Smoke mix

[batman]

i was wondering a good way to preserve already made smoke mix (kno3/sugar), because i find when i have it lying around already made it tends to become mouldy and decompose a little how can i prevent this or is there any thing i can add to preserve it?

 

Thanks

[Bonny]

i was wondering a good way to preserve already made smoke mix (kno3/sugar), because i find when i have it lying around already made it tends to become mouldy and decompose a little how can i prevent this or is there any thing i can add to preserve it?

 

Thanks

the best solution would be to only make what you are going to use. Otherwise you could try freezing it...stop the mould for sure.

[Mumbles]

I believe copper salts will also act as a pretty good fungicide.

[batman]

thanks for the advice, i will be sure to try those methods.

[batman]

i recently found some stuff that i thought might work for preserving smoke mixtures, the stuff is called potassium sorbate and is used in preserving food i thought this may work if i were to add some to a normal mixture, what do you guys think?

 

P.S this is not my only form of pyrotechnics i am simply experimenting with smoke mixtures

[oskarchem]

Just wrap it in some foil or aluminum foil...

[batman]

yeah already thought of that, but i am more interested on preserving it if it were exposed to air for a period of time. thanks any way

[Mumbles]

Yes, sorbates or benzoates or salicyliates could all work. I'd suggest the benzoates or salicyliates as they have uses in pyro besides just preservation, and are generally cheaper. They will probably protect against mold and such, but not water absorbtion, just so you know.

[rev.redneck]

Would a very small amount of sulfur work to prevent mold, as it is sold as a plant fungicide? I have never stored it because it is quick to make.

[batman]

thanks mumbles, i just had some potassium sorbate lying around so i thought i would give it a try (wouldnt normally buy it).

 

@rev.redneck

 

if this would work, how much of a small amount would u need to actually do the job and would that be enough to give off some unhealthy gasses?

 

Thanks

[psyco_1322]

OK here goes psyco's professional way to preserve your smoke bombs.......ready?

 

DIP IT IN WAX! ! !

 

Just melt your smoke mix and pour it into a mold of some sort that has been coated in vaseline, I use some little metal cups I got from wal-mart, they hold about 75g or melted mix. Insert the fuse, and let cool. Heat up some wax in a container, not to the point of boiling or you will be blowing on it for a week while it cools. Just hold by the fuse and dip it in. 2-3 coats should be enough, just make sure you have not sharp edges where wax it likely not to coat very well. And if there is a spot that got exposed by some means you will notice it after storing for a bit of time by the wet looking smoke mix under it. Just take a candle and drip some wax over the spot to reseal it or just go burn that one

 

Oh and a few percent of red iron oxide makes them burn faster and put out the smoke quicker, if you want, plus adds a little grayish tint to the smoke.

 

Your welcome.