Problem with Prime red magnesium flare

[pyrodivision]

I want to share my project made red signal hand flare, this is my composition

 

sr 58

mg 27

pvc 15

 

And add 2% linseed oil for coating

 

For prime iam use 2 layer, 50% flare mix + 50% green mix, at the top full green mix,

everything is no problem on the 1-3 day, prime goes well and the flare can light up, the problem is when I save it, about 1 week, the flare is very difficult to turn on, maybe this happens because of the potassium nitrate in the green mix, or it could be the strountium nitrate that is there in the flare mix,

 

whether the problem occurs with the green mix or problem with flare storage

 

And i try to change green mix with klo3 + charcoal, ratio 50:50,

But the combustion of kclo3+ charcoal is to fast, its cant ignite flare mix

is there a best solution for my problem?

[greenlight]

The strontium nitrate is hygroscopic and the magnesium can be oxidised by atmospheric oxygen unless coated properly.

 

The prime containing 50% flare mix could be causing an issue after open storage due to the hygroscopicity of the strontium nitrate.

You say it ignites the flare no problem otherwise prior to atmospheric storage so it must be producing enough heat.

 

An ignition composition generally needs to burn hot, slow and slaggy.

 

Slow green mix with some added metal like aluminium or magnalium would be better than the standard green mix and flare comp you are using and is not hygroscopic.

There are other igniter prime compositions that are even better still that you could use.

 

Sealing the flares from the atmosphere somehow right up until time of use would benefit too.

 

You could also bind with acetone and granulate through a screen to form worms which are then pressed into the flare casing to form a more water and air resistant composition for storage.

 

Or replace the pvc with parlon and perform the same procedure.

 

Most importantly change up your ignition mixture and seal the flare during storage.

[pyrodivision]

@greenlight, how about flare mix? Its enough just coat 2% with linseed oil ?

Or add some red gum for binder? But in my country nothing to sell red gum

[greenlight]

Should be yes, but like I said, I would seal the flare from the atmosphere for storage purposes.

 

Using a non-hygroscopic hot ignition mix pressed on top of the flare mix will also protect it.