Posted 28 July 2006 - 04:47 PM
All acetone, unless stated anhydrous, contains a small percentage of water. However, it is possible to dry the acetone using chemicals like calcium chloride, magnesium sulphate etc.
Acetone also causes condensation of water from the atmosphere during evapouration, so even if you dry the acetone beforehand you will still have water present at some stage. It would be a very small water contamination, but it still has the possibility of causing adverse reactions in the comp.
There is a lot of discussion on these issues on rec.pyrotechnics.
MEK would be a better solvent in this regard, althought i am not condoning the use of the comp mentioned in this thread.
Parlon would also be the better binder/chlorine donor due to its higher percentage of chlorine and its superior metal protecting properties compared to PVC.
Givat, the comp does seem to burn with a nice green colour judging by the photo, but I would be cautious of comp due to its questionable stability. You have proved that it works, but I would not personally put it any further practical use. Its always better to be safe (that is, as safe as pyro can be) than sorry.
I am sorry if it sounds like a lecture and I am in no way trying to detract from your achievements, but its really important that your aware of any issues that may arrise in this hobby, after all thats what this forum is for.
The magnesium is not vital to obtain a decent green, there are many organic greens that are based on barium nitrate, potassium chlorate, red gum and a chlorine donor. I would personally go that route if potassium perchlorate is not available to you. Also it would be cheaper due to the absence of magnesium.
Good luck to you in your pyrotechnic experiments, all the best!
James