Slowing down the burn rate of Zinc Pearl Streamer/Granite Stars

[stix]

It's been a while (5+ yrs) since I've done anything to do with pyrotechnics, apart from rockets. I thought I may as well test some of the comps I made a while back - this one is the zinc pearl streamer or granite star. I really like the effect.

 

I can't get KClO4 here in Aus, so the next best thing was zinc. The result is sort of aqua, but looks nice. This is the composition and method I used:

 

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The main issue, as per my results notes above is that it burns too fast.

 

So how do I slow the burn rate down?... Less KNO3, More Zinc, Sodium Bicarbonate??? Your ideas are appreciated.

 

----

 

I'm going to do another test in the next hour or so using the original 1/4" stars, in a small star gun. Just to make sure that I'm not happy with the composition. Well, the neighbours aren't home, and it's been raining sh*tloads, so why not? The pearl streamer is a really nice effect. Nice aqua ball with orange red trailing sparks. With a slower burn, less bright with more tail would be even nicer.

 

I don't expect to be spoon-fed, but just point me in the right direction.

 

Cheers.

Edited June 12, 2021 by stix

[stix]

I've prepared the star gun, Should I light it?

It's going to make a "bang" and hopefully upwards.

I guess if the cops come around, I can always say I suspect I have COVID-19, so best to stay away

Edited June 12, 2021 by stix

[stix]

Oh well. Since there have been no objections, I'll be lighting it shortly.

[24pyro97]

I suppose you could just try screen mixing and dont ball mill the comp which may reduce the speed a bit

[stix]

Not too bad. No neighbors lights came on. No Cop sirens yet. Therefore I propose I should go a bit bigger? Same thing with that zinc comp though, it burns too quick. Also I had two 1/4" stars in the star gun and it looked like only one was lit.

 

I don't have any more zinc pearl streamers at a bigger size. This time I'll go for slightly bigger than 1/4" cut stars. 17mm (5/8th) Comets.

 

I've got:

• Lloyds buttered popcorn ( 2 versions)
• Winokur #25
• Silver Comet
• Stix charcoal streamer

 

I guess I should start with Llodys buttered Popcorn?

[stix]

Thanks 24pyro97. Good point. That's probably more difficult than just changing the composition?

In any case, I've got other comps to test.

 

I can probably do a couple of small tests as above:

• Lloyds buttered popcorn ( 2 versions)
• Winokur #25
• Silver Comet
• Stix charcoal streamer

Please vote.

[24pyro97]

It will take a bit more physical work but will be faster method than ballmilling for 1.5 hours. When I make streamer of glitter comps I mostly just screen mix them otherwise they may burn to fast and ruin the effect I want

[stix]

I love glitter comps because its way too difficult to get the chems required to make nice colours. The only colours I can make are the red (strontium) and green (barium) nitrate using parlon - ie. rubber stars. The Red is way better than the Green.

 

Therefore I've tried to stick to charcoal stars and glitters. Nice.

Edited June 12, 2021 by stix

[stix]

Well, Lloys buttered popcorn is on the upside. I've got 2 small pumped comets. One is going to go off soon.

[stix]

Buttered popcorn going off soon.

[stix]

Nice. But it was consumed way to quick. Maybe I'm using too much lift?

 

The small 5/8th comet was NOT blown blind as I saw it. But It did not have a nice bushy tail that I've seen before.

 

If it is lit/ignited, and is lit all the way, then that is not "blown blind".

Edited June 12, 2021 by stix

[sefrez]

Are you suggesting your greens are not that good because you are limited to nitrates as the oxidising agent? I actually haven't worked with barium yet... but have with strontium (for reds) and copper (for blues.) I actually just came up with a purple composition (derived from my red / blue compositions) of what appears to be good on initial tests. It uses KClO3 however. I imagine colored stars are harder to get without (per)chlorates. I'm able to buy them, but I make my own because I enjoy the chemistry.

[24pyro97]

Stix .try and use a more coarse mesh charcoal to help add more tail to the stars. Say split the total charcoal content in half and use half airflow charcoal and half of a coarse mesh

[stix]

Yes. That exactly what I am saying. The Nitrate rubber greens are no where near the strong colour like the Reds. I'm saying this because that is my experience, not because I read about it. That "Independence Red" is insane.

[stix]

Stix .try and use a more coarse mesh charcoal to help add more tail to the stars. Say split the total charcoal content in half and use half airflow charcoal and half of a coarse mesh

Maybe there are more fundamental issues going on. Like when pushing through the air with a star gun, is too much than falling through the air in a natural way.

[stix]

I think i'm putting too much lift powder into the star gun - anyways.

[24pyro97]

Maybe there are more fundamental issues going on. Like when pushing through the air with a star gun, is too much than falling through the air in a natural way.

Well if your gonna use it in a shell it will be propelled through the air really quickly just like the star gun gotta be something else going on

[stix]

Yeah, but when the shell breaks it's going fast. After that, the stars are falling through the air under natural gravity. They are falling comfortably through the air, to the ground. That's the part I think I've got wrong with the star gun.

[24pyro97]

True . Just put the star on the end of a stick light it and flick it through the air then ..I do this sometimes

[stix]

Also, I'm trying to get back into pyro after many years. I thought I was smarter, but I've forgotten some basics. I burnt my fingers today trying to make some rocket fuel that I made in the past. I forgot how careful you have to be.

 

We have younger people doing dumb things with pyro. But beware of the old dude that tries to get back into it. Probably more dangerous.

 

https://soundcloud.com/user-566434468/whos-gonna-catch-you-now-session

[stix]

True . Just put the star on the end of a stick light it and flick it through the air then ..I do this sometimes

Yes. I have the "flicker". That is a 1 meter (3 foot) piece of aluminum that I put the potential star into, light it, and flick into the air.

I mean, I have done that.

 

It doesn't always work, but it is a good indication of what it could be.

[stix]

The "flicker" stick is the best.

[stix]

Getting back to what I asked:

"Slowing down the burn rate of Zinc Pearl Streamer/Granite Stars."

Maybe add some Sodium Bicarbonate?

[mabuse00]

Hi stix,

 

considering the zinc stars (I like them to, this weird soft blueish light...):

the formula you posted is new to me, I used this one here:

https://pyrodata.com/compositions/Granite-Star

 

Just by looking at the formula this should be a little slower.

If it's still to fast, my notes just told me that 2% PVB instead of dextrine also worked, and this should be even slower.

 

 

The Nitrate rubber greens are no where near the strong colour like the Reds. I'm saying this because that is my experience, not because I read about it. That "Independence Red" is insane.

Red is the easier colour to make, It can get hotter or more "polluted" by other radiation (else then from the chlorides).

But "Independence green" is quite OK to me.

 

 

I can't get KClO4 here in Aus

It's getting difficult here too. But homemade chlorate is somewhat viable, not for huge amounts, but for a few blue stars ect. this could be a future option. I always shied away from the hassle, but it's relieving to know...

Edited June 12, 2021 by mabuse00

[stix]

The "Flicka": ooopps