Potassium Permanganate and Aluminum fuel

[RedAir]

I saw that KMnO4 is an oxidizer and I also know that it reacts with glucose to ignite. I thought why not try mixing it with sulfur? So I did some testing and figured out that a 17:3 KMnO4 to S ratio makes a pretty bright and vigorous reaction when ignited. I then tried putting some coarse Al flakes in, and that gave some nice sparks. I was just wondering if anyone has tried using KMnO4 before or if anyone had a suggestion on a different fuel than sulfur.

[Piccaso]

There are some flash mixtures that use it but they are very sensitive and dangerous. I would be careful and read up on using it before just mixing it up with anything. It is a very strong oxidizer.

Edited May 25, 2019 by Piccaso

[RedAir]

You are definitely right. I did some research before I tried it, but I just did some more and it does seem like KMnO4 is a little more dangerous than I would like. I am not the only one to think of mixing it with sulfur and Al though. I was using Al flake and not power so it was quite a bit more stable but watch this guys vid to see its potential-

Edited May 25, 2019 by RedAir

[memo]

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It has been reported to me that a member here, Betelgeuse, is the person who was killed in this incident:

https://www.superiortelegram.com/news/fires/4612113-one-dead-superior-house-explosion#.XNnI2oWwEIc.facebook

From what was told to me, he ran out of potassium perchlorate for a project he was working on, and started substituting potassium chlorate and/or potassium permanganate.

We recently had a conversation in here about permanganate, how it is a powerful oxidizer, and how we need to be careful with it, as it is not commonly used in our work.

I have no more details than these, and I only mention the incident to raise safety awareness, and an emphasis on avoiding processes we are not familiar with, and relying on the advice of others in here who are more experienced in this art than we are.

This is truly horrible news of course, and mourning the passing of one of us in such circumstances is also worthy of emphasis,too.

Rest in Peace, B.

Drat.

copied from fw

[Mumbles]

I will second the warnings put forth. Permanganate really has no place in pyrotechnics. It's too unstable and reactive. I would count your blessings you are fine and move on. It will react with many organics, including paper, sugar, skin, clothing, etc. The sugar reaction itself is quite violent if you want to see for yourself. Just mix a very small amount, and add a little water. Sulfur as well is asking for trouble. It's a noted hazard for chlorate, but a real hazard with permanangate. Any acid is not your friend.

 

I've done it, and gotten away with it, but I consider myself lucky.

[RedAir]

Thanks for the advice everyone. In the future I will check here and not the rest of the internet before mixing things with random oxidizers. I am quite thankful I wasnt injured while doing such foolish things.

[WillowPineAndBoom]

When we talk about safety everyone always has their ears closed! 5 grams of this stuff was enough to make a hole on my warehouse roof with 4mm metal sheet and below 2cm wood board! Imagine what this thing can do to us... You don't play with this things for a few reasons first as everyone say it is high unstable mixture second it isn't need it in our hobby third is toxic mixture and hazard for our health ! I am working this hobby 12 years now and i learn this composition in the first year! IN 12 YEARS i never touch it except one single time the roof accident that i mention before! BE CAREFUL OUR HOBBY ITS DANGEROUS AND NEED CAUTION!!!