Max Candlepower Comets - No Barium

[usapyro]

I'm looking for a max candlepower KClO4 formula for use in comets and released from rockets at apex. Originally, I was thinking standard 'F' with bright aluminum and bound with like 5% NC to prevent it from containing. Primed with Si/KNO3. I could also use PVC as a binder. The container is still sealed, not sure what dissolves it. Acetone?

 

But, wouldn't you get a bit more candlepower for the weight by using less oxidizer and letting some molten aluminum slough off and use the oxygen in the air to burn?

 

I was also thinking magnalium might put out more candlepower.

Edited June 16, 2017 by usapyro

[OldMarine]

The #2 Spanish white works great and doesn't contain barium.

[MadMat]

I don't know how it stacks up against other comps for all out candle power, but Shimizu silve wave #2 is pretty dam bright and it's a simple comp to boot. The only problem I found with it is the dex has to be increased to 7-8% to get useable hardness.

[Sparx88]

I don't know how it stacks up against other comps for all out candle power, but Shimizu silve wave #2 is pretty dam bright and it's a simple comp to boot. The only problem I found with it is the dex has to be increased to 7-8% to get useable hardness.

 

Yes sir I second that. #2 or 3 for good balance between bright and decent burn time. These can burn fierce if under bound so 8% is a good place to start.

For really really bright, but a bit faster, sub half of the bright alum with dark indian german 5413 etc. and use 8% dex. Using NC to help bind for the reason you described I can't say, haven't tried that yet. You can do quite few different tweaks with shimizu silver waves. You can sub in magnal like the dark alum ratio with 50% 200 mesh granular for a fatter looking flame envelope. For a longer tail then use 50% bright and 50% spherical like alcoa 120. For even longer and brighter tail then use 50% bright, 25% dark alum and 25% spherical titanium 50-150 mesh. I actually use those ratios for real. So if your going to try the #2, 60P/40A, split the 40 with those %'s.

Edited June 17, 2017 by Sparx88