NaNO3/Mg flash powder and mesh

[beedb9]

Hello everyone, I am new here. I will get straight to the point. I did use NaNO3Mg flash powder in the past and I prefer it because of its properties. However, my magnesium was 200 µm / 70 mesh and now its 40 µm / 400 mesh. My question - is this flash powder going to be more sensitive because of magnesium (ballmilled) mesh size? Trust me I tried to research it and found nothing. I did found some interesting articles about particle shape but not size. I guess people don't use this flash powder very often. I did watch this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEjCzmtTT8Q but then again its not enough. I really need more information about it since I am making shells. Also, If I made a larger batch is it even possible for it to explode on its own (having in mind a large amount of it and self confinement) ? I saw on other forums where people go off topic if you ask something about flash powder so please, serious answers only.. I mean I am not a 13 year old "kewl bomber", making 100grams of armstrong mix to blow his arm off..

[felixthecat]

hi beed,the metal particle size and shape has more bearing on the speed and sensitivity of flash powders than the mesh size of the oxidiser since a particle of the metal has to melt to initiate the reaction,,well so ive read anyway im no expert here..but I have played with kno3/mg flash and know that it cannot be stored under any circumstances due to its tendancy to self ignite as the mg reacts with the latent water in the kno3.Nano3 is more hydroscopic than kno3 so this problem may be worse although sr(no3)2 is also very hydroscopic but is used with mg 50/50 in commercial stage maroons which simply degrade over time eventually becoming inert so one of the experts on here will have to advise you whether Nano3/mg mixtures are suitable(perhaps if Nano3 dried first) for including in devices which are to be stored....stay safe and have fun....

[Mumbles]

Strontium and barium nitrates do not exhibit the same tendancy to attack metals violently that KNO3 exhibits. I wouldn't store anything containing free NaNO3/Mg flash powder. Being extraordinarily bright on top of it, it's also not very well suited to shell building even in non-salute applications.

 

Generally speaking the more intimate the mixture the more easily it will be to set off. Finer metals will give more intimate mixtures. It subsequently will be even less storage stable without degradation.

[beedb9]

well, now I am really scared.. storing is out of the list, but I still don't know if I should completely write it off. I forgot to mention that my NaNO3 comes with anti-caking agent Cab-O-Sil. It is said that it is used as an anti-caking agent and to prevent hygroscopic chemicals from absorbing water from the air. If I use it right after I make it (say 1-2 days) would it be fine? Any other advices?

Edited November 30, 2016 by beedb9

[felixthecat]

hi beeb,i ment to ask does this mean your making bp for lift and burst from nano3 bp,..?..cheers dude

[beedb9]

hi beeb,i ment to ask does this mean your making bp for lift and burst from nano3 bp,..?..cheers dude

Yes. I tested this flash powder just few days ago, I made a simple ground salute. I used 45% NaNO3 and 55%Mg. To be honest it was great. And I got a deep, loud, ''bass'' type report. Still not sure about shells though.. In few days I will make one. I was worried about hygroscopy but I use it right after I make it. I am still nervous when I make flash powder, but this is my favorite and if its going to play out well with shells it will be perfect. A little off topic - some people say that this flash powder is the most powerfull flash powder, better than the famous KClO4/Al. Now I don't know if it's really better but its close in my opinion. It gives a very bright flash so that might be a problem when making shells. However I will try a simple titanium salute first.