

Yeah unfortunately. I ended up making it without any adjustments and it's a pale green. Not terrible. Will have to test at night.

[Carbon796]

Yeah, it needs to be tested at night, preferably in the air, and from a distance. Being too close and during the day will make color comps appear pale and washed out. Edited July 3, 2020 by Carbon796

[Mumbles]

Also, you'll want to make sure you're testing as a bound star, or at the very least compressed into a tube. Burning a powdered composition isn't usually representative of the final star.

 

Parlon contains about 70% chlorine by mass. PVC is around 56%. I suspect they'll be okay, but if your stars still look pale and washed out you might try 11 parts PVC, and maybe drop the red gum down to 8 to compensate for the fuel value. It's more complicated to predict fuel ratios between different fuels and types of fuels, but that's a small enough swap it'll probably be fine for at least a first shot.

[mabuse00]

 

the difference in burning characteristics

In my experience with similar mixtures the PVC version is allways slower burning, but not necessarily worse in color quality...

[Steigede]

Also, you'll want to make sure you're testing as a bound star, or at the very least compressed into a tube. Burning a powdered composition isn't usually representative of the final star.

 

Parlon contains about 70% chlorine by mass. PVC is around 56%. I suspect they'll be okay, but if your stars still look pale and washed out you might try 11 parts PVC, and maybe drop the red gum down to 8 to compensate for the fuel value. It's more complicated to predict fuel ratios between different fuels and types of fuels, but that's a small enough swap it'll probably be fine for at least a first shot.

Yeah, making some star cannons now to test at night. There's a hint of green when I burn one but I'm assuming the smoke is making it look more pale than it really is. Not trying to make a perfect star, just having some fun! I 3D printed a star press and will post about it soon. Works surprisingly well to make little mini stars for small fireworks.

[snapper]

pvc adds a yellow flame edge and is dirtier burning than parlon, i would highly suggest ditching both for saran if you are not using a volatile to make the chlorine donor the binder

[Steigede]

pvc adds a yellow flame edge and is dirtier burning than parlon, i would highly suggest ditching both for saran if you are not using a volatile to make the chlorine donor the binder

Could that be sub'd 1 to 1 for parlon? I did notice a more yellowish edge like you said on green and blue stars.

[snapper]

i would probably use 1 part less saran than what it calls for pvc/parlon since it has a higher chlorine content