What is the difference in the composition of German Blackhead, Indian Blackhead, and American Dark

[yardarmwheeze]

I know that this topic has been covered before about the actual differences in performance and usage of different al powders, but I want to know what actually makes the dark aluminum powders different. I know that Indian Blackhead is just a German Blackhead replacement, but what really sets these powders apart (I know that Indian has a 2-4 micron and German a 3 micron but I am talking about composition-wise)?? And how much are they different performance wise. Also what is different in the composition in these powders, it seems like Indian Blackhead has more charcoal maybe. Lastly, I want to know what the heck is American Dark, I see it on every big suppliers website like Fireworks Cookbook and Pyrochemsource. What the heck is it, they give 0 description of what it really is. I saw this one thread on this forum saying that its like an Ekhart 10890 for boosting shells. So I guess that American 809 is more a courser grade???

Edited February 27, 2021 by yardarmwheeze

[Carbon796]

It's coarser and not as dark, but still a flake aluminum. It will look duller and more grey than shiney bright flake. But, not as fully dark as IBA or 5413. IBA is said to have an ignition advantage in really small salutes, like cap plug headings. IBA used to be the cheaper equivalent option to 5413. But nowadays for most suppliers their pretty comparably priced.

 

American dark 809 and 10890 used to be really cheap, compared to German dark. So it was often used in larger report items, like gabe mort's, single fire aerial salutes, and bottom shots for multi-break cylinder shells. 10890 is the more modern " correct " substitute/replacement for 809. You'll also see it spec'ed in metallic fueled " electric " streamer comps quite often. But, since 809 & 10890 have become less available, hobbyist suppliers are charging a premium for it. There was a time when you never really saw 809 for sale. And your only option the 10890 aluminum. Unless you specifically need the mesh size of it. IBA is usually the cheaper option.

Edited February 28, 2021 by Carbon796

[yardarmwheeze]

It's coarser and not as dark, but still a flake aluminum. It will look duller and more grey than shiney bright flake. But, not as fully dark as IBA or 5413. IBA is said to have an ignition advantage in really small salutes, like cap plug headings. IBA used to be the cheaper equivalent option to 5413. But nowadays for most suppliers their pretty comparably priced.

 

American dark 809 and 10890 used to be really cheap, compared to German dark. So it was often used in larger report items, like gabe mort's, single fire aerial salutes, and bottom shots for multi-break cylinder shells. 10890 is the more modern " correct " substitute/replacement for 809. You'll also see it spec'ed in metallic fueled " electric " streamer comps quite often. But, since 809 & 10890 have become less available, hobbyist suppliers are charging a premium for it. There was a time when you never really saw 809 for sale. And your only option the 10890 aluminum. Unless you specifically need the mesh size of it. IBA is usually the cheaper option.

Great description and great answer. Thank you for your feedback

[ronmoper76]

thanks for the answer. I to often wondered about this. I use Indian most of the time but have tried others mainly in flash and i never noticed any difference. The flash powder formula itself is where i notice the most change,not the brand of aluminum i had.